The Forrest City times., 1898-06-03
WORDS OF PATRIOTISM.
Farewell Address to the Second Regiment Upon Their Departure For the
 Battle Field.


 Battle Field.
 The farewell address to the troops of the Second Regiment, delivered by Judge Frank Vaughan on behalf of the Confederate veterans, truly ex- pressed the sentiments of the reople of Arkansas. Said Judge Vaughan:
 Colonel Cook and Members of the Second Ar
 kansas Regiment of United States volun-
 teers. Ladies and Gentlemen Friends and
 Neighbors:
 As an humble representative of Omer Weaver Camp of OK Confederate soldiers and on behalf of the patriotic people of the state of Arkansas, I have the honor. though melancholy pleasure, of saying a few parting words upon this, probably the most memorable occasion of your lives. My remarks must necessarily be too limited to be dignified as an ad- dress; and, indeed, an address as that term usually implies, would be inappro- priate upon an occasion like this. A sol dier prefers action to oratory; he prefers marching orders to inactivity; and thank God our soldiers prefer free and independent Cuba to Spanish oppres- sion and treachery.
 My old and beloved comrades, honor ed and beloved in days that were darker than now, little did we think in 1865, when we laid aside our swords, gave up our hope of independence, and furled our banner of stars and bars. that of thnca xx,hA rayed in rebellion against this govern ment and fighting against it's flag, would now be battling for it's suprem- acy. Little did we think that the fol- lowers of Robert F.. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, Pat Cleburne and host of other gallant southern leaders, would now be marching side by side with the followers of Grant, Sherman, Sheridan and other gallant defenders of the American Union.
 Probably without parallel in the history of the world is now presented the spectacle of Fitzhugh Lee and Gen eral Wheeler on the one hand, and General Miles and Merritt upon the other, joining their hearts and hands in common cause, under the most glorious banner that ever upheld the liberties of a free people.
 My comrades, under the protecting folds of that Star-Spangled Banner you will march forth to victory--a flag that has never known defeat; victorious in the war of the revolutions; victorious in the war of 1872; victorious in the Mexi- can war, and, must say it, yea, victor ious in the war of 1S61-65.
 Do you then have any doubt as to the result of your campaign? No, sirs; his tory will in this instance repeat itself, | and you will return to grateful peo- pie and a reunited country. For one, though Confederate soldier, have longed to see the day when all section alism shall have been plotted out. Thanks to an overruling Providence, and to the Cuban war, we have been permitted to see it. In addition to the victories you shall attain in this con- test, it will cause us as a people to gain victory over ourselves, our prejudices and passions. From henceforth there will be no sectional lines in our coun- try--no north, no south--one people, reunited and inseparable, one flag that shall ever be the emblem of liberty and patriotism.
 And now one word especially to the private soldiers. Comrades, permit me to remind you of the fact that you have officers who have seen service; who have been tried and not found wanting. They are men of experience and you should trust them. Remember it is a soldiers first duty to obey orders. Re member that during your absence, dur. ing your long and weary marches, you will have the prayers of the most patri- otic women that Gods sun ever shown upon. You will have the prayers o1 your mothers tthink of it, tae prayers of your mothers-what more can you ask?), the pray CTS of your sisters, your wives and your sweethearts. They will watch and pray for you, and we are told that the prayers of the faithful shall be answered.
 In bidding you goodbye, but voice the sentiment of this large assembly in saying, May the God of battles watch over and protect you; and when victory shall have perched on your regimental banner, may you be permitted to re- turn to your homes and to the bosoms of your families, crowned as victors in | just and holy cause. And may God be with you until we meet again."