It was a scene repeated throughout
the South - especially in the opening days of the War Between
the States. From Charleston to Galveston, from Richmond to Little
Rock, from Memphis to Mobile - Southern men in uniform left for
war.
The leave-taking could be as brief and simple as a fleeting embrace
and a promise to remember and return. Among the leaders of the
land, however, departure was often marked by solemn ceremony.
Often such ceremonies were capped by the presentation of an ornately
engraved edged weapon. It was offered with a heartfelt blessing
- a leave-taking benediction of hope that the sword would remain
sheathed or that it would provide protection from the brutality
of battle.
Signed by the artist. |