The War of the Rebellion aroused the feelings, as also the patriotism, of the women of the Northern states to a high state of activity. Perhaps at first they did not enter into the contest so earnestly as did the women of the South, that is, their feelings were not so deeply aroused; but ere long, as the war went on, they came up nobly to the duties before them and were henceforward unwearied and unremitting in their discharge. Their fathers, brothers, sons and husbands were in the armies of the Union periling their lives for its complete restoration. They could but hope that success might crown their efforts, and in various ways they sought to help on the contest until the end should be reached, the republic saved; and many also hoped and prayed that, when victory came, it would bring also the complete destruction of slavery. Mrs. Bloomer entered into this feeling, and the work done by the women of the North, with all the energies of her ardent spirit. Two regiments were raised in Council Bluffs and the vicinity, and many of the young men of the city were in their ranks. The women did a great deal towards providing them with camp conveniences and furnishing them with needed clothing and other comforts necessary for the arduous and dangerous life on which they were about to enter. Each day, dress parade found very many on the regimental grounds encouraging “the boys” in the discharge of their duties. Among other things, a beautiful flag was prepared and Mrs. Bloomer was delegated by the ladies to present it to company A, which had been mainly recruited in the city. This she did in the presence of the whole regiment, in the following short speech: MRS. BLOOMER’S ADDRESS. “Captain Craig, Sir: In behalf of the loyal ladies of Council Bluffs I present to you, and through you to the company you command, this flag. Its materials are not of so rich a texture as we could have wished, but they are the best our city afforded; and we hope that you will accept it as an expression of our respect for yourself and your company, and our warm sympathy for the cause you go forth to uphold. This flag has emblazoned upon it the stars and stripes of our country. It was under these that our Fathers fought the battle of the Revolution and secured for us that priceless gift, the Constitution of the United States. “You are now going forth to sustain and defend that Constitution against an unjust and monstrous rebellion, fomented and carried on by wicked and ambitious men, who have for their object the overthrow of the best government the world has ever seen. To this noble cause we dedicate this flag. We know you will carry it proudly, gallantly and bravely on the field of battle and wherever you go, and we trust it may ever be to you the emblem of victory.