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DEPARTURE OF THE VOLUNTEERS. – On Thursday morning at 10 o’clock, our three companies, under Captains Henderson, Todd, and M’Cartney, left this for Camp Wayne, at West Chester. The companies were not quite full, but will be soon raised to the war standard by new enlistments.
These companies are composed of the very best men in our country, taken from every avocation and pursuit, and, if in the fortunes of war they are called upon to face the boasted chivalry of the South, we hope the elegant and punctilious gentry of that region will not complain of being pitted against the “mercenary hirelings” of the North.
The Fencibles, just before leaving, were presented with an elegant satin flag, mounted with gold fringe and tassels, having inscribed on its folds, the motto “May God Defend the Right.” The flag was a gift from Mrs. J. W. HENDERSON.
As the companies were drawn up in line, preparatory to embarking, the little girls from several of our public schools appeared at Mr. HAMILTON’S door, with a neat little flag, having inscribed on it the words “God and our country,” which was presented with the following address, which was repeated by Capt. HENDERSON:
TO THE VOLUNTEERS.
The girls of the Borough of Carlisle, desire to express to you on leaving your homes, the interest we feel in the successful issue of the noble cause which you go forth to defend, at the hazard of your health and lives. We have no fears that your bravery and courage will fail to bear aloft the stars and stripes in the hour of conflict, if you should be called to the battle field.
The best wishes of the young girls of your own town go with you. Our hopes and prayers accompany you. May this cheer you amidst the trials and privations of the soldier’s life. “None but the brave deserve the fair!” Take this our little flag as a token of our best wishes and these wreaths of flowers – we give them to you, our brave volunteers, in the expectation that if an opportunity is afforded you, that on your return you will deserve wreaths of laurel.
The train then moved off, the welkin rang with oft-repeated cheers, and through tears of anguish, unspeakable, were wrung from fond mothers and loving wives, parting with their best beloved, the universal feeling was that no sacrifice was too great, to save our country from the impious hands raised for its destruction.
To our old comrades, we would say that though a sense of duty impels us to remain at our post here for a time, we hope yet to have the pleasure of grasping each hand, and taking our wonted place in the ranks. And now through the hot tears that blot the page upon which we write, we would say to each man a hearty God speech, and may the blessing and protection of the “Father of us all” ever rest and abide with you.
