(_In welcoming "The Forthcoming Volume" of the poems of his fellow soldier, fellow patriot, and fellow artist_, SIDNEY LANIER) _Sidney Lanier born, 1842_ _Albert Sidney Johnston born, 1803_ February Fourth What a beneficent provision of the Creator it was, to roll our little planet but one side at a time next the sun, that while one half of the world fretted and stormed and sinned, the other half might repent and sleep. WILLIAM ALEXANDER CARRUTHERS February Fifth MAURY The stars had secrets for him; seas Revealed the depths their waves were screening; The winds gave up their mysteries; The tidal flows confessed their meaning. Of ocean paths, the tangled clew He taught the nations to unravel; And showed the track where safely through The lightning-footed thought might travel. MARGARET J. PRESTON February Sixth GENERAL JOHN B. GORDON Patriot, soldier, statesman, Prince of the race of men; Cypress and rue for his passing, Laurel for sword and pen. Dust for the hand that wrought; But for the lessons taught Life without end. IDA SLOCOMB MATTHEWS _John B. Gordon born, 1832_ _John Pegram killed near Hatcher's Run, 1865_ February Seventh And there's Joe--my bully Joe--wouldn't I walk ten miles of a rainy night to see them hazel eyes, and feel the grip of his soldier hand? Didn't my rooster always clap his wings and crow whenever he passed our quarters? "Instinct told him that he was the true prince," and it would make anybody brave to be nigh him. MAJOR CHARLES H. SMITH (_Bill Arp_) _Joseph E. Johnston born, 1807_ February Eighth Hath not the morning dawned with added light? And shall not the evening call another star Out of the infinite regions of the night, To mark this day in Heaven? At last, we are A nation among nations; and the world Shall soon behold in many a distant port Another flag unfurled! HENRY TIMROD (_Ethnogenesis_) _Southern Confederacy begins to assume definite form in a league of seven Southern States, 1861_ February Ninth The great change wrought by the States in resuming their sovereignty, and in forming the Confederate States Government, was attended by no anarchy, no rebellion, no suspension of authority, no social disorders, no lawless disturbances. Sovereignty was not, for one moment, in suspension. Conservatism marked every proceeding and public act. The object was to do what was necessary and no more; and to do that with the utmost temperance and prudence. J. L. M. CURRY _William H. Harrison born, 1773_ February Tenth