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.