Georgia state flag prior to 1879.

The Ladies of the Empire State

                                                                                                Waynesboro’, Burke Co., Ga.,}
January 1, 1861.    }

Editor Mercury:  The following patriotic resolutions were adopted, among others, by the ladies of this town and county, at an enthusiastic meeting held by them on Saturday last.
The following was presented by Mrs. Col. I. Carter, and received with a joyous outburst of applause:

Resolved, That the ladies of Burke county do tender their warmest sympathies, and pledge their love and devotion to the proud, gallant, chivalrous and “free people” of South Carolina, for the fearless and heroic act of December 20th, 1860, which has opened a page in the history of human greatness that the pride of man shall herald through all time, and woman’s holiest and noblest affection embalm for all eternity.

A Committee of young ladies presented the following, which was adopted:

Resolved, That we, the young ladies of Burke county, do, henceforth, reject with haughty scorn and proud disdain, all civilities from any gentleman who refuses, or neglects, to join the ranks of any Southern State that shall, in her sovereign capacity, withdraw her allegiance from this unconstitutional Confederacy, holding it to be self-evident — that a dasdard’s glove can never win a woman’s love, or defend her honor.

Very respectfully,
A Native Carolinian.

– Charleston Mercury,  4 January 1861, p. 1, c. 2.