This is a strange one. The Bossier Boys ended up being disbanded at Camp Moore because of a disagreement between Gov. Moore and Secretary of War Leroy Walker, as were several companies at Camp Moore. While the dispute was settled about 3 days later, the Bossier Boys had already gone home. Most all of the men were known to join other commands. Their Captain, Loudon Butler, went on to command the Robin's Greys of the 19th La. Infantry and they were presented a flag in Sept. 1861. I have no clue whatever may have happened to this flag or perhaps it was the same one issued to the Greys. While we know who presented the flag to the Greys, I have not found a transcription of that speech.
The Bossier Boys
The following and most beautiful address was delivered by a YOUNG LADY of our town on the occasion of the presentation of that beautiful BANNER to the Bossier Boys immediately before their departure for the seat of war. We withhold the name of that most modest and accomplished young lady at her own request, but think she has done herself great injustice in withholding her name from a production that has only to be read to be admired for its beauty of style, its chaste and elegant language, its religious fervor and its patriotic devotion.
We must be allowed to say, in further explanation, that the address would have appeared some time since had it not been for the fact that the ‘Young Lady’ who had the honor to deliver it immediately left town after its delivery, and did not return so that we could procure a copy before this.
The banner was accepted by Capt. Butler, commanding the Bossier Boys in one of the finest speeches it has been our good fortune to hear, just such a speech as a Butler would deliver on an occasion like this – when he and his brave ‘Boys’ had such encouragement at the hands of the ‘fairest of the fair; and, above all, when his most illustrious family had been referred to in a complimentary style, placing them on the rolls of historic fame….
“Most Gallant Soldiers: Appreciating the readiness with which you have responded to the call made upon you, and feeling a deep interest in the cause in which you are about to embark, the ladies of Bellevue, through me, their humble representative, present you this banner, which they have made with their own fingers; and under which you are to triumph or fall in defense of your country. Women, debarred as she is, the privilege of sharing the toils and trials of the battle-field, must attest her patriotism by such evidences as these; by doing everything she can to nerve and strengthen the arm that is striking in defense of her home, her honor and her interest. You are about to engage, soldiers, in an undertaking in which privation, suffering and death will meet you on every hand. War-clouds, one after another, are gathering over us thick and fast. In a few days, perhaps before you reach the place of your destination, the deep mutterings of the enemy’s cannonade will reach your ears. Yes, the war has already begun. Go then, soldiers; we bid you go speedily to the scene of action. and however courageous other may be in their country’s cause, we know that the Bossier Boys will be seen ever in the thickest of the fight. Brave and daring, you will march on to a victory, or nobly perish on the bed of honor. Your young and gallant officer, whose name is associated with some of the most brilliant scenes recorded in American history, will lead you on to victory, or death. Go then, soldiers; strike for your homes and your loved ones; strike for the South. Go, emulate the examples of the heroes of ’76. We and posterity will reward you. And may the future historian, in tracing the cause of this war, and recording its hard fought battles, and its brave and chivalrous deeds, assign the brightest page of that history to the Bossier Boys for their noble bearing.”
And remember, soldiers, that in all and the severest of your trials, you have our sympathy and our prayers. Standing as sentinels on the watch tower, we will watch and pray. And should any of you fall on the battle plain, you will ever live in our memories, and we will breathe your name with pride in future years, and say, he died in defense of his country. You carry with you our hearts and sincere wishes for your most brilliant success, for your safe and speedy return. Accept then, this banner – it is the flag of your country. Return with it, or die under it. May it never trail in the dust. Let not a single stripe be erased; let not a star of those Pleaides ever be obscured. And in that darkest hour, when death shall be cleaving down your companions around you, look to your banner; put your trust in that God who rules on high; that God will uphold the just cause, and take courage. And may He protect and bless your banner during your absence, and sanctify your cause to the good of His own glory.”
The young lady who presented the company flag was Miss Maggie Moore, granddaughter of “Grandma” Talliaferro, as was stated in last week’s issue of the Banner.
- Originally published in the Bossier Banner, June 1, 1861; reprinted in the Bossier Banner, June 2, 1921