Year: 1861



 May 20, 1861.

 MIR. EDITOR Feeling deep inter- est in the promotion and advancement of the glorious cause in which we are now engaged-fighting for principles, and not for Empire-we can boast of the patri- olic gift which was presented to us on Saturday last by the ladies of this place, with the following address by Miss P1RL1E BIRMINGHAM:

 DEAR FR1ENDs:-The honor has been conferred upon me to present to the vol unteers, of Hickory Plain, flag made by the hands of those, who are ever ready to advocate for their country. feel d con- scious pride in saying to those brave and ratriouc volunteers, that we too have been aroused by the laundering cannon, which told us that our sunny South was invaded by Northern foe. We know that the eyes of the world are directed toihis colos- sal Republic, which has attained it's pre- sent vast proportion in such short space of time. And many are predicting its downfall, and that its decline will be as rapid as its rise. Now, il rests with you my countrymen to decide whether 1t shall remain the wonder and admiration of un- born millions, or whether 1t soon shall be said of her, as of Greece and Rome. her glory has departed. No, we will never fear, for it is mans province to guide the Ship of State and develop the resource of our country. Though dark clouds are lowering over our Ship of State, threaten ing destruction, yet thanks to the patriot ism of the noble sons of Arkansas, we will soon see her weathering the storm and riding safely from under the cloud. Then, again can we acclaim, glorious land of our nativity, we feel it a blessed privilege to have been born beneath thy skies, and to inhail thy freedom perfumed breezes. Now, if it.be needful, that you should be called to the field of baule may 1t be the will of the all-wlse Creator, that you may return to those you hold most dear, crown ed with laurels, and bearing in your hands the white banner of peace and joy, and thankfulness will forever abound in the hearts of your country-women, for those great and noble deeds, and gratitude will embalm your memories with the richest blessings. May you be soldiers for iml- tation, may there be no false or factious spirit among your noble and devoted band. May your names come down to us among the brightest, that history, or song has ever linked with immortality.

 Which was received by our Orderly Sergeant, P. J. WILLIAMS, with the fol- lowing reply:

 LADIES AND GENTLEMEN We now find our condition widely. different from what it once was: Yes, we have been a peaceful and happy people, united by that tie which binds nation together. But now our land is full of confusion and death. The gorgeous rufians ofthe North are endeavoring to force into submission, leaving us no alternative but submission or death. But, we will march our Elysian bands to quell the difficulties which are portending in atornado, and will undoubt- edly terminate m behalf of this glorious Emblem, that it may radicate itself upon the hill of honor, there to wave through ages to come. And if the time should ever come when this banner shall be trod- den under foot, or that we should hear the clanking of their chains, or that they should point their emaciate finger of scorn at us, and say that il was our cowardice that brought us to such a condition. May Heaven forbid that my eyes should ever behold such a scene.

 Ladies, we now accept this banner, sup posing il to be the Emblem of your hearts,