The Union flag. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1865-187?, 1865-10-20
For the East Tennessee Union Flas.]
Farewell Address Of Capt. Irwin,
'- to his Company.
KsoxvILLE, TENN,
Sept, 18th, 1865.


To the Members Of Co., NJ 9Th, Tenn, Car.
FELLOW SOLDIERS The time has vt length
arrived when we are called upon to lay
aside the implements Of war, and return to
our own peaceful avocations of life. And
while hail with delight this thrice welcome
hour, for which we have all so anxiously look
ed, and confidently expected, and am delight
ed with the prospects before US, of again
meeting our friends and loved ones at home,
to enjoy the peace that has been 50 dearly
won by the blood of our comrades in arms !;
a peace, dearer to US than we were ever able
before to appreciate. II Is with reluctance
bid you, my comrades, adieu you whom
have been SO intimately associated with, for
nearly twenty-four long and weary months,
have faced the leaden messenger of DEATH
side by side, on different contested fields,
while many of our comrades, nobly and brave
" performing their duty, have been swept
from our sides, and are not permitted to en-
Joy the delightful scenes that await the IA
vorcd few Of us who still survive. Yet, their
noble deeds will stand rs living monuments
to all future generations yes, living record
will De kept within the breast of every lover
of his country, for all those who have fallen,
while nobly defending our country'S cause.
And those Of US, who have thus been depriv-
cd of our friends, may be consoed with the
thought, that they have died in behalf Of the
best Government the world ever knew, and
while connected with an army whose rcputa-
ton has never been excelled. .aG
1t has been my lot to lead You through
some of these bloody scenes, and am proud
to say, that | have never had any reason to
urge you to your duty, You have faced death
il its mos. horrid forms, untlinchingly, and
with the zeal and humanity not found In the
breast Of traitors. . la ...
Then, after having passed through this fiery
ordeal Of war, linked hand Inland and heart
in heart, it is not strange that we should be-
come united by the ties of true friendship,
and regret to part.
It's true the strict discipline, by which we
have been governed, have required duties,
which were quite painful and disagreable for
me to perform; yet, have always endeoyor-
ed to select the lightcst punishments it was
possible under the circumstances, for the good
Of the service, and none has ever been in
ficted, through any personal animosity what
ever, and part with you without entertain
ing single spark Of disrcspect for any Of
you.
Whatever may be your several conditions
in life, wish you all well. ! hope you will
make as good citizens, as you have soldiers
Let me entreat you TO abide by the law you
have aided in restoring, and if you wish a
lasting peace, let what will come, let the slow,
but sure process Of civil Jaw take its course.
Treat traitors rs bccometh their crimes
see that they live strictly up to the obliga-
tons they are under to the Government
Suffer none of them to utter single sentence
against the Government they have lifted their
rebellious and blooi-s stained hands to crush.
Make them feel and know that "the price Of
liberty is death"
Then permit inc, my fellow soldiers, to re-
turn my sincere thanks, for the Kindness and
respect you have shown Inc since | have been
associated with you rs an officer have ev-
or found you duliful and obedient soldiers,
and as such bid you adicu.
s, L. ERWIN,
a.. ~, n uu o., NJ. r,,