Fort Lafayette or, Love and Secession

and Harold exerting themselves to the utmost to protect Oriana from the brambles, and to guide her footsteps along the uneven ground and among the decayed branches and other o

and hollows that were soon transformed into miniature pools and streams. Oriana strove to treat the adventure as a theme for laughter, and for awhile chatted gaily with her companions; but it was evident that she was fast becoming weary, and that her thin-shod feet were wounded by constant contact with the twigs and shar

ant indicated that the cabin, such as it was, had been discovered. As they approached, they were surprised to observe rays of light streaming through the cracks and crevices, as if a fire were blazing within. It was an uni

ched a negro's form, wrapped in a tattered blanket. He started up as his unwelcome visitors entered, and looked frightened and bewildered, as if suddenly awakened from a sound sleep. However

m as it ran like a deer into the shadow of the woods. At every shot, the negro

Five dollars apiece and a gallon of

went off in chase and were soo

e fire. The poor girl was evidently prostrated with fatigue and excitement, yet, with a faint laugh and a jest as she glanced

somewhat revived her spirits. "You must acknowledge me a prophetess, gentlemen," she

, "our adventure will prove no misfortune, but only a theme for mi

ons, "and have passed the ordeal of many a thorough wetting with impunity. Never fear but I shall fare well enough. I am only sor

rast my remembrance of the many happy hours we have passed together," said Arthur, with a t

nd dwelt upon the hour when he, perhaps, should tread with hostile arms the soil that was the birthplace of his beloved. "Can it be possible," he thought, "that betwe

aiment being partially dried, rested

grotesque discomfort of their situation. Arthur threw fresh fuel upon the fire, and the crackling twigs sent up a fitful flame, that fel

do you think this unfortunate affai

rn hearts are made of sterner stuff than is

of Souther

r, with a pensive smile, and bendin

, and glanced half repr

han my judgment, tells me that they will no longer exist when the chariot-wheels of war shall have swept over the land. Whatever be the disparity of strength, wealth and numbers, and whatever may be the result of encounters upon the battle-field, such a terrible war a

r than a patriot," said Ha

n with me to give my voice against the doctrine of coercion. My judgment may err, or my sensibilities may be 'too full of the milk of human kindness' to serve the stern exigencies of the crisis with a Spartan's callousness and a R

you seem to excuse those who seek

have them judged harshly, for I belie

y rebellion against a govern

for years has been levelled against an institution which they believe to be righteous and founded upon divine precept. But I think this is not the hour for justification or for cr

a constitutional repugnance to the severities of warfare? Away with such sickly sentimentality! Such theories, if carried into

hat our nationality would not survive a struggle between the sections. There is no danger th

must a traitor of necessity go unpunished, since the nature of the crime requires that the

necessity, for the public good. It were poor policy to compass the

country that would humiliate a governmen

uthern rifles. If I have read of the hardy Northern volunteers on the battle-plains of Mexico; I remember the Palmetto boys at Cherubusco, and the brave Mississippians at Buena Vista. Is it a wonder, then, that my heartstrings ache when I see the links breaking that bind me to such memories? If I would have the Government parley awhile for the sake of peace, even although the strict law sanction the bayonet and cannon, I do it in the name of the sacred past, when the ties of brotherhood were strong. I counsel not humiliation nor submission, but conciliation. I counsel it, not only as an expedient, but as a tribute to the affinities of almost a century. I love the Union too well to be willing that its fate sh

ell to believe you capable of an unworthy motive. But what, in the name of common justice, would you have us do, when rebellion alrea

conclude for himself, not whether his flag has been insulted, or whether there are injuries to avenge, or criminals to be punished, but what is best and surest to be done for the welfare of his country. If he believe the Union can only be preserved by war, let his voice be for war; if by peace, let him counsel peace, as I do,

riana had awakened with the vehemence of his language, and gazing with interest upon his now animated features, had been listen

" exclaimed Harold wit

dhounds in this neighborhood, nor are the

e been made familiar with their baying whil

pon the night wind, and fell with a

rse voice at the doorway, and Seth Rawbon ent