Flag Presentation - 1861

-William Moseley Radford

"Gentlemen of the Pulaski Company:

"I appear before you today to perform a pleasant task, but one which is rendered somewhat serious and sober by the threatening aspect of affairs. I come to present to you, in the name of your fair countrywomen, a banner made by their own hands as an evidence of their esteem, a token of their regard, and the confidence they repose in you to perform your duty to your state, your country, and those who are dependant on you for safety and defense. They have not told me what words I should use, they have not informed me what comments I should enjoin upon you, but I should be worthy of pity indeed if I could not trace this act to the motives which prompted it and tell you as plainly as they could with their own lips what the ladies of Pulaski mean by the presentation of this flag.

"Knowing that nature and custom alike forbid them to take an active part in the dread conflict which has fallen upon us, they wish to show you whom God has constituted their protectors, that they will continually pray to the omnipitant being who rules the universe to give you success and safety. They wish you to carry this banner with you, that by gazing on its bright folds you may be reminded of home and the dear ones there whose honor, safety and happiness depend on the manner in which you perform the solemn duty which God has seen fit to assign you.

"They want me to tell you, in their name, that should you bring this banner back in safety and honor with no stain upon it except those made by the blood and powder of your enemies, they will nobly, generously reward you for your bravery and patriotism . . . But that should you dare come back without this banner or with stains of dishonor upon it, infamy and disgrace will rest upon you forever.

"Then accept this flag, gentlemen, and with it take upon yourselves the heavy responsibility of behaving yourselves as Virginians, the descendants of those Revolutionary sires who consecrated with their blood the liberty which the earthly hands of black republicanism are attempting to destroy.

"Be encouraged by the fact that the government at Washington has begun the conflict by gross deception and deliberate perjury, for providence cannot and will not smile upon such a cause as that which they advocate.

"Fear not the issue of the conflict. Some of you, some of us who belong not to your number may perish before the issue of the conflict is decided, but in the future a day of glory, a day of safety, a day of happiness is in store for us and our country or for our descendants.

"Fear not death gentlemen, for life at best is but short and has no more terrors on the battle field than in the peaceful chamber at home.

"And trust to the mercy of God, gentlemen, who in his infinate goodness and mercy will, we hope, be kind to those who fall in defence of their country for:

If there be on this earthly sphere A boon or offering heaven holds dear, 'Tis the last libation that liberty draws From the heart that bleeds and breaks in her cause.

"Then go forth gentlemen, to the conflict hoping all things, fearing nothing except your God and pray earnestly to him to give you courage and strength to support the cause of civilization and humanity and in your darkest and gloomiest hours of adversity his voice will come forth as to his servant of old, saying:

Fear not for I am with thee, nay be not dismayed For I am thy God and will give thee aid. I'll strengthen thee, help thee and cause thee to stand Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand."

This above document is taken from the original speech given to the "Pulaski Boys" Co E 24th Inf. Reg. The material was supplied by Willie Radford's grandneice, Minnie Adams Fitting. It also appeared in the 1993 JOURNAL of the New River Historical Society.

William Mosely Radford was killed on May 5, 1862 while leading his company in a charge at Williamsburg, Virginia.

Information for personal use only. Pages may not be reproduced in whole or part in any format for distribution or profit without the express written consent of the contributor. © 1999-2001 Radford Chapter of the New River Society, Inc.