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- DUKE, Aaron J. Private May 27, 1861. Killed at Sharpsburg, MD Sept 17, 1862
Military Servic:
- Called: Butler Van Guards
- Butler Vanguards Co. G of 6th Regiment Georgia Volunteers
Macon Daily Telegraph - Friday Morning, June 28, 1861
Taylor County on the Ware
Butler, GA June 25, 1861
Editor Telegraph:--I suppose it will not be a violation of your rules to publish a short statement of facts in relation to our county adn its citizens, in connection with the war. In April an effort was made to raise a volunteer company, and about the time Fort Sumter was bombarded, our citizens became inflamed with the true Southern spirit that had been rather slumbering for some time, as the public thought, and indeed, I don't know but the public sentiment was rather against Taylor County. Though secessionist as I was, I told the people that there was patriotism enough in our county to do us honor and defend our rights. The figures will show the correctness of the prophesy.
Raising the 1st Company - Butler Vanguards
The company was raised full and to overflow. The citizens took hold of the company with the right spirit, and soon had money subscribed to equip the Butler Vanguards, and pledged themselves to sustain their families when called out. The company was called, and on the 24 of May left us, fighting the hardest battle thye will have to fight at the depot in Butler, for they were the first men of our county, and of course had many tender ties as well as the strong attachment that had been produced by the untiring labor of the gentlemen who immediately labored to fit them up. But stronger ties than that--the fair and patriotic ladies, who had labored wtih their fingers putting up the entire uniform, except the officers' dress, and obtained by their efforts money to buy bibles for each, which was done by their agent; so that each one received a copy of the New Testament, gilt edged, and in addition each mess a Holy Bible. These precious books were presented by the Rev. A.Y. Dean, with very appropriate remarks, and was responded to by W.L. Grice, whom to know is to love.
Presentation of Flag
A beautiful flag was also presented the company by Miss Bettie Duncan, with the very significant and patriotic remarks below. The flag was presented in behalf of Mrs. M.F. Lowe. Captain Griffin passed the flag with a few remarks in keeping with the man and the occasion, when Mr. H.H. Davis, color sergeant, responded in a well arranged discourse.
The company left amidst the tears and prayers of a large congregation, and wherever they have been heard of, they have been applauded and respected since they left. We have sent them 24 recruits, the most of whom are able bodied men. In the company now there are 61 obligated temperance men. The remainder, 47, are sober, clever, gentlemanly and most, I might say, were good men. Indeed, the company are almost all Christians--Captain Griffin wrote back he had not heard liquor mentioned as a beverage since he left.
Equipping New Company--Taylor Guards
The county has raised another company--the Taylor Guards [Co F 27th GA Volunteer Infantry] a gallant corps of men, who will respond to a call from the Governor and do honor to the Georgia arms, if an oportunity offers. The ladies are now weaving and making a summer uniform for the soldiers. I suppose that by the 1st of july they will have one thousand yards wove and nearly made up. I will just add that the equippage for the company above alluded to, as well as the recruits, consisted in dres jackets, blankets, tents, stools and chests. Who will beat it? Our county is small, but we will do our duty, and send as many brave men and sustain them in the field as any other county, according to population and wealth.
On presenting the flag, Miss Duncan said:
Gentlemen and Ladies: In presenting this flag to the Butler Vanguards, I am encouraged with the sentiment that there is too much patriotism burning upon the altar of their hearts to suffer it ever to trail in the dust, but with manful courage will they wave it at the head of their noble band, avowing no higher watchword than liberty and Southern rights. The stars are few, but they are of the first magnitude, and will shine with greater brilliancy the more heroic the achievements they wave over. I have said the stars are few, yet the mighty revolutions that are going on will render those that are opaque more luminous, and then they will shine with greater effulgence than the stars that waved over the Swamp Fox of the noble State of South Carolina.
But, gentlemen of the Butler Vanguards, short sentences are the best; so remember when you take your exit from Butler, the smiles of the ladies will attend you, and what is far better, you will have the smiles of God. Therefore receive these colors, and with them our best wishes for success in battle and safe return. Take them, and may they wave triumphantly in the Southern army, and if needs be over the home and grave of Washington, and may they particularly, with their glowing colors of red, white and blue, wave over the heroic deed of Captain Griffin and his brave company. God grant you a prosperous campaign and speedy return, with not a star erased and not a stripe added.
The flag is the regimental flag, and waves wherever the 6th Gerogia Regiment parades. BUTLER
Contributed by: Maj Dana M. Mangham
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RNT Family History
1837 - 1862 (24 years)