Untitled - the Digital Library of Georgia

GEORGIA AND GEORGIANS 593
of the flag written by -Macon's pioneer historian, Mr. John C. Butler,
who was thoroughly conversant with the facts, from the Georgia stand
point and whose story is corroborated by an article found in an old
copy of the Galvestori News. Says Mr. Butler: * .
'' On November 12, 1835, a public meeting was held in Macon. Rob
ert Augustus Beall, John Rutherford, and Samuel M. Strong were
among the speakers who endorsed the claims of Texas. Lieutenant
Hugh M. MeLeod, from West Point, addressed the meeting in a spirited
appeal, pledging himself to resign his commission and to embark as a
volunteer. He declared that what Texas needed was soldiers—not
resolutions.
"Captain Levi Eckley, commander of the Bibb cavalry, presided,
with Simri Rose as secretary. Colonel William A. Ward, of Maeon,,
proposed to form a company of infantry to enlist in the Army of Texas,
whereupon thirty-two gentlemen came forward and enrolled as volun
teers. On motion, the chair appointed General R. A. Beall, Colonel
H. G. Lamar, Colonel T. G. Holt, James A. Nisbet, Esq., and Dr. Rob
ert Collins, a committee to solicit subscriptions; and before the meet
ing adjourned $3,150 was handed in to the committee, Dr. Collins
paying in cash the greater part of the amount.
"As the company passed through other towns' en route to Texas
other recruits were added. At Knoxville, in Crawford County, Miss
Joanna E. Troutman—afterwards Mrs. Vinson—a daughter of Hiram
B. Troutman, made and sent a beautiful banner of white silk, with a
blue lone star upon it, to Lieutenant McLeod to present to'the company
at Columbus. The following is a copy of the letter acknowledging
the receipt of the flag:
COLUMBUS, GA., November 23, 1835.
"Miss JOANNA: .... ,
"Colonel Ward brought your handsome and appropriate flag as a
present to the Georgia Volunteers in the cause of Texas and Liberty.
I was fearful from the shortness of the time that you-would not be able
to finish it as tastefully as you would wish, but I assure you, without
an emotion of flattery, it is beautiful, and with us the value is en-
hance^d by the recollection of the donor. I thank you for the honor
of being the medium of presentation to the company; and, if they are
what every true Georgian ought to be, your flag will yet wave over
fields of victory in defiance of despotism. I hope the proud day may
soon arrive, and while your star presides none can doubt of success.
Very respectfully your friend,
Signed: HUGH McLEoo."
'' This patriotic standard, made in Crawford County, by Miss Trout
man, became renowned in the history of the gallant young republic as
the first flag of the Lone Star State ever unfurled on Texas soil!! As
they were not permitted to organize within the limits of the United
States, Colonel Ward proceeded with his followers to Texas, where they
were organized according to regulations. He gathered about one hun-
* '' Historical Becord of Macon,'' John C. Butler, pp. 131-137.
Vol. 1—38 : :
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