[13] The publisher of "The Southern Soldier's Prize Songster," Mr. W. F. Wisely, of Mobile, Alabama, determined to use his efforts to produce a collection of original songs, solely by Southern writers, "offered a premium of fifty dollars" for the best song suited to the present time. A committee of three gentlemen (Rev. Dr. Pierce, Hon. Percy Walker, and G. Y. Overall, Esq.) were appointed to make the award. Near thirty pieces were submitted in competition, most of them possessing high literary merit. After much deliberation, the committee selected the piece entitled "Southland," as the most meritorious. The author's name was not given, he only requesting in his note that the money, if awarded him, should be paid over for the benefit of our necessitous soldiers. This modesty will add to the attractiveness of his piece, which is the first in the present volume.--_Preface to "The Southern Soldier's Prize Songster, containing Martial and Patriotic Pieces (chiefly original) applicable to the present war. Mobile, Ala.: W. F. Wisely, No. 38 St. Michael St., 1864."_ [14] This piece was originally published in the "Richmond Whig" at the time of "Stonewall" Jackson's last descent upon Maryland. [15] Heard after Pelham died. [16] The incident with which I have illustrated my opinion of the policy of those who would have us wait for a "reaction at the North," may be found in "Milman's Latin Christianity," vol. iii, p. 133. [17] It has been stated, by one professing to have witnessed the fact, that, some weeks after the beginning of this terrific bombardment, not only were ladies seen coolly walking the streets, but that in some parts of the town children were observed at play, only interrupting their sports to gaze and listen at the bursting shells. [18] Ghote--an imaginary evil being among Eastern nations. [19] These lines were dedicated "to His Excellency President Davis, from his fellow-citizens, Ellen Key Blunt, J. T. Mayson Blunt, of Maryland and Virginia." [20] "The Star-Spangled Banner," written by Francis Scott Key, a progenitor of Mrs. Blunt. [21] These lines were suggested by the following, published in "Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper": "We know a great deal about war now; but, dear readers, the Southern women know more. Blood has not dripped on our _door-sills_ yet; shells have not burst above our _homesteads_. Let us pray they never may." [22] Written in the prison of Fort Delaware, Del., on hearing of General Lee's surrender. [23] reply to "The Conquered Banner," by Sir Henry Houghton, Bart., of Great Britain. [24] Written after the yellow-fever epidemic of 1878. Transcriber's Notes: Passages in italics are indicated by _italics_. Punctuation has been corrected without note. One occurrence of "Dominie" has been standardized to "Domine" (page 267).