CIass_„ :£ 4^ 5 1 
 Book Jil 
 
A COPY OF A LETTER, 
 
 ■WRITTEN TO 
 
 The President of the United States, 
 
 O N 
 
 SLAVE EMANCIPATION. 
 
 Indiana House, Indianapolis, Ind., Dec. 2, 1854. 
 To His Excellency, FranJclin Fierce, President of the United States of North America. 
 
 May it please your Excellency : 
 
 I beg leave to inform your Excellency, that last evening after supper, 
 the landlord of the house where I am boarding put the following question 
 to me : 
 
 " How long time would it take to emancipate the slaves at the South, if 
 every man in the United States was to pay a dollar a year towards purchas- 
 ing their freedom ?" 
 
 I told him I did not know, but supposed it would not take long, if their 
 owners would agree to emancipate them on reasonable terms; for I consid- 
 ered none would object to pay that sum, and many would willingly pay 
 much more. 
 
 I being a total stranger to him, only having arrived that evening, our 
 conversation dropped here; I arose from the table and went out, and thought 
 no more about it, until to-day, when being alone and ruminating on dif- 
 ferent subjects, this subject came more powerfully to my mind. 
 
 And I hope your Excellency will not take offence if I suggest a few 
 points for your serious consideration. But before I commence, I wish to 
 make you acquainted with my peculiar situation. I am an Englishman; 
 have been traveling more than ten yeara through portions of the free and 
 slave states, say eleven free and four slave, circulating religious pamphlets 
 among the people, 
 
 I have no vote, I belong to no political party, do not meddle with poli- 
 tics, seldom talk about slavery, and am no sectarian in religious matters, 
 but seek the temporal and spiritual good of mankind generally; am a 
 well-wisher to all the people of the United States in particular, and would 
 willingly make some sacrifice to preserve the Union, secure its peace and 
 prosperity, and promote harmony and good will among its people. 
 
 And now I ask your Excellency, whose duty it is to seek the general 
 welfare of the whole Union, if something cannot be done to benefit the 
 slave, and allay forever the bad-.faeligg.that now exists between the North 
 and South on the subject of slarer? ''. 
 
1 
 
 religious instruction for themselves, and the support of the poor. The 
 slaves are to be hired out by the government agents to the planters, the 
 agents having a general control of the slaves while they are in the transi- 
 tion to freedom. If the planters do not choose to employ them, they are 
 to be settled in colonies on the government lands, under the direction of the 
 agents. 
 
 This appears to be a good plan and calculated to make them work 
 well, because, if they do not work to earn money, they cannot obtain their 
 freedom. 
 
 I will now ask imploringly. Will not the Congress of the United States 
 at its next session take up the subject seriously, and pass an act similar to 
 that of the Dutch Government ? 
 
 This would not only do away with the system of slavery, but effectually 
 preserve the Union in peace, promote harmony and brotherly kindness 
 among its white citizens, stimulate trade and commerce, and prevent the 
 unprofitable expenditure of money, and sacrifice of life, which is now needed 
 to look outforjldBjtessels and maintain slavery at home as a domestic 
 institutioi^j^^^^Kking into the account the proud position the nation 
 would thl^^^W^BWie eyes of all other nations. 
 
 This is im allT^mly see how easy it would be to select a President and 
 Vice President, you could always have the best men, because it would be 
 of no consequence whether they were born north or south, or in what sec- 
 tion of the country they lived. Sectional differences would be done away, 
 and you could choose the best men for the whole country. 
 
 Under these circumstances, if the government wishecfto purchase a por- 
 tion of Central America, as a home for the surplus colored population, it 
 could be done with little opposition, and even Cuba would not be objected 
 to, because not only the free state men, but the whole world would be con- 
 vinced that "Liberty not in name, but in reality" was to be the order of the 
 day. And the happiness, prosperity, and well-being of mankind generally 
 was to be sought. 
 
 I suppose the government could raise the means to purchase the slaves 
 and territory for them, and Cuba also, if needful, by issuing United States 
 ^tock, or some thing of that kind. 
 
 m But if it should be necessary to raise the money at once, or a portion of 
 it by voluntary subscription to aid the government, lam willing to in- 
 crease my subscription to fifty or one hundred dollars, instead of twenty, as 
 proposed in the foregoing letter. And I have no doubt but there are many 
 benevolent persons who would subscribe from 500 to 20,000 dollars each, 
 if the system of slavery could be done away in this or a similar way. 
 
 Should any of the people in the free states, (where the labor of the col- 
 ored man is not required,) be fearful of their flocking there to deprive 
 them of their labor, &c., I would say to them you can easily prevent that, 
 by passing State laws to keep them out of the state. So you have no need 
 to oppose their liberation on that account. There is plenty of room, and 
 plenty of work for them in the states where they now are and south of it, 
 and I suppose it will suit them much better than coming north; in fact I 
 have no doubt but many who are now at the North and in Canada would 
 be glad to return to the soutli, from whence they came, and make useful 
 citizens, if slavery was done away, and they could enjoy liberty there. 
 
 Hoping sincerely that such an event might come to pass, I remain the 
 country's well-wisher. Frederick Hasted. 
 
 CoHOES, N. Y., September 12th, 1859. 
 
This is the Second Edition of a Pamphlet 
 
 Written on these Words : 
 
 " Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reigns. So fool- 
 ish was I, and ignorant : I was as a beast before thee." — Psa. Ixxiii. 21, 22. 
 
 As the words before us contain matter of great importance to the soul, 
 I am desirous of obtaining your serious attention, while I endeavor to ex- 
 plain to you their meaning, and show to what particular circumstances they 
 refer. For in them is presented to our view, not only a declaration of ex- 
 perimental religion, but also an acknowledgment from one in high station, 
 of the gross ignorance of the human mind, respecting divine things. 
 
 And such being the sad condition of all mankind while in an unregen- 
 erated state, the great Apostle of us Gentiles gave us a caution, saying, 
 " Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be 
 wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the 
 wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written. He taketh 
 the wise in their own craftiness. And again. The Lord knoweth the 
 thoughts of the wise, that they are vain." 1st Cor. iii., 18 — 20. And 
 the Prophet declares, " They are altogether brutish and foolish : the stock 
 is a doctrine of vanities. Every man is brutish in his knowledge. Jere. x., 
 8—14. 
 
 But in order to rectify this, the Apostle exhorts those who are sensible 
 of their want of wisdom, to ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally, 
 and upbraideth not." James i., 5; iii., 17, 18. And in order to attract 
 our attention to this subject, the following important question is asked in 
 the sacred volume: "Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow 
 myself before the high God ? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, 
 with calves of a year old ? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of 
 rams, or with ten thousand rivers of oil ? Shall I give ray first-born for my 
 transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul ? 
 
 He hath shewed thee, man, what is good : (mind what follows) and 
 what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, 
 and to walk humbly with God ? The Lord's voice crieth unto the city, and 
 the man of wisdom shall see thy name, hear ye the rod, and who hath ap- 
 pointed it? Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the 
 wicked, and the scant measure that is abominable? Shall I count them 
 pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights ? 
 For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof 
 have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth. Therefore 
 also will I make thee sick in smiting thee, in making thee desolate because 
 of thy sins." Micah vi., 6 — 13. 
 
 And in order to show how God operates on the mind of man, he de- 
 clares, " I have hewed them by the prophets : I have slain them by the 
 words of my mouth. Hos. vi., 5. And the Apostle bears testimony, say- 
 ing, " The word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two- 
 edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and 
 of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents 
 of the heart. Heb. iv,, 12. 
 
 Well then might the Psalmist exclaim, "Thus my heart was grieved, 
 and I was pricked in my reigns." And how, or in what manner to address 
 the all glorious Jehovah, or come before him in such a condition, he did 
 not know, nor could he devise. Consequently, he further exclaimed, " So 
 foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee." 
 
It may appear somewhat strange to some persons, that such a man as 
 David, to whom the Lord had extended favors so often, should feel thus. 
 But we should bear in mind, that David did not always speak of himself; 
 he often spoke of Christ in his own proper person, and also of his mem- 
 bers, the mystical body of Christ. 
 
 Of Christ, himself, he spake thus: I have set the Lord always before 
 me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore 
 my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth; my flesh also shall rest in hope. 
 For thou wilt not leave my soul iu hell; neither wilt thou sufi"er thine 
 Holy One to see corruption." Psa. xvi., 8 — 10; Acts ii., 25 — 31. 
 And again, " He keepeth all his bones ; not one of them is broken." 
 Psa. xxxiv. 20; see also John, xix., 32 — 37. 
 
 Then he spake of his mystical body, saying, "My substance was not hid 
 from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest 
 parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being imperfect; 
 and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were 
 fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. " Psa. cxxxix, 15, 16, see 
 also Eph. V. 30. And again of both, saying, I am poured out like water, 
 and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted 
 in the midst of my bowels. My strength is dried up like a potcherd; 
 and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the 
 dust of death. For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked 
 have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my 
 bones, they look and stare upon me." Psa. xxii., 14 — 17; Ezek. xxxvii., 
 1 — 14; Zech. xii., 10. 
 
 Thus we may consider the text to refer more particularly to the mem- 
 bers of Christ's mystical body, than to David. For when the light of life 
 shines in upon the sinner's soul, making manifest the evils that dwell there, 
 the, soul feels itself amazingly lowered, before the glorious Majesty of 
 Heaven even to the debased condition of the dumb brute, realizing in its 
 own experience, all the words of the text. And if you have never felt 
 yourself thus debased in your own estimation, you know nothing yet as you 
 ought to know: (for proofread 1st Cor. iii., 18 — 19.) Therefore, I would 
 say to you most seriously. Go, view the publican in the temple, who, being 
 sensible of his vile and polluted condition, could not so much as lift up his 
 eyes to heaven, (much less make a long prayer,) but with holy indignation 
 against himself, he smote upon his breast where all the evil lay, crying, 
 God be merciful to me a sinner. 
 
 This prayer is neither beautiful nor lengthy; yet as it came from the 
 heart, under a feeling sense of his extreme need of mercy, it was effectual, 
 being in accordance with the will of God, who, more than a thousand years 
 before, declared, " I will have mercy, and not sacrifice." " And it shall 
 come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be 
 delivered: (from this awful state and condition,) for in Mount Zion and in 
 Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant 
 whom the Lord shall call." Joel ii., 32. 
 
 And in order to encourage poor, debased, self-lost, perishing sinners, God 
 kindly condescends to invite them, saying, " Call upon me in the day of 
 trouble; I will deliver thee, and thou shait glorify me." Psa. 1., 15; Zech. 
 xiii., 9. But as there are other ways besides the lips in which the poor, 
 sensibly sin-burdened soul calls upon God, I will endeavor to direct your 
 attention to them. The Apostle, using similar language to that contained 
 in the text, saith, " We are saved by hope; but hope that is seen is not 
 hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope 
 
1 
 
 for that which we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise 
 the spirit also helpeth our infirmities; for we know not what we should 
 pray for as we ought; but the spirit itself maketh intercession for us, with 
 groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the heart know- 
 eth what is the mind of the spirit, because he maketh intercession for the 
 saints, according to the will of God." Rom. viii, 24 — 27. 
 
 By this we are to understand, that although we have such a keen and 
 abiding sense of our unworthiness, sinfulness and depravity, that we can- 
 not so much as look up to, or address the Majesty of heaven with the 
 mouth, yet the spirit of grace and supplication that is poured out upon us 
 from on high, intercedes for that soul, by causing us to heave the painful 
 sigh, and send forth the apparently hopeless, yet earnest and anxious desires 
 of our soul, in mournful and plaintive accents to the throne of divine grace, 
 for pardon, peace, reconciliation, and acceptance with God. As God hath 
 said, " They shall come with weeping, and with supplication will I lead 
 them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, 
 wherein they shall not stumble; for I am a Father to Israel, and Ephraim 
 is my first-born." Jere. xxxi., 9, 18 — 20. 
 
 Therefore, it is written, " Lord, rebuke me not in thy wrath ; neither 
 chasten me in thy hot displeasure. For thine arrows stick fast in me, and 
 thine hand presseth me sore, there is no soundness in my flesh because of 
 thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin. For 
 mine iniquities are gone over mine head; as an heavy burden they are too 
 heavy for me. My wounds stink and are corrupt, because of my foolish- 
 ness. ^ I am troubled: I am bowed down greatly: I go mourning all the 
 day long. For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease; and there is 
 no soundness in my flesh. (Read Isa. i., 6.) I am feeble and sore-broken. I 
 have roared because of the disquietness of my heart. Lord, all my desire 
 is before thee ; and my groaning is not hid from thee. My heart panteth, 
 my strength faileth me: (read Deut. xxviii., 65 — 67; xxxii., 36) as for the 
 light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me. My lovers and my friends 
 stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off". They also that 
 seek after my life lay snares for me : and they that seek my hurt speak 
 mischievous things and imagine deceits all the day long. But I, as a deaf 
 man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man, that openeth not his mouth. 
 For I said. Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me : when my 
 foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me. For I am ready to 
 halt, and my sorrow is continually before me. For I will declare mine ini- 
 quity; I will be sorry for my sin." Psa. xxxviii., 1 — 13, 16, 17, 18. 
 
 David having found the Lord precious to his soul, he encourageth oth- 
 ers to seek in like manner, saying, "Trust in him at all times ; ye people, 
 pour out your heart before him : God is a refuge for us." Psa. Ixii. 8. x-^nd 
 God saith, "To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a 
 contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word." Isa. Ixvi. 2; Ivii, 15 — 19; Lev. 
 xxvi., 40 ; Prov. xv., 1 3, And as He, which searcheth the heart, know- 
 eth what is the mind of the spirit. He hath declared, "Before they call, 
 I will answer, and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." Isa. !xv. 24. 
 He also calls, saying, "Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out 
 my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you." Prov. i., 23. 
 That you may be enabled to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness, 
 and declare with the Apostle, " Not by works of righteousness which we 
 have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of re- 
 generation, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which he shed on us abun- 
 
dantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by his grace, 
 we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." Titus iii., 
 5—7. 
 
 Therefore saith Jesus, " The whole need not a physician, but those that 
 are sick." "I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repen- 
 tance." As it is written, "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me: be- 
 cause the Lord hath annointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek ; 
 (not the whole and haughty) he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, 
 to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them 
 that are bound. (Read Psa. cvii, 8 — 14.) To proclaim the acceptable 
 year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God : to comfort all 
 that mourn. To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion; (mind what fol- 
 lows ;) to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the 
 garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness : that they might be called 
 trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. 
 Isa. Ixi. 1 — 3; read also Luke, iv, 18 — 44. 
 
 "And John calling unto him two of his disciples, sent them to Jesus, saying: Art 
 thou he that should come ? or look we for another ? When the men were come unto 
 him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should 
 come ? or look we for another ? And in that same hour he cured many of their infirm- 
 ities and plagues, and of evil spirits ; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. 
 Then Jesus answering said unto them. Go your way, and tell John what things ye 
 have seen and heard : how that the blind see, the lame walk, and the lepers are 
 cleaned, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached, and 
 blessed is he, whosoever shall not be oflended in me." Luke vii., 19 — 23. 
 
 Therefore, saith the Apostle, " Seeing we have this ministry, as we have obtained 
 mercy, we faint not. But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walk- 
 ing in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully ; but by manifestation of 
 the truth, commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 2d 
 Cor., iv., 1—2. 
 
 And when the Apostles commenced preaching at the day of Pentecost, we find them 
 charging home to the consciences of the Jews, then and there assembled, the sin of 
 crucifying the Saviour. And about three thousand of them being pricked in their 
 heart, manifested the same sign of grief and ignorance, as is spoken of in the text. 
 For it is written, " Now when they heard this they were pricked in their heart, and 
 said unto Peter and the rest of the Apostles : Men and brethren, what shall we do? 
 (The answer was) Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus 
 Christ, lor the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." — 
 Acts, ii., 37, 38. 
 
 This circumstance you see corroborated in part the testimony of the aged Simeon, 
 who said unto Mary, the mother of our Lord, " This child is set for the fall and ris- 
 ing again of many in Israel ; and for a sign which shall bespoken against; (yea, a 
 sword shall pierce through thy own soul also ;) that the thoughts of many hearts may 
 be revealed." Luke ii., 34, 35. 
 
 Now, if his own mother was not to escape experiencing the painful operation of 
 this piercing sword, penetrating her soul, how shall we escape? Particularly, when 
 the blessed Redeemer himself cautioned mankind, saying, " Think not that I am come 
 to send peace on earth ; I came not to send peace but a sword. Matt, x., 34. And 
 John bears witness saying, " And out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword ; 
 and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, 
 I fell at his feet as dead." Rev. i, 16—17. 
 
 And this sword of the spirit must be wielded by the champions and defenders of 
 truth in all ages, against all ungodliness, and unrighteousness. To execute judgment 
 and justice, and convince ungodly sinners of their ungodly deeds, and of their hard 
 speeches against the Lord, and against his Christ, till his foes be made his footstool. 
 " For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them, 
 0, that they were wise, tiiat they understood this, that they would consider their lat- 
 ter end !" Deut. xxxii., 28 — 29; read also John, xvi., 8: Jude 15, IG verses. 
 
 May theLord be pleased first to cause you to pass under the rod, then bring you 
 into the bond of the covenant, make his face to shine upon you, and fill you with joy 
 and peace in believing, that you may be enabled to serve him in sincerity and godly 
 simplicity all your days. AVhile I remain thine to serve faithfully in the Lord. 
 
 September 19th, 1859. Frederick Hasted. 
 
COPY OF A LETTER 
 
 Weittex from Buffalo, State of IsT. Y., Decembee 21st, 1860. 
 
 To the Honorable Abraham Lincoln, President elect, of the United States of 
 North America. * 
 
 Dear Sir : — After mailing to you some pamphlets, &c., &c., on the 19th 
 inst., I returned home and read in a newspaper that it was rumored at Wash- 
 ington that you and Mr. Hamlin were to be assassii^||gjfc|>ut the report was 
 not credited. Should this rumor prove to be true, it^^HgM|)nly a scheme 
 6f the enemy to try and deter you from appearing tol^^^^^ed. 
 
 Therefore do not heed it, for you are aware of the tigers, difficulties and 
 severe trials David had to pass through and surmount before he ascended the 
 throne of Israel. And on the strength of his experience he exhorts the people 
 of God, saying, "Trust in the Lord and do good: so shalt thou dwell in the 
 land, and verity thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord : and he 
 shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord ; 
 trust also in him ; and he shall bring it to pass." Psa. xxxvii. 3, 4, 5. 
 
 God having decided to remove Saul from being King over Israel, he com- 
 manded Samuel to go and anoint one of Jesse's sons, whom he would name 
 unto him, and he selected David, and who could disannul if? or frustrate God's 
 design 1 Saul and his servants strove hard, but could not prevail. Now, Saul 
 had not done anything which appeared very evil in the sight of men, but he had 
 disobeyed God's command, and that was the cause of his removal. 
 
 And has not the head of this nation, and those about him, done many things 
 which appear evil in the sight of men 1 as well as disobeying God's command, 
 where he saith, " Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do 
 to you, do ye even so to them : for this is the law and the prophets." Matt. 
 
 vii. 12.' 
 
 If God has now decided to remove those from authority who despise him, 
 and disobey his commands, who is to disannul if? Are the ungodly always to 
 rule 1 Hear the answer. " The prosperity of fools shall destroy them : but 
 whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of 
 evil." Prov. i. 32, 33. 
 
 You have been chosen by the people to rule over them, and in all probability 
 bv God's appointment, consequently he will require you to do His pleasure, and 
 not the pleasure of wicked men. You know why the world hated Christ 1 It 
 was because he testified of it that the works thereof are evil. See John vii. 7. 
 Of course you will not have the power David had. Your power will be lim- 
 ited. You will have to execute the laws enacted by Congress, If they enact 
 imrighteous, wrievous or oppressive laws, God will hold them responsible. For 
 it is written.*'" He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good ; and what doth the 
 Lord require of thee, but to do justly and to love mercy, and to Wiilk humbly 
 with thy Godl Micah. vi. 8. And not seek to fevor the gain of oppression, 
 and lose their own soul. 
 
 Hence the important question put by the great master of assemblies. " What 
 is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul ?" 
 Matt. xvi. 26. 
 
Why then should the unrighteous gahis of slave-ti'ading and slaveholding, in- 
 fluence the minds of men to such an extent as to induce them to try to deter an 
 honorable man from doing his duty toward both God and man ? Are they fully 
 bent on their own, or the country's destruction, if they can accomplish it ? 
 Are the same dark and crimson crimes which were perpetrated in Kansas, to be 
 performed over again at the city of Washington ? If so, is it not high time the 
 system of slavery was done away 1 Therefore, as the cause is God's, stand up 
 boldly in defence of truth and righteousness ; facing danger like a Christian 
 trusting in the Lord, who is able to deliver you out of the hand of evil doers. 
 
 Nevertheless, in order to show us it is not good to flinch, He proclaimed : 
 " Whosoever will save his life shall lose it : and whosoever will lose his life for 
 my sake shall find it." Matt. xvi. 25. " And I say unto you, my friends, be 
 not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can 
 do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear : Fear him, which after he 
 hath killed hath power to cast into hell ; yea, I say unto you, fear him." Luke 
 xii. 4, 5. 
 
 Therefore, may ^«|Lord be pleased to enable you fearlessly to undertake, 
 and faithfull}MM|^^^B your duty both to God and man, as a true Christian 
 ought to do. ^B^^^P^B^ 
 
 And 1 consiOTT it^^ bounden duty of every true Christian, every true pa- 
 triot, and every well-wisher to the country to endea-'^or to strengthen your hands 
 in the Lord, who hath declared : " The fear of the Liord is to hate evil, pride, 
 and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward moath do I hate. Counsel 
 is mine, and sound wisdom ; I am understanding, I have strength. By me 
 kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even 
 all the judges of the earth. 1 love them that love me : and those that seek me 
 early shall find me. Riches and honor are with me ; yea, durable riches and 
 righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold : and my rev- 
 enue than choice silver. 1 lead in the way of righteousness in the midst of the 
 paths of judgment : That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance ; 
 and I will fill their treasures." Prov. viii, 13 to 21. 
 
 Thus, you see, those that are influenced by God, rules righteously, not 
 wickedly. He will not own such as decree unrighteous decrees, because they 
 are influenced by the enemy of God and man. Therefore he saith : " Woe 
 unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which 
 they have prescribed : To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take 
 away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, 
 and that they may rob the fatherless." Isaiah x. 1,2. 
 
 See also how applicable the following portion of scripture is to the present 
 state of affairs iu the country, in view of the imbecility of its late rulers. " And 
 I will give children (for explanation read Matt. xiii. 38, 39,) to be their princes, 
 and babes (see Heb. v. 12, 13, 14,) shall rule over them. And the people shall be 
 oppressed every one by another, and every one by his neighbor: the child shall 
 behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honorable. 
 
 When a man shall take hold of his brother of the house of his father, saying, 
 Thou hast clothing, be thou our ruler, and let this ruin be under thy hand. In 
 that day shall he swear, saying, I will not be an healer, for in my house is neither 
 bread nor clothing, make me not a ruler of the people. For Jerusalem is 
 ruined, and J udah is fallen : because their tongue and their doings are against 
 the Lord, to provoke the eyes of his glory." Isaiah iii. 4 to 8. 
 
 President Buchanan, and others speak of the prosperity of the country under 
 the present order of things. But what are its effects ? It tends only to make 
 men forget God. As it is written, " In prosperity they forgat me, but in their 
 trouble they will seek me early." May they not e.xpect trouble then, if they 
 continue their present evil course ? 
 
Hear what God saith to rebellious sinners, " Because I have called, and ye 
 refused ; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded : But ye have set 
 at naught all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I will also laugh at 
 your calamity ; I will mock when your fear cometh ; when your fear cometh as 
 desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind : when distress and an- 
 guish cometh upon you. Then shall ye call upon me, l)ut I will not answer : 
 they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me. For that they hated 
 knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord : they would none of my 
 counsel : they despised all my reproof Therefore shall they eat of the fruit 
 of their own way, and be filled with their own devices." Proverbs i. 24 to 31. 
 
 Under present circumstances would it not be well for the slaveholders to re- 
 flect, and consider their perilous position in the sight of God ? And like the 
 people of Nineveh, repent and turn to God, by giving up the system of slavery 
 for a stipulated sum of money, and avert the vengeance of Heaven 1 
 
 The father of his country, and the framers of the Constitution, hopefully 
 looked to the gradual, but final extinction of slavery in this land of freedom. 
 And their hope has been realized, so far as the Northern peonl^ are concerned. 
 But the Southern people, or a portion of them, are yec obst^^MI and rebellious 
 against the Lord, and instead of extinguishing it, they have increased the evil to 
 such an alarming extent, th^p it has divided the churches as well as the public ; 
 and they are now wickedly £,<^king to divide the country, in order perpetually to 
 pursue their sinful and v,icked course. 
 
 All the morning, and a fifth part of the afternoon of the nineteenth century 
 they have spent in this dark benighted condition. When will they learn wis- 
 dom, and seek to be enlightened with the light of the living. Oh, that the sun 
 of righteousness may arise and shine upon them with healing underneath his 
 beams, and scatter those clouds of darkness, wickedness and woe, that the true 
 light may shine among them more and more unto the perfect day. 
 
 Why are they so anxious to retain and cherish slavery 1 are its fruits of such 
 vast importance, and so difficult to raise that they cannot be obtained without 
 upholding slavery? I believe the principal productions of slave labor, are cot- 
 ton, sugar, rice, hemp and tobacco. 
 
 Can not these things be raised by free colored persons, as well as slaves ? 
 Even supposing it should cost the planters a little more to hire free colored 
 persons than to keep slaves, could they not charge a little higher price for their 
 productions 1 And would it not be much better and more Christian-like for the 
 consumers both at home and abroad to pay a little more for those commodities 
 than to have the crimes accompanying the slave system charged to their ac- 
 count by the Almighty ? 
 
 According to human law, is not the receiver considered nearly or quite as 
 bad as the thief? on the supposition, thatif there were no receivers, there would 
 be no thieves. And will not God view things in a similar light ? And if the 
 consumers to a certain extent are responsible to God for the sins of slavery, are 
 they not deeply interested in the removal of the system 1 
 
 Why then do not the people offer to compensate the slave owners, if they 
 will do away with the system. And if they will not consent to do away with 
 it on condition of being paid a reasonable compensation, then let the friends of 
 freedom throughout the world make up their minds and agree not to purchase 
 or use anything raised by slave laber. And then the slave owners would soon 
 be glad to come to terms, or get into trouble among themselves. 
 
 But I hope they will seriously consider their ways and act wisely. And may 
 the Lord bless them and make his face to shine upon them, that glory, praise 
 and honor may redound unto his most holy name, for the same, through time 
 and all eternity. While I remain thine to serve, in all simplicity and sincerity, 
 as the country's well-wisher. Frederick Hasted. 
 
p. S. I believe the United States is now the last country in the world to pro- 
 claim liberty to the captive, excepting Cuba, where I presume it is kept up princi- 
 pally to supply the Southern States with slaves. 
 
 But it appears the time for it to be done away by Congress, has arrived ; and I 
 hope the friends of freedom, the friends of Christ and his religion, and the advo- 
 cates of the rights of man, will exert themselves to the utmost of their ability in 
 endeavoring to obtain the liberation of the slaves by means of a reasonable com- 
 pensation, which appears to be the only equitable way of getting rid of the evil. 
 
 If your friends and the friends of freedom rally now and obtain it, it will not only 
 save you and your cabinet a great deal of trouble, ill feeling and inconvenience, but 
 it will be accomplishing a great and good work for the whole country. 
 
 Therefore, as this appears to me to be the time for action, I consider the people 
 have as much to do with what I have written as yourself. Consequently I have 
 taken the liberty to write off a copy to send to Mr. Greeley, to see if he would like 
 to give it a place in his widely circulated and valuable paper. F. H. 
 
 Copy of a Letter written from Buffalo, N. Y., Feb. 4, 1861. 
 To the Hon. Hetuice Greeley. 
 
 Sir : — Will youTiave the kindness to give the following a place in your widely 
 circulated and valuable paper ? 
 
 If I understand right, the whole of the United States have adopted " Liberty " 
 for their national emblem. How is it then that the people of the Southern States 
 are so strongly attached to bondage ? Is it not because they are the children of 
 the bond-woman themselves, instead of being children of the free-woman ? We are 
 informed, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bond-maid and the other by a 
 free-woman. But he who was of the bond-woman was born after the flesh, but he 
 of the free-woman was by promise ; which things are an allegory : for these are 
 the two covenants. Gal. iv, 22, 23, 24. 
 
 By this the Apostle shows the difference between the natural and spiritual seed 
 of Abraham, which is of vast importance to the soul. But on that point I am not 
 now going to treat. But as respects natural things I am going to compare Wash- 
 ington with Abraham. 
 
 You are aware, that neither of these great men were kings. Yet they are called 
 fathers, and they exerted, and still do exert more influence over mankind than many 
 kings. God made promise to Abraham that he wonld make him a father of many 
 nations. And although Washington had no natural children, yet he is called the 
 father of his country. 
 
 ?fow, if you take notice, Washington espoused " Liberty," but he spent consid- 
 erable time in gaining her. But in the interim he had, as it were, children by the 
 bond-maid. For not only did slavery exi.st in the land, but the whole people con- 
 sidered themselves in bondage to Great Britain. 
 
 Consequently, like Ishmael, they were the children of the bond-woman (or " Lib- 
 erty's servant,) and his first-born, and helped him subdue the land. Yet they were 
 not the true heirs, being children of the bond-woman, instead of the free-woman. 
 
 But when, through a kind Providence, Washington was enabled to establish free- 
 dom in the land, " Liberty," or the free-woman also bare children to Washington, 
 and these (like Isaac) are the true heirs to whom the inheritance of freedom right- 
 fully belong-i, because they eiubrace the faith and carry out the principles of Wash- 
 ington. 
 
 As the Apostle spake of Abraham and his seed, saying, "Know ye there- 
 fore that they which are of fiiith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the 
 scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached 
 before the gospel unto Abraham, saying: "In thee shall all the nations of the earth 
 be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham." 
 Gal. iii. V, 8, 9. 
 
Thus, you see, as the spiritual seed of Abraham, which are born to him of the 
 free-woman, (for explanation read Gal. iv. 26) are required to tread in his steps. So 
 the true seed of Washington, which are born to him of " Liberty," or the free- 
 woman, are required to tread in his steps, and act as becometh the children of a 
 great man, endeavoring to carry out great principles. 
 
 For as God promised to make Abraham a father of many nations, declaring that 
 in him and in his seed should all the nations of the earth be blessed, in a spiritual 
 sense; so it appears to be the intention of the Almighty to bless all nations in 
 Washington and his seed by the free-woman, in a temporal sense. For not only 
 has the great achievements of Washington had a beneficial effect on the nations of 
 Europe, but his wise and virtuous conduct, unselfish and noble aims for the pub- 
 lic good, have gained for him the admiration of the world. And men of great 
 minds and generous principles strive to imitate him as far as circumstances will allow 
 them. 
 
 Yet, not in this respect alone, are the nations blessed in Washington. But 
 through him, as an instrument in the hand of God, a great extent of rich and fer- 
 tile land was opened for settlement. To which the poor, industrious and oppressed 
 of all nations might flock. To seek a home, enjoy peace and obtsi^|: a competency 
 agreeable to the provisions of the Constitution. 
 
 But the children of the bond-woman who inhabit the Southern States, do not 
 tread in tLe steps of their illustrious father. For they not only exclude free- 
 dom from the States where they dwell, but seek to contract its area, endeavoring to 
 grasp free soil to pollute it, by planting slavery thereon. 
 
 What would Garibaldi think of the Neapolitans, if, after he had risked his life so 
 often to free them from the yoke of a tyrant, the people of Sicily were to intro- 
 duce negroes from Africa and establish slavery over the whole Island, and thus set up 
 a host of petty tyrants ? Would he not be ready to wish he had never done any 
 thing for a people so utterly unworthy of freedom ? 
 
 And does not the slaveholders at the South stand in a similar position with Wash- 
 ington ? Are they not endeavoring to spread slavery to the utmost of their ability ? 
 And boasting of the mischief they will do, if they cannot have their way ? By 
 endeavoring to pull down, break to pieces and destroy what Washington labored so 
 hard and so diligently to build up, establish, and maintain ? Ought they not to feel 
 ashamed in the eyes of the world? Or are they become so brutish in their know- 
 ledge that they have no sense of shame, or of right and wrong ? They seem to be 
 acting like cattle breaking into a fruitful enclosure, destroying ten times more than 
 they need to consume. 
 
 What is slavery, in comparison with the Union ? Oh, that they were wise, that 
 they would forsake their evil course, adopt the principles of Washington, and 
 endeavor to carry out his plans by extending the area of freedom, instead of en- 
 croaching on freedom's soil, endavoring to run away with " Liberty," (whom the 
 free sons of Washington have espoused) to pollute her, by making a prostitute or 
 an adulteress of her. 
 
 To filch her fortune and her fame, 
 To fix a blot upon her name, 
 
 And leave her broken hearted. 
 
 Is not this enough to arouse the wrath of her sons, who are jealous of her honor 
 and her integrity ? Is it not easy to see who is in the right, and who is in the 
 wroncr? Jesus declared, " Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather 
 grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles ? Even so, every good tree bringeth forth good 
 fruit : but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit." Matt. vii. 16, 17. 
 
 On the strength of this the Apostle asks this important question: "Know ye 
 not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom 
 ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness ?" Rom. 
 vi. 16. 
 
Now, are the people of* tte slaveliokling States serving God or Mammon ? Are 
 their fruits good, or are they evil ? Several of the States have departed from the 
 Union, as sinners depart from God. And I suppose you are aware that those who 
 do well, are not required by God to turn toward those who do evil. But he re- 
 quires those who do evil, to turn from their wickedness, toward those who do well. 
 
 Therefore, it is written, " In returning and rest shall ye be saved ; in quiet- 
 ness and in confidence shall be your strength :" Isaiah xxx. 15. Consequently, 
 God saith to his servant, "Let them return unto you; but return not thou unto 
 them." Jeremiah xv. 19. 
 
 Have the rebellious States any need be told which is to their interest, to return 
 as they ought to do, or keep away and go on sinning as they ought not to do ? 
 
 I would most seriously exhort them in the language of scripture, " To consider 
 their ways," and return to God, and the Union, and may the Lord bless them, and 
 cause his face to shine upon them, until he hath enlightened the whole South. 
 While I remain, in all simplicity, a well-wisher to the whole country, 
 
 Frkderick Hasted. 
 
 Copy" of A'^Letter written from Buffalo, N. Y., April 23d, 1861. 
 To the Hon. Jefferson Davis, Montgomery, State of Alabama. 
 
 Sir: — About a year ago, I sent to you at Washington, D. C, some of my 
 pamphlets, hoping you would have seen the propriety of endeavoring to do away 
 with the system of slavery on some equitable plan. Whether you received them, 
 or not, I do not know, but seeing by the newspapers you are now pursuing a widely 
 different course, I feel desirous of holding a little serious conversation with you on 
 the awful state of afl'airs you have already produced, and are still producing. For 
 your attack on the national flag in the bombardment of Fort Sumter, has united 
 the people of the free States against you to such an extent, that it will now be dif- 
 ficult to appease their indignation. Nevertheless there is, I think, one way open 
 yet ; and hoping you are not a stranger to some sober second thoughts, and that 
 you might yet allow yourself to be guided by good counsel, I take the liberty of 
 asking you the following questions : 
 
 First, Have you duly considered the great evils you are about to bring upon 
 yourself, your friends, and the whole American people ? Second, Is the slave sys- 
 tem of more value, and of greater importance, than the lives of thousands, and 
 probably millions of white people ? Third, Would it not be wiser and more noble 
 to display true patriotism, as every true Christian ought to do, and use your influ- 
 ence with the slave owners in advising them to do awny with the slave system, 
 provided the people through the Government and Congress would pay them a cer- 
 tain sum of money, as compensation for freeing their slaves ? 
 
 Acting on this principle, they would be remunerated to a reasonable extent, and 
 not lose the labor of their colored people, because when freed they could hire as 
 many as they needed to work for them, as laborers are hired in the free States. 
 
 Moreover this would make room for the employment of your already free colored 
 population, which now appears to be considered a nuisance among you. Thus 
 everything might be made to run smoothly throughout the whole country. 
 
 Only consider the blood shed, the money expended, the property lost, belonging 
 to individuals and corporate companies as well as the Government, through being 
 carried off, burned, and otherwise destroyed in Texas and elsewhere ah'eady. And 
 how much more none can tell if you continue your present course; beside demoral- 
 izing the people, destroying their peace, prosperity and comfort, setting brother 
 against brother, as if to see which can do the other the most mischief. And what 
 for ? Merely to uphold, perpetuate and extend slavery, when you are aware all the 
 civilized world are opposed to the system. And I hope you are not so blind as to 
 suppose God will not hold you and others responsible for the evils springing out of 
 it. If you wish information on this point, read Psalm 1. 16 to 22. 
 
But if you repent, and bring forth fruits meet for repentance by giving up your 
 idols, he has promised forgiveness. Therefore, by doing away with slavery you 
 may not only avert the judgments of God against your country, but again have an 
 opportunity of enjoying the same privileges as other citizens, besides having the 
 honor of restoring the Union to a permanent peace and social intercourse which 
 nothing can then interrupt, and thereby obtain the esteem and good will of all truly 
 Christian people. 
 
 I beo" to inform you that I am an Englishman, and a British subject, and conse- 
 quently a disinterested intercessor. I have been within the Union more than seven- 
 teen years, and have traveled over a portion of all the States north of North Carolina, 
 Tennessee and Arkansas, excepting Minnesota, (being twenty States,) circulating 
 religious poetry and pamphlets among the people; and I dread to contemplate the 
 awful scenes likely to attend an intestine war, particularly in the South, seeing she 
 is composed of such combustible materials. For I love the American people, and 
 hope the Union may yet be preserved to the end of time. And in order to assist 
 a little in restoring it to peace and prosperity, I would very willingly subscribe 
 one hundred dollars toward purchasing the freedom of the slaves, and should feel 
 much pleasure in having the opportunity afforded me. 
 
 And can your love of the Union, being an American, be less than mine, who am 
 a foreigner ? I hope you will seriously consider these things and act in a right and 
 Christian spirit. And should you feel disposed to drop me a few lines, stating that 
 you will try to bring this about, I should be happy to exert my humble influence 
 with the people of the North, in endeavoring to settle the controversy in such a 
 friendly manner. For it is written, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall 
 be called the children of God." Matt. v. 9. And I suppose you are aware that 
 God is pleased, at times, to make use of weak and humble instruments to bring 
 about and accomplish his great designs. 
 
 Hoping you will kindly accept my humble suggestions, I remain yours sincerely 
 in the Lord. Frederick Hasted. 
 
 Copt of a Letter written from Buffalo, N. Y., April 27th, 1861, 
 
 To Hon. Horace Greeley, editor in chief of the New Yorh Tfihune. 
 
 Mr. Editor : — Sir, I beg to inform you, that directly after breakfast this morning, 
 a passage of scripture came powerfully to my mind, which, during the present excited 
 state of the public mind appears not to have been noticed. 
 
 God declared by the prophet, " I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south. 
 Keep not back : bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the 
 earth." Isaiah xliii. 6. 
 
 Now, as God speaks to the heart and conscience of man, both in his written 
 word and by his Spirit, we may easily perceive how it has operated in time past, 
 and how it should continue to operate throughout time, in a temporal as well as in a 
 spiritual point of view. For the northern people on this Continent have given up 
 the system of slavery long since. And the northern Autocrat of all the Russias, and 
 his people, have and are giving up the system of serfdom. Is it not now high time 
 for the South to hearken ? and not keep back : by withholding freedom, and fight- 
 ing to maintain slavery ? Do not the southern people profess to be Christians? and 
 declare they are contending for a good cause ? even the cause of God and liberty ? 
 If this were true, would they not prove it by their works ? for Jesus informed his 
 followers how they might know who are true Christians, saying: "Ye shall know 
 them by their fruits. Not every one that saith unto me. Lord, Lord, shall enter into 
 the kingdom of Heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven. 
 Many will say to me in that day. Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name ? 
 and in thy name have cast out devils ? and in thy name done many wonderful 
 works ? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you : depart from me, 
 ye that work iniquity." Matt. vii. 16, 21, 22, 23; read also Isaiah Iviii. 1 to 7; 
 
8 
 
 2d Thess, ii. 1 to 1 2. And the Apostle spake of same, saying : " They profess that 
 they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, 
 and to every good work reprobate." Titus i. 16 ; read also Jeremiah xvii. 9, 10, 11. 
 Therefore in order to give them an opportunity to examine themselves so as to 
 be enabled to ascertain correctly whether they are really serving God, or opposing 
 him in the work of civilization and christianization, I entreat you kindly to conde- 
 scend to publish this in your widely circulated and valuable paper, and oblige yours 
 sincerely, Frederick Hasted. 
 
 TO THE READER. 
 
 In the Report of the Secretary of War, dated December 1st, 1861, I saw it stated that the 
 slave property of the States in rebellion has been variously estimated at the value of from Seven 
 to Ten Hundred Millions of Dollars. 
 
 And I expect it will cost the Union people that amount, or more, to put down the rebellion, 
 replace property destroyed, and repair property injured; to say nothing of the sacrifice of life, 
 and derangement of business and commerce. 
 
 And to the rebels the loss will be greater, beside causing the inhabitants of the slave States 
 to endure much privation, perplexity, distress, sickness and suffering, entailing upon them dis- 
 eases of various kinds, and death in different shapes and forms, through the pride, obstinacy, 
 and ambition of evil designing men. 
 
 It is really horrible for those at a distance only to read the accounts, and what must it be to 
 those who are under its baneful influence, and sensibly feel its sad and ruinous effects ? 
 
 Why will men be so obstinate and rebellious against the Lord, and rush on headlong to 
 destruction like Pharaoh? Is not his fate recorded? Why then tread in his steps ? Are they 
 determined to prove that God calls in vain, (at least to them,) saying: " consider your ways." 
 
 See how much better it would have been for all concerned if my suggestions had been 
 accepted, acted on, and carried out, so as for the slaves to have been liberated for a reasonable 
 compensation. That would have preserved the peace and prosperity of the whole country so 
 that the nation would have scarcely felt the cost, saved much blood and treasure, furthered the 
 cause of God and christian benevolence, exalted the nation in the eyes of the world, and have 
 screened Mexico from foreign invasion. 
 
 Instead of which, this that is written cometh to pass, " Fools because of their transgressions, 
 and because of their iniquities are afflicted. Because they rebelled against the words of God, 
 and contemned the counsel of the Most High." Psalm, evii. 11, 17. Read also Jeremiah i. 
 4 to 19. Because that shows that in all things pertaining to hfe and Godliness the servant of 
 the Lord has to do with all nations, kindreds, people and tongues. 
 
 If you wish further information on this point, read Proverbs, xv. 1 to 10 ; Revelations, vii. 9. 
 
 While I remain yours sincerely in the Lord, Frederick Hasted. 
 
 It is now March 14th, 18G2. 
 
 I will here introduce a beautiful piece of poetry, showing that while the Union sentinel is 
 quietly performing his < :aty, a Southern assassin, disguised as a soldier, violates God's command 
 " Thou shalt not lie in A'ait to shed blood." 
 
 THE PICKET GUARD. 
 
 " All quiet along; the Potomac," they say, 
 
 " Except, now and then, astray picket 
 Is shot, as he wallcs on his beat to and fro, 
 
 By a rifleman hid in the thicket. 
 'Tis niithing— a private or two. now and then, 
 
 Will not count in the news of the battle; 
 Not an officer lost— only one of the men 
 
 Moaning out, all alone, the death rattle." 
 
 All quiet along the Potomac to-night, 
 Where the soldiers lie peacefully dreaming; 
 Their tents in the rays of the clear autumn moon. 
 
 Or the light of the watch-fire are gleaming. 
 A tremulous sigh, as tlie gentle night-wind 
 
 Through the forest leaves softly is creeping ; 
 While stars up above, wiih their glittering eyes. 
 
 Keep guard — for the army is sleeping. 
 
 There's only the sound of the lone sentry's tread, 
 
 As he tramps from the rock to the fountain ; 
 \nd he thinks of the two in the low trundle bed, 
 Far away in the cot on the mountain, 
 lis musket falls slack — his face, dark and grim, 
 Grows gentle, with memories tender. 
 
 As he mutters a prayer for the children asleep — 
 For their mother— may Heaven defend her ! 
 
 The moon seems to shine just as brightly as then, — 
 
 That night when the love, yet unspoken. 
 Leaped up to her I'ps — when low-murmured vows 
 
 Were pledged, to be ever unbroken. 
 Then drawing his sleeve rougldy over his eyes, 
 
 He dashes otf tears that are vvelling, 
 And gather's his gun closer up to Its place 
 
 As if to keep down the heart-swelling. 
 
 He passes the fountain, the blasted pine tree, — 
 
 The footstep is lagging and weary ; 
 Tet onward he goes, through the "broad belt of light 
 
 Toward the shade of the forest so dreary, 
 Hark ! was it the night-wind that rustled the leaves ? 
 
 Was it moonlight so wondrously tlasliing? 
 It looked like a ritie — "Ha! Mary, good-bye!" 
 
 And the life-blood is ebbing and plashing. 
 
 Al' quiet along the Potomnc to-night! 
 
 No sound save the rush of the river; 
 While soft falls the dew on the face of the dead — 
 
 The picket's off duty forever! E. B. 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
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