Rachel weeping for her children was comforted because they had not died in vain. Larders were not bare, clothes were not lacking. The fastings and prayers of the devout were full of praise and thanksgiving. For the undevout, Good Friday was a feast day and a day of jollification. In Charleston, South Carolina, gaping with scars of shot and shell of her long, long, siege, the roses and oleanders and palmettoes strove to cover with beauty the wounds of war, and in their fragrance to breathe nature's sympathy and faithfulness. Her own desolate people kept within doors. The streets were thronged with a cheerful, well-clad crowd; the city was overflowing with Northern men and women of distinction. In the bay lay Dahlgren's fleet, gay flags all a-flying. On land and water bands played merrily. Fort Sumter's anniversary was to be celebrated. The Union flag was to be raised over the ruined pile by General Robert Anderson, who had lost the fort in 1861. In the company duly assembled were Henry Ward Beecher, Theodore Tilton, William Lloyd Garrison, Rev. Dr. Storrs. Mr. Beecher uttered words of kindly sentiment towards the South. He gave God thanks for preserving Lincoln's life, accepting this as a token of divine favor to the Nation. Dr. Storrs read: "'When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.'" The people: "'Then was our mouth filled with laughter and our tongue with singing.'" And so on through the 126th Psalm. Then: "'Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.'" And: "'They are brought low and fallen, but we are risen and stand upright.'" "The Star-Spangled Banner" was sung, and the guns of Dahlgren's fleet thundered honours to the Stars and Stripes, which, rising slowly and gracefully, fluttered out in triumph against the Southern sky. At sunset, guns boomed again, proud signal to the ending of the perfect day. The city, silent and sad as far as its own people were concerned, rang with the strangers' joyaunce. Social festivities ruled the hour. General Gillmore entertained at a great banquet. The bay was ablaze with fireworks; all forts were alight; the beautiful Sea Islands, whose owners roamed in destitute exile, gleamed in shining circle, the jewels of the sea. The 14th was a red-letter day in the National Capital. Everything spoke of victory and gladness. Washington held the two idols of the North--Lincoln and Grant. It was Mr. Lincoln's perfect hour. He went about with a quiet smile on his face. The family breakfast at the White House was very happy; Captain Robert Lincoln was visiting his parents. General Grant was present at the Cabinet meeting during the forenoon, Mr. Lincoln's last. These are some of the President's words: