"Charge!" rang the cry, and on we dashed Upon our female foes, As seas in stormy fury lashed, Whene'er the tempest blows. Like chaff their parasols went down, As our gallants rushed; And many a bonnet, robe, and gown Was torn to shreds or crushed; Though well we plied the bayonet, Still some our efforts braved, Defiant both of blow and threat, Their handkerchiefs still waved. Thick grew the fight, loud rolled the din, When "charge!" rang out again And then the cannon thundered in, And scoured o'er the plain. Down, 'neath the unpitying iron heels of horses children sank, While through the crowd the cannon Wheels mowed roads on either flank, One startled shriek, one hollow groan, One headlong rush, and then "Huzza!" the field was all our own, For we were Banks's men. That night, released from all our toils, Our dangers passed and gone, We gladly gathered up the spoils Our chivalry had won! Five hundred 'kerchiefs we had snatched From rebel ladies' hands, Ten parasols, two shoes (not matched), Some ribbons, belts, and bands, And other things that I forgot; But then you'll find them all As trophies in that hallowed spot-- The cradle--Faneuil Hall! And long on Massachusetts' shore And on Green Mountain's side, Or where Long Island's breakers roar, And by the Hudson's tide, In times to come, when lamps are lit, And fires brightly blaze, While round the knees of heroes sit The young of happier days, Who listen to their storied deeds, To them sublimely grand, Then glory shall award its meed Of praise to Banks's band, And Fame proclaim that they alone (In Triumph's loudest note) May wear henceforth, for valor shown, A woman's petticoat. THE WOMEN OF NEW ORLEANS AND VICKSBURG PRISONERS [By J. L. Underwood.] General Pemberton's army at Vicksburg surrendered on the 4th of July, 1863. According to the liberal terms, the thirty thousand Confederates were paroled and allowed to march to their homes across the country. It was about a month before the sick and wounded could be removed. They were sent on Federal transports down the Mississippi River by the way of New Orleans and thence across the Gulf of Mexico by Fort Morgan to Mobile.