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Breazeale Battalion of Louisiana Flag Description

Presentation and Description of Breazeale Louisiana Battalion Flag.
Richard

NATCHITOCHES [LA] UNION, August 21, 1862, p. 1, c. 3

Flag Presentation
To the Breazeale Battalion.

The presentation of a flag to this fine Battalion, took place on Monday, at 6 o'clock, P. M. whoever had not seen the picturesque scenery of an Arabian encampment in the wilds of Kabylia, could form a pretty correct idea of its appearance on coming in view of the camp of the Rangers. The men, in their warlike attire, gliding through the stalwart pine trees, amid the numerous horses tied to branches all over the ground, the tents, the provisions scattered here and there, in the fading rays of a splendid sunset, all brought back the recollection of the bivouacs of those adventurous and intrepid Bedouins, who, under their great chieftain Abdel Kader, gave France so much trouble and kept at bay her powerful armies, headed by the ablest of her commanders during so many years. But to our subject.

The five companies composing the battalion were on the ground, with all their officers, we believe. After several well executed evolutions, they formed in rank, presenting a fine appearance. The immense crowd congregated for the occasion then drew back, to make room for a carriage over which was seen floating a flag bearing on one side, the words "Breazeale Battalion," interspersed with 13 stars, representing the respective States of the Confederacy, and on the other side, "Partisan Rangers," with the same number of Stars.—It was the flag offered to the Battalion by the ladies of Natchitoches. Miss Jane Campbell presented it in the following impressive allocution:

["] Major Breazeale and Gentlemen of the Battalion:

Again, are we called upon to bid a "God speed" to our brave soldiers who leave home, and all they so dearly love, for the hardships and dangers of the tented field.

Though poor our offering, it comes richly freighted with sincere interest, and heartfelt devotion, all that woman may offer upon her country's altar. We have dedicated it to "Our Lady," and marked it with the emblem christians most love, dubbing you our Crusaders, to go forth and redeem this, our cherished land, from a worse than Infidel foe. Let the devastated homes of the lower Mississippi picture to your imaginations what your own may become, if the invader is suffered to further encroach upon our soil. Look around upon the faces you so dearly love, and dwell, if you can but for one moment upon the though that the hated Tyrant of New Orleans may become the arber [sic] of their fate.

But, Louisianians need no such incentive to valorous deeds—their willing hands, and ready swords, leap forth to meet their enemies at lesser wrongs. May the "God of battles" attend them, victory but wait upon their footsteps; and may they soon return to us, banners furled in peace, and laden with the soldier's best reward, Honor and success.["]

Major Breazeale received it in the name of his Battalion, and answered in appropriate and patriotic sentiments.

The Rangers were to leave on Tuesday morning, but in consequence of subsequent orders received on Monday evening, they remain in their present encampment until further orders.

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