Robeson County NcArchives News.....Floral College and Civil War 1861
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Glenn McGirt gdmcgirt@gmail.com July 9, 2014, 4:24 pm

June 24, 1861 - Fayetteville [NC] Observer 1861
Floral College, Robeson County, June 12 - Messrs. Editors:  At a time when 
scarcely anything is heard but wars and rumors of wars, accounts of military 
movement and preparations to repel an invading foe, I have thought than an 
account of the Commencement exercises of Floral College, just closed, which it 
was my fortune to witness, would not be unwelcome to yourselves and your 
numerous readers.  
     Yet, at this peaceful retreat of learning, the visitors were constantly 
reminded of the military preparations going on everywhere in the South.  The 
"Highland Boys", Capt. Love's, are encamped for the present in the immediate 
vicinity of the College, and on each day of the examination paraded in the grove 
near by, made vocal with martial music, never before heard so near that quiet 
retreat of learning.  And I will say, that although Capt. Love's Company has 
been organized but a short time, they are remarkably well drilled.  The officers 
have been greatly assisted by the efficient aid rendered by Hector McEachern, a 
native of Robeson county, who is a cadet in Col. Hill's military school in 
Charlotte, and has been with the Highland Boys all the while since their 
organization into a company, giving them instruction.  This Company which is the 
third that has entered the service of the State as volunteers from Robeson 
county, numbers over eighty of as fine looking young men as are to be found in 
this State or elsewhere, collected in one company-nearly all highly educated and 
refined, of good character and deportment.  My word for it, an army of such men, 
properly officered and commanded, cannot be conquered.
     The Literary exercises of this institution were highly creditable to the 
Students and Teachers, and furnished new evidence of the untiring assiduity of 
Prof. Johnson, the Principal, and the efficiency of his Assistant Teachers in 
the several departments.  After the presentation of the diplomas to the 
graduates, in College Hall on Tuesday evening, a procession was formed and the 
Faculty, Students, Trustees and the unusually large crown of Visiters, escorted 
by the "Highland Boys," repaired to the Church to hear the Address of Col. Neill 
A. McLean of Lumberton, orator of the day, who there entertained them for more 
than an hour with an oration replete with patriotic and classic allusions, 
delivered in his usual good style.  The subject of his address was, "The duties 
and destinies of the Ladies of the South in the present crisis."  His subject 
led him into the contemplation of the present condition of the country.  He 
inculcated the importance to them of the success of our cause, and recommended 
them to imitate the conduct of their mothers in the Revolution, situated in 
similar circumstances, referring to many incidents and illustrations.  But I 
will not attempt to give a report of his speech, for in attempting it I cannot 
do him justice.  It is sufficient to say, that every one present joined in 
praise of his effort.  In was an eloquent oration, and fully appreciated by his 
audience.
     Notwithstanding the gloomy appearance of affairs, I was pleased to see a 
determination on the part of the patrons of this Institution to relax no energy 
for its continued prosperity.  The exercises of this School will be resumed 
after the usual vacation of one month.
                                               A VISITER.   


Additional Comments:
Transcribed by Martie Groome-McGirt

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