to assist in the defence of his native land against the invading forces of the Vandals commanded by his uncle. Two other nephews of General Scott are officers in one of the Mississippi regiments.

"Colonel Anderson has two brothers-in-law in the Confederate army, from the state of Georgia (sons of the late General Clinch), both of whom, we believe, were at the storming of Fort Sumter." "Eleven second cousins of Mrs. Lincoln are members of the Caroline Light Dragoons. Mrs. Lincoln was a Miss Todd, niece of the late Geo. T. Todd, Esq., of Caroline county. Lincoln's 'foreign relations' would be glad to give him a deserved reception in the county of Caroline."

These strong affections induced those adventurous undertakings of which so many instances are recorded.

Here is only one of the kind.

"The ladies of Baltimore have been acting very patriotically in this struggle. Last week several came from Baltimore by the Relay House, with uniforms and side-arms concealed under their hoops: I was told by an officer from Rockingham county that he had a uniform, the cloth of which was brought to him from Baltimore by a lady. She managed to get it through by basting it together and wearing it for an under garment. A Mrs. Johnson, from the same city, arrived here yesterday with a large number of rifles, which were distributed among the 'Baltimore boys.' She was serenaded at the Wager House by the Second Infantry Band last night."

President Davis appointed a general fast-day for the 13th June, to which the country responded in a spirit truly commendable. For several days previously I observed suitable exhortations in the newspapers, and resolutions to suspend business, in order to promote the due observance of the day.

Mr. Quence went to officiate at one of his more

THE EXERCISES' ON FAST-DAY.

355

distant churches, and we were not sure, until we arrived at the Crossroads meeting house,' whether our service would be conducted by another minister or not. But none was present, and the "exercises " devolved upon some of the elder members, in this manner : "Brother A. will give us a short address," and is introduced by "Brother B." to that intent, but "he will first open the exercises with prayer." After which "Brother C." reads a portion of Scripture (but only a very small portion), of his own selection, with a sort of running commentary as he proceeds. Next follows a hymn of alternate singing and "lining.' Another prayer, from "Brother B." this time, and then again a hymn, varied as before. Now we are favoured with the promised address, which is followed by a prayer from "Brother D.," who afterwards gives out another hymn. By this time we have disposed of the two most popular tunes, and "Brother D." is compelled to step forward and whisper to "Brother B.," who in his turn steps a little forwarder to consult the "sisters" as to the most advisable tune to propose next. This settled, after a good deal of turning over of leaves, and activity among the sisters' bonnets, "Brother B." steps back again, and the hymn proceeds. Several other brothers are invited to vary the "exercises" by prayers, hymns, and addresses, with intermediate little business transactions and whispered consultations.

A few weeks before, the greater number of these sisters and brothers in the Baptist faith had been

firing off pistols, and making political harangues around this little church; running in and out to rest upon the benches, or join in the entertainment as they felt disposed. But now "the door is closed,” and if we cannot declare that

"soft and deep

Around the awful arches sweep

Such airs as soothe a hermit's sleep,"

there is nevertheless a great deal of simple unostentatious piety in these rural worshippers, assembled in the modest little building beneath the forest trees. There was no parade of piety, no boasting of religious zeal; but a spirit of thankfulness, adoration, and submission, breathed through all the prayers. The exhortations were for resolution and self-denial. They thanked their Almighty Protector for the favours he had as yet displayed towards his people; while they prayed for strength to be rightly directed in the great and trying duties then before them, and to submit themselves not only in the difficulties now besetting them, but as long as they should continue, and for evermore.

It was evident the war was to become a business as it was a duty, and a religious duty too.

Collections were made at every church (perhaps without exception) in the Confederate States on that day, for the support of the army.

"Your people intend to judge for themselves of our cause in future, I see, Miss Jones," said Mr. Quence, on his return. "Look here, ma'am." And

ANOTHER PROMISING ARRIVAL.

357

he showed me the following announcement in the paper:

"We are happy to learn that an especial correspondent of the London press has just arrived in Richmond, Mr. Phillips Day. We understand he has brought important letters to members of the government, and we have every reason to believe that the recognition of the Confederate States will take place at no very distant period."

CHAPTER XVIII.

The Battle of Bethel-Hopes built upon Foreign interestsIrresolution-Preparing to depart-We meet Refugees on the

road.

THE invasion at Aquia Creek having failed, the next attempted approach to Richmond was on the Peninsula at Bethel Church, where the battle of the 10th June was fought. There really were so many providential escapes on the side of the Confederates in those first engagements, that one is almost afraid to recount them, lest the reader should pronounce them mere traveller's stories. But I heard the same descriptions from so many actors in the drama, that I feel no diffidence in affirming their truthfulness.

It seemed almost miraculous that 4000 men should keep up a continual firing against 1400 for ten or twelve hours without killing a man; but it was the case, and the cause may perhaps be attributed in a great measure to the inexperience of the invaders, as in this case also the tops of the trees received the greater number of their shot. One Confederate