MRS. BLOOMER’S ADDRESS.
“Captain Craig, Sir: In behalf of the loyal ladies of Council Bluffs I present to you, and through you to the company you command, this flag. Its materials are not of so rich a texture as we could have wished, but they are the best our city afforded; and we hope that you will accept it as an expression of our respect for yourself and your company, and our warm sympathy for the cause you go forth to uphold. This flag has emblazoned upon it the stars and stripes of our country. It was under these that our Fathers fought the battle of the Revolution and secured for us that priceless gift, the Constitution of the United States.
“You are now going forth to sustain and defend that Constitution against an unjust and monstrous rebellion, fomented and carried on by wicked and ambitious men, who have for their object the overthrow of the best government the world has ever seen. To this noble cause we dedicate this flag. We know you will carry it proudly, gallantly and bravely on the field of battle and wherever you go, and we trust it may ever be to you the emblem of victory.
“Soldiers: We cannot part with you without a few words of counsel and warning. In the new and dangerous path you are entering upon, let us entreat you to guard well your steps and keep yourselves aloof from every vice. Avoid, above all things, profanity and the intoxicating cup. The latter slays annually more than fall on the battlefield. The hearts of mothers, wives and sisters go forth after you. Many tears will be shed and many prayers will be offered in your behalf. See to it, then, that you so conduct yourselves that whatever may befall you, whether you fall in the service of your country or return to gladden the hearts of the loved ones you leave behind and to enjoy the peace you will have conquered—that no sting shall pierce their hearts, no stain rest on your fair fame. Go forth in your sense of right, relying on the justice of your cause. Seek peace with God your Saviour, that you may be prepared to meet His summons should it come suddenly, or to enjoy life should it please Him to spare you for many days.
“Our good wishes go with you, and we shall ever hold you in honorable remembrance; and when this important war is ended which calls you from us, and you are discharged from duty, we shall heartily welcome you back to your home and friends.”
This address was delivered at dress parade just as the sun was going down and only a day or two before the regiment left for the front. The volunteer soldiers listened with deep emotion, and when allusion was made to the homes and friends left behind many a stout heart heaved and tears trickled down many a manly face.
Lieutenant Kinsman, in behalf of Captain Craig, accepted the flag from Mrs. Bloomer in a neat and appropriate address.
Lieutenant Kinsman had been a partner of her husband and a dear friend of Mrs. Bloomer’s; over his subsequent career she watched with the greatest interest. He soon rose to be the captain of his company, then a lieutenant-colonel, and then colonel of an Iowa regiment at whose head he fell bravely fighting at the Battle of Black River Bridge, in Mississippi, in 1863. As showing the earnest patriotism of Mrs. Bloomer and her intelligent appreciation of the great questions involved in it, the following letter written by her to the convention of loyal women in New York City in 1864 is here inserted: