The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1921-09-29

their line OF march, was prepared by
| their friends most sumptuous barbe.
cue. A few words of friendly admO
milton were given and prayer for their
safety was offered up ON the occasion
by the Rev. Mr.. Clegg, which was brief.
" responded to by Capt. Turner.
after partaking of the Inequalities
Of their friends, the Guards, one and
all, bid a long and affectionate fare.
well to those assembled to witness
their departure. 1t was indeed a sad
spectacle, and hut few, if any, were
the eyes left undimmed by the parting
tear :"
In still one other place in the
Banner here quoted is extended refer
ence made to the Vance Guards and
its captain, Judge Turner. The then
editor, following pleasing prelude,
gives in full the address delivered by
Miss Lizzie Dickson upon the occasion
of the presentation Of silk flag to the
company, and flattering reference is
made to the response Of the company
captain. The date of the presentation
of the flag is mentioned as last Tues
day. so we judge the address was
made in Bellevue the day before the
company's departure, which was Sep
tember 25, 1861. Miss Dickson's adj
dress here follows:
"L0uisianiasss, Patriots and Soldiers:
1t is my pleasant duty, as the repre-
sentative of the ladies of our parish,
to present you, ON the eve of your de-
parture, this emblem as mani
festation of our regard-feeling in
wardly conscious that it will be borne
aloft where duty calls-to trail the
dust only when there shall be none
left to defend, or effect its rescue from
the conquering foe.
Your cause is esteemed both by
God and man as just and holy one.
You are challenged to the contest.
You buckle on your armOr, not for the
purpose of conquest, or acquiring mill
tary fame. but to defend your homes,
your firesides and your affairs from
Northern aggression, and by the sacri-
fee of your precious fves-if need be
maintain Southern Rights, Southern
Independence, Southern Freedom, and
Southern Liberty.
SOldiers-we, the women of the
South, encourage you to go forth with
manly hearts, to battle for our rights
to tear down and trample under foot
the blood-stained banners of the
Northern vandals-and with one fell
swoop rid the earth of the hated in
vaders Of our soil, who seek, with their
dastardly feet, to desecrate the home
and grave of our ever immortal Wash
ington. Yes, strike for us and your
bleeding country! History and the
gratitude, blessings and prayers Of an
outraged and down-trodden people will
reward you!
Officers and soldiers Of the Vance
Guards you have every incentive to
action! Bearing the name of. one of
our most patriotic and loyal citizens
animated by the business of your cause
-cheered by the prayers and kind
wishes of your mothers and sisters
can you fail? No! ncUer! never! nerer!
This flag-the insignia of our beloved
Confederacy-we entrust to your care.
most gallant patriots, charging you to
be firm and unyielding in its defense
But should you be overpowered by the
multiplicity of numbers, and liberty be
driven from our land, take the flag Of
our country and, with brave arm and
patriotic heart, plant it upon some
eminence, SO as to indicate to the
stranger who may come in after days
the spot where the Goddess of Liberty
fingered last and wept, before she took
her flight from people once free pros
porous and happy.
Advance, noble Captain, and re-
ceive this 1ag-the patriotic gift Of the
daughters Of Bossier-and as often as
its graceful folds are unfurled to the
breeze, remember that the prayers of
the donors will ever ascend the throne
of the Most High, for the welfare of
You and your command. and the sue
cess of your arms. Take your flag, and
let it be beacon of light and hope to
you, and every member of your enthu-
siastic corps. And when the independ-
ence Of our country is achieved. peace
restored, and the stars and bars recog-
nized by every civilized nation Of the
earth. bring back its glorious relics,
apd let it have its share of reward, as
1t will have had its share of trouble
Then, and not till then, will we meet
you at the threshold, and prepare for
YOU triumphal entrance to our parish.
Louisianians and patriots. salute
the flag of the Southern Confederacy!
Long live Louisiana! Long live Beau
regard and johnson! Long live jeff
Davis, the second father of our coun-
try! May God bless him, and our
Sunny South! {"