The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1864-12-23
sueecb NV Rev. LYMAN Truman.


speech by Rev. Lyman Truman.
A few days ago an elegant silk flag
was presented to the North Wheeling
Hospital by the ladies of this city. In
reply to the presentation speech, Rev.
LYMAN TRUMAN, late Chaplain of the lst
West Virginia Cavalry, spoke as follows:
RESPECTED SIR:-Be assured it gives
me much real pleasure thus to receive at
the hands Of the chosen and hOnOredrep-
resentative of the loyal ladies of the city
of Wheeling, this appropriate token OF
their philanthropy, this beautiful emblem
of our nations glory. 1t needed not this
additional testimony, on their part, toin-
sure our admiration and gratitude, but as
this is special offering for specific pur-
pose, in the name of the officers and in
mates of the General Hospitali in this city,
have the honor to tender to the fair do
nors our warmest Acknowledgements.
The noble sentiment so delicately con-
veyed in the appropriation of our nation
al colors to the receptacle of disabled
soldiers, is at once worthy of its origin
and fully appreciated by the recipients.
As surely as the wayworn Israelite drank
refreshment from the rock smitten in the
wilderness, or the Grecian warrior smiled
defiance from behind the egis of Minerva,
shall this practical assurance of wOman's
sympathy bring consolation to the couch
of suffering Our nations flag is the raj
lying point of patriOtism-revered by
every true American-respected every
where, on land and sea 1t streams out
Ger the van of our cOnqueTing columns,
bullet-riven, weatherbeaten and sprin-
kled with blood Strong arms have
reared it hard by the beleaguered city Of
Richmond 1t hath circumvented the
area of rebellion, aud daring hearts have
borne it through the centre; and at this
American soil by the light of its stars
But this particular flag is not destined for
the front Its mission is one of mercy;
its place the dome of your hospital there
it shall wave mute, but eloqent, exposi-
tor of our nations power to protect and
cherish her brave defenders Doubtless
we do all regret-yea deeply regret-the
existing necessity for such extensive
sanitary and medical arrangements
such wondrous columns Of receipts and
expenditures to heal the breaches war
| hath made-Such numerous calls for be-
nevOlent eXeTtion as have exercised the
minds, and hearts, and hands of the pa
triotic and humane for a period of nearly
| four years-but war is cruel and de
struCtiye. Especially is the war in which
we are now engaged terribly cruel.
. Battle-felds and hospitals have been
Il lr1al titlly ha har
of sick and wounded soldiers gradually
increasing, until even within the quiet
limits of this city, apparently remote
from the immediate fields of sanguinary
conflict, hundreds of disabled soldiers
court repose on hospital beds-some to
rejoice in speedy restoration TO health
and vigor, some to die and fill soldiers
grave Over these heroic men, the vol
untary victims of disease and wounds,
shall this flag unroll its beauties to the
morning sun, a standing souvenir of wo-
mans unfaltering devotion to every good
and holy cause,
1t is meet that woman, the chief of suf-
ferers, should seek to modify the suffer
ings of others. If war brings privations,
dangers and misery to man, to woman
more. Heavily as this calamity hath
fallen on our governmental, commercial,
agricultural and educational interests,
lit hath fallen yet more heavily on the
;quiet sanctuaries of our homes. When
a nation drinks from the cup
of commingled woes, it is ever woman's
fate to drain the bitter dregs. When the
demon of war is out on his path she is
doomed to CLEAN in the harvest-feld of
death Ihave no friendship for the man
who entertains no sympathy for woman.
respect her unobtrusiye goodness
reverence her unyielding integrity
love her consolidated virtues Though
doomed to suffer, she is superior to her
doom, ever true to the noble impulses of
her nature, whether Savior suffers for
mankind, or mankind suffer for their fol-
lies, she fingers by the cross and by the
couch of pain; she hastens to the sepnl-
shre and to the bow of promise!
| Her offering on the present occasion
challenges our admiration afresh and de-
Ihands menento But what shall / say
of our loyal women in this the hour of
| our nations trial2 What tribute can
offer to their patriotic exertions; their
patient heroism; their voluntary sacrif-
ces; their cheerful submission; their un-
wayering faith; their tireless devotion;
as these several virtues have been prae-
Hoally demonstrated during the progress
If this war. How deeply have the female
relatives Of our soldiers participated in
all the ealamities, privations and soTows
connected with this great national con-
fict. Have you not witnessed this at the
parting hour, when the husband leaves
i his COSY hnma. leaves his wife and chill.