Report from the Marshall, Texas "Republican" newspaper
April 22, 1861
Organization and Departure of the
W. P. Lane Rangers.
Saturday last was an
interesting day in Marshall, The "W. P. Lane Rangers," having elected
their officers a day previous, were ready to take up their line of
march for the State capital, to offer their services to Gov. Clark, and
to take what ever position duty and patriotism may assign them. It was
the first company raised in this section of the State for the war, and
was made up mainly from young men of this county, with volunteers from
Upshur, Cass, and Panola. Their ages would range from 18 to 25; young,
vigorous, and enthusiastic. A finer body will not be presented to the
State. Nearly every family in this community sends a representative in
this company. The hearts of our people go with them. The Republican
office furnished three of these volunteers, Messrs. Chambers and Elgin,
and a son of the proprietor, R. W. Loughery, Jr.
The presentation of the
Flag of the Confederate States, presented an interesting and imposing
scene. The entire population of Marshall, with hundreds from the
vicinity, were congregated at an early hour on the public square. The
Rangers on horseback, and ready to take their departure, were drawn up
into line. The Marshall Guards, under Capt. Bass, a company that
expects to take up its line of march for the east in a few days, was
marched to the right, fronting the Rangers. Miss Sallie O. Smith, had
been selected to deliver the Flag, in behalf of the Ladies of Marshall,
and Mr. Theodore Holcomb, by the Rangers to receive it. Miss Smith was
beautifully and tastefully attired, and rode an elegant milk white
steed. She presented a model of ease, grace, and loveliness, and as
accompanied by her escort, she took her position, a thrill of
admiration pervaded the concourse assembled to witness the scene. Her
address was admirably delivered. Her voice was clear and musical,
rendered the more harmonious by the sensibility with which her words
were conveyed. We append the correspondence and the address.
Marshall, April 22, 1861.
Miss Sallie O. Smith:
The undersigned
Committee, in the discharge of a pleasing and acceptable duty to
themselves, and in behalf of the citizens of Harrison county,
respectfully request a copy of the beautiful and patriotic address
delivered by you in the presentation of the Flag of the Confederate
States, to the W. P. Lane Rangers, on last Saturday morning.
The Revolution of 1776
was distinguished by the heroism and self-sacrificing spirit of your
sex. It is gratifying to know and feel that the same spirit burns in
the bosoms of their descendants; and that if the present revolution is
to be marked by similar difficulties, trials, and dangers, that the
fair ladies of the South will bear a part equally as memorable and
glorious.
You have spoken for the
ladies of Harrison county, and we believe that "the thoughts that
breathe and the words that burn" in your address, will find a patriotic
response in the hearts of your sex throughout the limits of the State.
Respectfully,
A. W. Crawford,
L. R. Ford,
W. P. Lane,
E. Greer.