The Civil War Flags Message Board

Flag presentation, Co G, 3rd WV Cav

In the book "Civil War in Cabell County, West Virginia 1861-1865" by Joe Geiger Jr he quotes the Ironton Weekly Register of May 5, 1864

"On April 20, 1864, a flag presentation honoring Company G, of the 3rd West Virginia Cavalry was held in Guyandotte. The flag was given by the ladies of Amacetta, Wayne County.
"The ceremonies were handsomely conducted by a delegation, or as some would have it, by alternates composed of six of the ladies of this place, so arranged and attired as to represent the three colors that adorn the 'Goddess of Liberty'. The delegation formed in line abreast. Miss Sack Cox, and Miss Luella Hayslip, occupied the center dressed in white. Miss Fannie Hite and Miss Amanda Smith, on the left, dressed in blue, and Miss Susie Dusenberry and Lizzie Ward, on the right dressed in red. Miss Sack Cox, bore the flag gracefully floating above the headress of Miss Luella Hayslip, who was to deliver the presentation address. Just in the rear an elegant band of fifers and drummers from the 'Old 13th' Va Inft. were playing the air of the 'White Cockade'completed the precession.
The company to be honored by the presentation, accompanied by companies F and G, of the 13th Va.V.I., had previously paraded just above and adjoining the town on a nice lawn that bordered upon the Ohio River, stretching far back to the hills and just beginning to green.Here they awaited the arrival of the procession bearing the flag.
Capt. Witcher's command had formed in line occupying the center, Co F, of the 13th Va, under command of Capt McCown, occupied the left, and Co G, of the 13th Va, commanded by Captain Mason occupied the right. The entire procession marched up and completed the hollow square; those bearing the flag, advancing in line abreast to the center and stood facing the Company the was to receive the honors of the day..."
After Miss Hayslip's presentation speech, Captain Witcher accepted the flag on behalf of his company and praised the women of Amacetta for maintaining their loyalty in such a divided country.
" At the close of these ceremonies Capt. Witcher's company bearing their new Flag marched in front of the hotel and awaited the return of the procession of ladies and band of fifers and drummers, when Lieut. Lesage proposed three cheers for the ladies of Amacetta, which was responded to in a manner that told more than words - after which the crowd dispersed."

Lt Lesage of that article was Francis Julius Lesage, my 3rd greatgrandfather. He finished the war as Captain of Co I, 3rd West Virginia Cavalry.