tative. I received it as an evidence of the surgeon's personal kind feelings.

Went into the adjoining room, and offered to pay Mr. Devine, the tailor - he that gave me a pipe- for sewing a button on my pants Saturday before I got up; he would receive nothing. I thanked him sincerely and by way of making him some return that he could not object to, gave him some of my peaches. For this, the good lady who sent them would excuse me, I feel assured. Morning papers, but no letter. Oh how long, how long shall I remain in such suspense? My head aches. I see nothing in the papers I care a fig about. A letter from home, from Linton, is what I want. Sorely depressed do I feel to-day.

11.30-Went to Lieutenant Woodman's room. Returned Harper's Weekly. Went to sutler's. Saw both the brothers Hall; had long and pleasant talk with them in their office or store. They told me that the things ordered had come a button, Scotch Ale, and tin bathtub. They gave me the button, and Geary came for the ale while I was there. I left at the noon or drum signal. Went on the terreplein. Walked round it twice. counted the steps and made it 1050; so, twice round is a little over a mile. Descended, somewhat fatigued but feeling better. Opened a bottle of ale and took a glass full with ice. Have been reading the "Life of John Wilson" [Christopher North]. Was much struck with this sketch of Miss Edgeworth in one of Lockhart's letters to Wilson: "Miss Edgeworth is at Abbotsford and has been for some time, a little, dark, bearded, sharp, withered, active, laughing, talking, impudent, fearless, outspoken, honest, Whiggish, unchristian, good-tempered, kindly, ultra-Irish body. I like her one day and damn

her to perdition the next. She is a very queer character. Particulars some other time." This is rather racy word portraiture. Book laid aside. Musing, I have a presentiment that I shall hear good news. I don't think I am superstitious in the proper sense of that term, but I do believe in a Divine Providence and in His manifestations to me in spiritual communication. O Father, strengthen my belief! Whether this presentiment be true or not, O Father who knowest all things — things unknown to us - if this be but a vain fancy on my part, forgive its expression. Give me faith, patience, and fortitude.

Lieut. Woodman brought me Harper's Weekly. He remained some time and we talked about the Atlantic Cable. This was suggested by the Tribune on my table which compares the new cable with the old. The whole news-reading world will be agog and on tiptoe for a few days to know the result of the second great experiment to unite the Western and Eastern Hemispheres by telegraph. The Great Eastern is daily and hourly expected. A few days must end suspense on this big question. With earnest hopes for the success of the enterprise, I wait.

I read Harper's Weekly. My eyes are failing. Perhaps I use them too much. I cannot now, in this room at least, eat without the aid of glasses. I was surprised Friday when I went into Lieut. Woodman's room, and saw in his large mirror how white my head is getting. But the decline of my eyesight is far more serious than the whitening of my hair. For three or four days, the eyes have seemed weak and sore, apart from their dimness of vision.

A heavy cloud darkens the room so I can hardly see. A tempest of rain or wind, or both, is threatening. Not

much lightning or thunder. The boat has come and gone. No letters for me no news - nothing from home or any quarter. Oh, if those at home knew how I long for a letter from some of them, they would find some way to communicate with me or to get letters to me! Why do I not hear from Linton? My heart is sorely oppressed. It is now over a month since the date of his last letter. What is the cause of the delay? The rain pours, the floods come. Here I am, solitary and alone, in this darkened cell.

While the storm lasted, I went up to Lieut. W.'s room where I could look out, have more light; see the rain fall on the ground, always a pleasant sight to me, but which I had not witnessed since the shower that fell when we were on the Clyde in Hampton Roads. The Lieutenant showed me General Wade Hampton's letter to the people of South Carolina. From this it appears that Hampton has not left the State and does not intend to leave it, at least for the present. The letter is good in tone and spirit, but, in some respects, I question the policy advised. When the storm was over, I came down to my room, got my thick shoes and strolled forth. The sun was breaking through the clouds in the west; a rainbow was in the east. The ground was wet, but the air delightful. I had not walked long before Major Appleton joined me. We had a pleasant talk on rather abstruse subjects: nature, creation, the cosmos, life, the intellect, the soul, the Trinity, etc. I find that he is a Swedenborgian. He promised to let me have some of Swedenborg's writings. I have been waiting to learn something of this great theologian's doctrines. The walk and talk were very agreeable. The more I see of Major Appleton the more I like him.

CHAPTER XXI

UGUST 8. Rose at seven. Took a bath in

A

my new tin bath-tub, the best I have had since I have been here. It was a perfect luxury. Strolled about. Took up "Life of Wilson" and stretched myself on my bunk. Had not read many pages before Major Appleton called with two pamphlets containing extracts from Swedenborg. Lieut. Woodman called; took my thermometer to see what it would stand at in his room.

10.30. - Lieut. W. again returned, bringing me a letter. The writing in the address I did not recognize. On opening it, how my heart leaped for joy when I saw from the hand, as well as the old blank-book paper, that it was from Linton. And only one who has gone through something similar can imagine how greatly rejoiced I was, when assured by its perusal that he and all were well; and especially, when by a second and third perusal, noting every word closely, I felt assured that he was in as good state of mind as I could expect or hope for. This letter was dated 20th July. There is some mystery about its detention. It was approved by General Hooker in New York on 1st August, eight days ago. It has been longer coming from New York than in reaching that point from Sparta. Whose is the negligence or fault? I cannot believe that the officers here are to blame; I am fully persuaded that they have promptly discharged their duty. This letter has done me a vast deal of good.

To the great Ruler of the universe, my heart goes up in gratitude. Oh, that He may have my brother and all that are his in His holy keeping! Though we are separated, may that brother's heart and mine beat in unison! He speaks of having written me four letters. Two besides this have come to hand. Of mine, he had received those of 3d and 8th of June and 4th of July; none of the rest. I do hope he has by this received mine of 29th July, and that he is on his way here or soon will be. May God bless, save, protect, and bring him to me speedily!

The papers say Mr. Seward has returned to Washington from Cape May. The Herald has a long article on the Atlantic Cable with maps, etc. Finished Swedenborg's "Doctrine Concerning the Lord." It is a master production, the clearest exposition I have ever seen of the doctrine of the Trinity. It embodies some ideas I have long entertained. But what seems to be his idea of the resurrection is not one of these. The Scriptural view, I think, is that our material bodies will rise with our spirits or souls.

A REAL PRISON SKETCH, NO FANCY ABOUT IT

[Prisoner reading. Enter little girl, about four or five years old, standing at the door with some flowers.]

Prisoner. Oh what pretty flowers! Let me see them. Child. [Handing them.] They are for you.

Prisoner. Ah! [Takes and smells them.] Thank you. They are so beautiful and so sweet. Where did you get them?

Child. My mamma gave 'em to me.