to officers and soldiers of the Virginia colored guards
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05335 Author/Creator: Place Written: s.l. Type: Manuscript letter Date: circa 1863-1864 Pagination: 3 p. : Height: 31 cm, Width: 20 cm Order a Copy
An unknown female author presents a flag to African American troops stationed in the vicinity. States "it has often been remarked how much better this company has behaved than others previously encamped on this ground_ the ladies have spoken highly of the courteous manner of the soldiers ..." Urges the men to protect the flag during battle at all costs, stating "but soldier! never let its shadow be tarnished by a mean or cruel deed ... Ladies cannot fight, we have not courage to face the cannon's mouth ... but we respect a brave and honorable soldier." Instructs the soldiers to protect the flag from the enemy, and to protect themselves from the vices of camp life. States "when you return to the North and hear our state spoken of with contempt ... say that you found in Dixie, sons and daughters true to their country and this flag ... " Possibly written in Virginia.
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