Selma Rangers, A Stand of Colors
From "Selma; Her Institutions, and Her Men" by John Hardy, pub. 1879:
This company left Selma on the 25th day of May 1836, and we extract from the
Selma Free Press, of the 28th day of May 1836.
SELMA RANGERS.--This proud appellation has been bestowed by the Ladies of our town, upon the noble and patriotic body of men, from this place and its vicinity, who have volunteered their services to protect their country from the hostilities of the Creek Indians. On Tuesday last we had the pleasure of witnessing the array of this proud and valorous corps. Maj. Wm. Tredwell, having been invited by our Ladies to represent them on the occasion, and to present the company in their behalf, with a stand of colors, at 12 o’clock, the Ladies and Citizens attended at Mr. Bogle’s hotel to witness the ceremony.
A more impressive scene has not been witnessed in our town lately, Maj. T. stepped forward, bearing in his hand the proud testimonial, and in behalf of the Ladies, addressed the corps in the words which we subjoin. Ensign C. N. Bassett received the banner and replied to Maj. T., which we also insert. The banner is a beautiful one, and as its stars and stripes floated on the breeze, no one who witnessed it could but feel the highest admiration for our Ladies’ patriotism and valor. The corps left this morning on the steamer Medora. They are a fine looking body, in fine spirits, and each anxious for the scene of action. To the Ladies, high praise is due for their kindness--long will it be remembered and cherished--and we say happiness and comfort to the fair of Selma:
Gentlemen Volunteers:
Having been honored with and invitation from the ladies of our town, to present to you body the stand of Colors which I bear in my hand permit me in their behalf to address you a few moments. Having had but a short notice of my delegation, I hope that all error will receive the forbearance f those I address.
When contemplate the array before me, I behold men whose determined purpose is the defense of their country’s rights, whose every bosom thrills with the purest patriotism, as he contemplates his embassy For what purpose, I would ask, are you here assembled? It is all pageantry--all to obtain honor? It is for these ends that your body presents itself this day? No! Soldiers it is your country that calls you to duty. You have been called upon by the executive to rescue from the bloody knife of the ruthless savage, fathers, mothers, husbands and wives, and innocent babes--they are laying waste our land, and deluged it with blood. You have stepped forward, actuated by every feeling which could characterize the soldier--the love of his country. You go. You leave your homes, every thing to which you are here bound--for what? To protect the homes and firesides of those whom I represent, and to ensure to them future quietude. Who are they? The breast of each I address, responds, they are the centre of all our happiness. Those whom I represent are not insensible to valor,--each heart returns its sincere tanks for your noble service. You will be exposed to much danger,--but, soldiers, it is high and holy emprise! Perhaps, while the prayers which will ever follow you from the parent, the wife, the brother or sister, are wafted by vesper breeze to a righteous God for you protection, You may be writhing beneath the scalping knife of the savage. Go on! Every heart goes with you; and may Him, who holds the fate of all preserve you.
I now, in behalf of the ladies of Selma, present to you this standard. Guard it well. With it I most respectfully tender their grateful and heartfelt wishes, for a successful campaign, a speedy return, and a safe restoration to your homes and the bosoms of your friends.
Ensign Bassett’s Reply. Maj. Tredwell:
From you, as a representative of our amiable friends, I now receive this banner. Words are cheap, and no proof of bravery--something more than this must sustain us in the shock of war. To speak of female patriotism would be to tell a tale often told, one known to the world. There was a time when the terror of British arms resounded through our land, and the proudest spirits turned pale. The plains of Lexington were stained with the infant blood of liberty, and the freedom of slavery of half a world seemed to hang on the few brave and God-like. It was than the lion-hearted Putnam, leaving his plough in the furrow, returned to his house and received from the hands of his wife the weapon of death that told full well on the bloody heights of Bunker’s Hill. She was an example of an American Lady; from this learn all. “Selma Rangers”--turn your eyes to these stripes and stars, which have long waved “o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.” Can you guard them? If not return them to those who gave them. Sir. The time is short, the shrill sound of the rifle is heard on our borders, the red man’s tomahawk is dyed in blood, and we must rush to the field of battle. This banner we promise to guard with an American hand. This is al we need say. May Heaven bless you, and return your brothers and friends to enjoy with you once more thee rich fruition of peace.
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