STARS OF MY COUNTRY'S SKY.*

ARE ye

all there? Are ye all there?

Stars of my country's sky;

Are ye all there? Are ye all there,

In your shining homes on high?
"Count us!" "Count us!" was their answer,

As they dazzled on my view,

In glorious perihelion,

Amid their fields of blue.

"I cannot count ye rightly,

There's a cloud with sable rim;
I cannot make your number out,
For my eyes with tears are dim.
O, bright and blessed Angel,
On white wing floating by,
Help me to count and not to miss
One star in my country's sky."

*Written in the Summer of 1860.

Then the Angel touch'd my eye-lids,

And touch'd the frowning cloud,

And its sable rim disparted,

And it fled with murky shroud. There was no missing Pleiad, 'Mid all that sister race;

The Southern Cross shone radiant forth, And the Pole Star kept its place.

Then I knew it was the Angel,
Who woke the hymning strain;

That at our dear Redeemer's birth,
Flow'd out on Bethlehem's plain.

And still its echoing key-tone,

My listening country held, For all her constellated stars The diapason swell'd.

OUR MARCH TO GETTYSBURG

AND THE

BATTLE OF JULY 3, 1863.

THE evening of the 19th day of June, found our Regiment, the 1st Eastern Shore of Maryland Volunteers, scattered along the eastern Peninsula of Maryland and Virginia: Some on Provost duty in the important towns; some on the shores of the beautiful Chesapeake, while others were on the islands, lagoons, and extensive bayous that line the Atlantic coast, where the deep blue ocean rolls

"Dark, heaving, boundless, endless and sublime."

An orderly dashed up to head-quarters with a despatch from the General Commanding, directing immediate concentration of the Regiment, and its embarkation for the City of Baltimore. The news spread, there was a stir in camp; the soldier understood there was an end to his inactivity, and that he was soon to enter upon the sterner duties of military life. Orderlies were despatched in every

direction, the fast sailing canoe was put in requisition, and flew like a gull over the waters, with the hurried despatch summoning these men of Maryland, to meet the enemy on the border.

On the 23d of June, our scattered detachments had coveyed together, and were encamped on the environs of Baltimore. There we found great anxiety, and extensive preparations being made to meet the threatened advance of the enemy. It was known that General Lee was moving rapidly northward with his entire force, and it was believed that Baltimore was his goal. General Ewell had crossed the Potomac on the 22d, and was marching up the valley towards Hagerstown. General Hill crossed on the 27th, and was soon followed by Longstreet, and the entire rebel forces of northern Virginia. Chambersburg, Gettysburg, York and Hanover, were rapidly occupied by the enemy. These operations naturally created great alarm in the Monumental City. The enemy was within two days march, and there was no defence. The army of the Potomac seemed to be lost, and the distracted people knew not which way to look for succor. In this extremity, with the spirit of 1814, they set to work in their own defence. The citizens volunteered by thousands; business was partially suspended, and drill was the order of the day. In the midst of this excitement we arrived in the city, and for a few days assisted in garrisoning one of

the numerous forts which had so suddenly sprung into

existence.

On the 28th June, we received marching orders, and were directed to join the army of the Potomac, and report without delay, to Brigadier General Lockwood, at Monocacy Bridge. By 11 o'clock, A. M., tents were struck, wagons packed, and we were off. As we filed through the streets the band struck up some martial air, and with a shout, we bade farewell to our homes and to the dear ones left behind. As the soldier stepped gaily forward, little did he dream that he might never return, but deeming "all men mortal but himself," with a firm and steady gait, we all went "marching along."

Without incident, we rapidly passed over the beautiful country that lies each side of the Frederick turnpike, and entered the village of Ellicotts Mills, as the sun was going to rest. The excitement of the city had spread to the village. The whole population turned out to give us welcome, and cheer us on. National banners were displayed from every house we passed.

Loyal-hearted men

gathered in groups, and gave loud expression to their sympathies, while beautiful ladies clapped their hands for joy, and loaded us down with choice flowers. The heart of this loyal village was stirred, and we were deeply grateful for this sudden and unexpected ovation. We encamped near by, serenaded the ladies, and enjoyed the