Year: 1861

TO THE CATAWBA LIGHT IN


PANTRY COMPANY.


ZENo, April 16, 1861.


Brother Officers and Fellow Soldiers ::
Having for number of years been asso-
ciated with large portion of you, in the
capacity of volunteer military company,
I have formed an attachment for ycu and
an interest in your welfare, that is great
and lasting. 1t was my desire before taking
final leave of you in Yorkville, on the
morning of the 18th instant, to have given
you few parting words of encouragement
and advice. But owing to the hurry and
confusion attending your departure, l had
not the opportunity Of doing SO and fur
ther, should the opportunity have been
given, was so deeply impressed and inter.
ested on that solemn occasion, my feelings
so overpowcred me, that | could not have
expressed my sentiments to you, as it was
with great difficulty that could bid any of
you fnal adieu. L have, therefore, con
cluded to commit those sentiments to wri.





The occasion upon which you were as
sembled on that memorable morning, was
one of no ordinary circumstance, but it was
one of the most vital Importance. 1t was
an occasion that speaks volumes for the
bravery and patriotism Of York District,
and especially for the Catawba Light In.
fantry company. You, brother Officers and
fellow Soldiers, had been called to march
forthwith in the deferce of your country.
Though the warning was short and hasty,
yet rejoice to say, and am proud of the
fact, that without hesitation or delay on your
part, you all, with one accord, and as the
voice of ope man, said: "To my couutry's
call l will 90, and with her, share her veal
OF woe. Friends and homes We leave and
march to the battle field and on the altar
of liberty offer our lives for death or victo-
ry. Adieu father, adieu mother, adieu
brothers and sisters, adieu, adieu dear CON-
panion of my bosom, adieu friends and
neighbors My country calls and must
obey. Liberty for me and for all true pat
riots calls US away. Dry up those tears for
me, and to thy lot reconciled wilt thou be. "


You. brother officers and soldiers, have
been called upon in defence of cause that
is not only patriotic, it is one of Justice
1t is a righteous cause, it is the cause of
liberty and equal rights; it is the great and
world renowned legacy bequeathed to US by
the memorable heroes, our noble ancestors
of the days Of l776. Do you ask me who
are the friends and supporters of our pres
ent cause? The answer is, all all ! Is
there any one so blind, so infatuated, in
this brave, this model State of ours, who
is not only a friend to the cause but who is
most deeply interested in his country's vel,
fare? I hope and trust there may not be
one. And can any but true friends of lib
erty occupy our territory or tread upon its
soil l would say, and I think you will
all Join me in the answer, that an enemy
or traitor should never tread the soil of
South Carolina, save to the gallows or to
the field of execution. Go forth then, my
beloved couutrymen, to the battle field, with
the consoling and nest encouraging thought
that heavens blessing will attend you, that
the Lord of hosts will be with you, and
trusting to his power the victory will be
yours; 60 forth with the assurance, that all
those whom you leave behind are deeply in-
terested in your welfare and should any of
you fall prey to death upon the battle
field, rest assured that your names will ever
be remembered, and have place in the 40
nails of our country's history. Go forth
brave officers and soldiers, to the contest,
prepared to meet death as we'll as victory,
that if you should be called away from this
world, you may be prepared to enter the
climes of eternal bliss, where wars will
cease and troubles will end.


cannot dismiss this part of my subject
without adding few parting words of ad-
vice as friend, and one who feels most
deeply interested in your welfare, not only
here, but in the world beyond the grave;
and l hope each one will treasure them up
in his mind and be benefited thereby -
There is portion of your number, l am
happy to say, whom have good reason
to believe, have obtained the favor of King
Emanuel; yet it is with sorrow that have
to say there are others of your number, who
give no evidence of their acceptance and
peace with their God To those first, who
have the assurances of eternal life beyond
the grave, would say to you, trust thou In
God, his grace shall be sufficient for you in
all your trials and troubles, and in all things
be ye recouciled to his will and providence;
and should it not be your lot to return to
your homes and friends again, you will have
the consolation of meeting in heaven, the
happy throng where friends will never part
and sorrows and troubles cease. To those
who have not the assurance of reconcllla-
ton with their God, let me say to each one,
your condition is fearful and dangerous
one-the displeasure of Almighty God is
resting upon you. l beseech you, there
fore, NEST earnestly to seek his favor, make
your peace with him ere the opportunity
passes from you, so that you may be prepar-
ed for the victory of death, as we'll as the
victory of the battle field. The prayers
and intercessions of christians everywhere
around, are now being offered in your be-
half, and may heavens blessing be pour
ed out upon you all, is my sincere desire.


Officers and soldiers-you have much to
encourage you. You have established a.
reputation among the hig her military Off
GERS and this surrounding country, of which
every patriot might be proud to enjoy, and
feel an honor conferred upon him, in being
connected with the Catawba Light Infantry