Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1865-01-26
rHE woNrN OF rnE coNrEpERAcY.
From Die Montgomery MaI


Not since the Spartan danes of old braided their
hair into buwstrngs for their warrior lovers, have
the women OF any country, battling ior liberty,
eynced nobler itostry for cause and as defend
ers, than hays the Southern women OF this reyolu-
iion "a If il had hot been Tor the women" eXelanis
veteran officer at our elbow, a. the cause would
have failed long ago" There is world OF truth IN
that homly AT the bottom OF eyerX renewed ener-
gy and fresh stmulan to action from the inception
10 the present gloomy period oi the war, the mnu-
ence OF woman has been seen and felt. Though not
ALWAYS with the reason Of Philosopher, she bias
argued nth elaquanee and earhestness The hope
of her approving smile, or the morbid fear Other
contempt, has urged many laggard TO the
'front.', and many poor fellow has gone
down to his last quiet sleep with her name
4uiyering on his lips, and the memory of
her last fond parting ringing ia his ears few
week s,since, when the Army of Tennessee crossed
the beautiful river Of that State, its troops wore on
their features the pas OF serious thought with sonic
appearance OF detection aud forebcdings as TO the
result Of their expedition. But as the sturdy col,
umnS of ragged and hungry veterans eRrpfsa jhs
fair city Of florence the bands stsnek up the old
familiaI junes, the ladies thronged the windows,
doorways and sidewalks to catch glimpse Of the
procession of delyerers, and thousand bandker-
chic s waved them greeting. The effect was jnstan-
taneous Immediately every head was proudly erect,
every eye kindled as with an electric fash, and
every manly heart beat time to the martial
was drowned in the wild cheer after cheer,
shat rang against the house roofs. Tears hung
upon the flashes of the soft eyes that spoke them
eloquent welcome, aad lips were tremulous with
emotion that lopgedto speak the gratitude of hearts
too full Tor utterance. Gloom and doubt at once
gave place to an eltlAsiasm than knew no bounds,
and 10 aydor and spirit that was afterwards felt
on the ramparts OF Franklin. The influence Of these
glorious daughters OF Alabama was felt along the
lines of that SCARED and veteran legion, and was
seen in the elastic step ana sparkling eyes of each
OF heyouthfrl heroes One bright. Eyed girl, lean
ing from gallery, cried dHuSrah for old Giles p h
delegatowirom that county were passing at the mo
ment, The Tennesseeans caught the welcome with
the sweet glance that accompanied it, and answered
with royal shout, II their fair country-woman
had plpcked the irs from her neck to shelter their
stawaf forms, the ribbons from their. bonnet to
pin upon their caps, she could not more eteetualy
have won the gratitude Of these men, than with the
kind words with WHICH sAe greeted them.
Thus have the women Of the South ever exerted
potent influence upon the stronger stuff y Of
deeds OF patriotic heroism. Aasl how many q
brave heart is stied that once was stirred BY the
eloquent glance Ola Southern girl. How many eyes
are closed forever that sought death amid the smoke
Of battle, that the flush OF pride might mantle in
darling sisters cheek or that pother's eye might
glisten TO recount sons heroic devotion. The ap-
plause of their countrywomen has ever been their
prime incentive. The admiration Of the fair and
beautiful for all that Is manly and courageous-af-.
fecor and regard the tribute that beauty over pays
to chyalry and truth. Poor fellows! Thoy have
earned their reward right nobly-many Of them
with theE precious lives but With It . renewp i'm
mortal.
"The braycst are the tenderest /.
VI. ~. 49,, a ..e