A Georgia captain's response to the presentation of a banner to the "Mercer Guards" [Co. E., 6th Louisiana Infantry?] by a Miss Collier in May 1861:

"Those tri-colors are emblematical of your rosy lips, fair cheeks, and your blue eyes; in [the] future when we look up at those glorious stars which borrow a lustre from your bright eye[s], and whose radiance will guide us to victory and fame, we will fondly remember the loved ones at home."

Original source: New Orleans Daily Crescent, May 20, 1861.