The Van Buren press., 1875-02-23
Interesting "Reminiscences.

r-Spangled Banner" long ere the purity
of its folds had been soled by political infa-
my. or degraded and trampled under foot by
the iron heel of oppression and tyranny. We
were a mere boy, when circumstances made
proper a war with Mexico, yet we remember
the enthusiasm which everywhere exercis-
cd the hearts of the people. They gathered un-
der the waving fold. OF the good old flag, and
vowed to defend with their lives its sacred
honor. Van Barren sent company to the
war; some of whom now live among us, and
others mingled their ashes with the dust OF
Mexican battlc-felds. or sleep beneath the
green sods OF their own sunny home Prom
inent among those who went from here was
Mr.. Leonard Wilhaff, who started out as en-
sign, and for gallantry, was afterwards pro-
NOTED to lieutenant. In the Arkansas Intel
ligenccr of June 2Oth, 1916, we find the fol-
lowing account of the presentation Of flag
to the Van Bureu Avengers" by the ladies
of Van Buren:
THE ladies'. who are ever forward in every
good work, the first to stimulate by their
smiles. and their beauty, and their encourage
ing words, the spirit to defend our country,
of this town have wrought and presented
banner to the Van Buren, Avengers. Praise
is needless from Us, for, since the birth of ere
alton to this present hour, they have desery-
ed more praise than our feeble pen can as
cribe to them. On Friday, the Van Buren
Avengers, drawn up in array il front OF
Gross hotel met to receive the pcnnon nhich
is To- float over them on the battle-piains OF
Mexico. The gallery OF the hotel was crow,
dcd with ladies, the young and beautliul' all
animated and giving inspiration to the coHr-
nge Cf the Crawford Volunteer Company
The band being escorted by the citizens OF
the county, with music, to the front of tie
hotel. then drew up and listened to song
of liberty, sung by the ladies. The song con-
cluded Miss ulia Stewart, OF the city. deliv-
cred in clear and impressive voice the fol-
lowing address to the Company:
:" GrSrLruEr; 1t is with pride and glowing plea
sure that we behold your patriotism. Your country
has called or you, and most nobly have you crowded
to her standard; with all tho ohivary that animate
the free. You have rallied, and are now upon the
eve of a march to Mexco-your enemy. love of
liberty is the strong impulse which has moved you,
thirst for glorious deeds. You have given to your
counry's service your fire, your zeal strength and
your lives Bear yourselves with that bravery which
will cause glory to settle upon your arms. Al
though We cannot accompany you. still our hearts
hands also, are not inactive. Our hearts wishes
will go with you, and send with you cheering ey-
licences that those who serve fall in their coun-
trys defence will be enshrincd in the hearts Of their
country women.
- Go to the battle fcd go with ardor, with en-
thusiasm; we know you are full of courage to dare
and do. Co. and battle for the honor and glory of
your country, and remember that there are hearts
beating in your homes with anxiety, and expectation
that you will glorousy sustain the name and honor
Of Americans. Acting upon this spirit, we present
you with this pcanoa, worked by our own fingers.
May it proudly wave over MANY victorious field,
and as it sweeps above you in the fierce and stormy
hour Of contest and carnage, may its bright face tell
of the homes you lcft-of the tame and glory for
which you struggle and die, The God of armies
speed You,
Three times three cheers followed the ad-
dress. and Capt koanc who received the stan
dard returned the eloquent, soldier-like and
American answer:
"'LApIEs: In behalf of the noble youths, who
have chosen to lead them wherever their country
may call, to protect their honor. and ayenge her
wrongs, | will say we will redeem the high honor
conferred and the distinguished com pliment paid us
upon this occasion. The presentation Of this beau
tiful banner, with the attending eirnnmsta ~-
'uuy winch has ever been the heritage Of your sex,
still burns as brightly and proudly in your hearts,
as your well known love of truth and virtue. When
look upon the stars and stripes of this beautiful
emblem of your country greatness, it floats up
the passing breeze the noblcst offering made
by an American lady to an American soldier--l can
but say that its exquisite workmanship is as honora-
bic to the fair hands that wrought it, the soul and
feeling which prompted its presentation are noble.
Upon its ample folds the same stars which allured,
the same stripe. which pointed our revolutionary
grand -siros, and, moro recently our fathers to the
goal of victory, liberty and renown, without star
lost, star vanished, call upon u, - " follow!
Beneath the splendid GALAXY, you hayo cmblazenod
for us motto. TRy U.s." In behalf Of these young
soldier brothers repeat, Try u.s.! Should there
be one among us who should be found wanting in
the hour of peril, will say let him be accurscd, the
by word and scon of his fellows, and worse than all
may he never bask in the fair sunshine Of woman's
SMILES. Ladies' in presenting this banner, you are
but presenting it to your and your brothorsw
the injunction to bear it aloft becomes freemen,
patriots and Americans; strictly commanding them,
with spartan frmucss, to bring it back untarnshed,
or conc not back themselves. BY my company am
instructed to say that should we bo overtakcn by
misfortune and deaths horrors, we can only invoke
the aid and protection Of Almighty God Should we
meet the enemy, We shall also rely upon strong
right arm, and patriotic heart. And when We shall
have como home again-if tOreturn shall be our hap
py fatc-we pledge to you, by the deep devotion
entertain for your sex, that this banner pure
and bright though it may be soiled by the dust and
smoke Of contending armies and stained by the
hearts blood Of American patriot, whose spirit
takes its flight to heaven. as his body lies by the
standard you have this day presented yet it shall be
as tree from spcck blot of dshonor as now, and
should il ever pass into the hands of our countrys
foes it shall only be when the last man of the Van
Buren, Avengers is stripped on tho battlefield Of this
his winding. sheet. Again, ladies, for myself and
those command, thank you for this distinguished
manifestation of your high regard.
The paper, furnished us through the kind
ness of Mrs MARY WlLLiAt, says that the flag
was given into the care of Ensign Wilhaff,
with tie charge, from his captain, to yield it
bat with his life. Mr. WhaG replied, Il
hold it, When asked II he was willing to
carry the nag, he answered, If the flag falls
you will find Leonard's body under it," And
he held 1t, and when promoted, he never gave
up the fag. but where smoke, and cannon
balls aud clash OF steel and roar Of musketry
and blood and death were thickest he waved
aloft the precious gift. The war came to a
close, and Lieutenant Wilhaf came home
bearing the battle-staned flag, unbcmished,
by a"speck or blot Of dshonor," and yester-
day Mrs. Willhaf, raised IL on her house The
glorious old banner, As 1t fluttered in the air,
seemed proud of its noble record. 1t seemed
to transport US adown the long. bright ave-