Let this monument teach that heroism derives its lustre from the justice of the cause in which it is displayed, and let it mark the difference between a war waged for the robber-like purpose of conquest and one to repel invasion—to defend a people's hearths and altars, and to maintain their laws and liberties. Such was the war in which our heroes fell, and theirs is the crown which sparkles with the gems of patriotism and righteousness, with a glory undimmed by any motive of aggrandizement or intent to inflict ruin on others. We present them to posterity as examples to be followed, and wait securely for the verdict of mankind when knowledge shall have dispelled misrepresentation and delusion. Is it unreasonable to hope that mature reflection and a closer study of the political history of the Union may yet restore the rights prostrated by the passions developed in our long and bloody war? If, however, it should be otherwise, then from our heroes' graves shall come in mournful tones the
"Answer fit:
And if our children must obey,
They must, but thinking on our day,
'Twill less debase them to submit."
Back Volumes can be furnished now, but the supply is by no means inexhaustible, and we would advise those desiring to secure them to do so at once.
BOOK NOTICE.
Fitzhugh St. Clair, The S. C. Rebel Boy, by Mrs. Sallie F. Chapin, of Charleston. Philadelphia: Claxton, Remsen & Hafflefinger.
We are indebted to the accomplished authoress for a copy of this book, which we have read with deep interest.
It is a well-laid plot and an admirably-told story of a noble South Carolina family whose head was killed in battle, and whose members had to struggle with the hardships of "refugeeing," the brutality of Sherman's army when it captured Columbia, and the poverty and bitter trials into which so many of the best people of South Carolina were plunged by the pack of thieves who plundered the State at the close of the war.
It shows how high character and christian principle can resist temptation and win at last the reward of virtue, and holds up a model for the young men of the South which we could wish them all to read and imitate.
