TAYLOR COUNTY, GA - Military Co. G 6th Reg (Butler Van Guards) Goes off to War

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This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by:
Maj Dana M. Mangham 

Butler Vanguards  Co. G of 6th Regiment Georgia Volunteers
Macon Daily Telegraph - Friday Morning, June 28, 1861

Taylor County on the War
Butler, GA June 25, 1861
Editor Telegraph:--I suppose it will not be a violation
of your rules to publish a short statement of facts in
relation to our county adn its citizens, in connection
with the war. In April an effort was made to raise a
volunteer company, and about the time Fort Sumter was
bombarded, our citizens became inflamed with the true
Southern spirit that had been rather slumbering for
some time, as the public thought, and indeed, I don't
know but the public sentiment was rather against Taylor
County.  Though secessionist as I was, I told the
people that there was patriotism enough in our county
to do us honor and defend our rights. The figures will
show the correctness of the prophesy.

Raising the 1st Company - Butler Vanguards The company
was raised full and to overflow. The citizens took hold
of the company with the right spirit, and soon had
money subscribed to equip the Butler Vanguards, and
pledged themselves to sustain their families when
called out. The company was called, and on the 24 of
May left us, fighting the hardest battle thye will have
to fight at the depot in Butler, for they were the
first men of our county, and of course had many tender
ties as well as the strong attachment that had been
produced by the untiring labor of the gentlemen who
immediately labored to fit them up.  But stronger ties
than that--the fair and patriotic ladies, who had
labored wtih their fingers putting up the entire
uniform, except the officers' dress, and obtained by
their efforts money to buy bibles for each, which was
done by their agent; so that each one received a copy
of the New Testament, gilt edged, and in addition each
mess a Holy Bible.  These precious books were presented
by the Rev. A.Y. Dean, with very appropriate remarks,
and was responded to by W.L. Grice, whom to know is to
love.

Presentation of Flag A beautiful flag was also
presented the company by Miss Bettie Duncan, with the
very significant and patriotic remarks below. The flag
was presented in behalf of Mrs. M.F. Lowe.  Captain
Griffin passed the flag with a few remarks in keeping
with the man and the occasion, when Mr. H.H. Davis,
color sergeant, responded in a well arranged discourse.

The company left amidst the tears and prayers of a
large congregation, and wherever they have been heard
of, they have been applauded and respected since they
left. We have sent them 24 recruits, the most of whom
are able bodied men. In the company now there are 61
obligated temperance men.  The remainder, 47, are
sober, clever, gentlemanly and most, I might say, were
good men. Indeed, the company are almost all
Christians--Captain Griffin wrote back he had not heard
liquor mentioned as a beverage since he left.

Equipping New Company--Taylor Guards The county has
raised another company--the Taylor Guards [Co F 27th GA
Volunteer Infantry] a gallant corps of men, who will
respond to a call from the Governor and do honor to the
Georgia arms, if an oportunity offers. The ladies are
now weaving and making a summer uniform for the
soldiers. I suppose that by the 1st of july they will
have one thousand yards wove and nearly made up.  I
will just add that the equippage for the company above
alluded to, as well as the recruits, consisted in dres
jackets, blankets, tents, stools and chests.  Who will
beat it? Our county is small, but we will do our duty,
and send as many brave men and sustain them in the
field as any other county, according to population and
wealth.

On presenting the flag, Miss Duncan said: Gentlemen and
Ladies: In presenting this flag to the Butler
Vanguards, I am encouraged with the sentiment that
there is too much patriotism burning upon the altar of
their hearts to suffer it ever to trail in the dust,
but with manful courage will they wave it at the head
of their noble band, avowing no higher watchword than
liberty and Southern rights. The stars are few, but
they are of the first magnitude, and will shine with
greater brilliancy the more heroic the achievements
they wave over. I have said the stars are few, yet the
mighty revolutions that are going on will render those
that are opaque more luminous, and then they will shine
with greater effulgence than the stars that waved over
the Swamp Fox of the noble State of South Carolina.

But, gentlemen of the Butler Vanguards, short sentences
are the best; so remember when you take your exit from
Butler, the smiles of the ladies will attend you, and
what is far better, you will have the smiles of God.
Therefore receive these colors, and with them our best
wishes for success in battle and safe return. Take
them, and may they wave triumphantly in the Southern
army, and if needs be over the home and grave of
Washington, and may they particularly, with their
glowing colors of red, white and blue, wave over the
heroic deed of Captain Griffin and his brave company.
God grant you a prosperous campaign and speedy return,
with not a star erased and not a stripe added.

The flag is the regimental flag, and waves wherever the
6th Gerogia Regiment parades.		BUTLER

Contributed by: Maj Dana M. Mangham