The Rapidan suggests another scene to which allusion has often been made since

the war, but which, as illustrative also of the spirit of both armies, I may be

permitted to recall in this connection. In the mellow twilight of an April day

the two armies were holding their dress parades on the opposite hills bordering

the river. At the close of the parade a magnificent brass band of the Union army

played with great spirit the patriotic airs, "Hail Columbia," and "Yankee

Doodle." Whereupon the Federal troops responded with a patriotic shout. The same

band then played the soul-stirring strains of "Dixie," to which a mighty

response came from ten thousand Southern troops. A few moments later, when the

stars had come out as witnesses and when all nature was in harmony, there came

from the same band the old melody, "Home, Sweet Home." As its familiar and

pathetic notes rolled over the water and thrilled through the spirits of the

soldiers, the hills reverberated with a thundering response from the united

voices of both armies. What was there in this old, old music, to so touch the

chords of sympathy, so thrill the spirits and cause the frames of brave men to

tremble with emotion? It was the thought of home. To thousands, doubtless, it

was the thought of that Eternal Home to which the next battle might be the

gateway. To thousands of others it was the thought of their dear earthly homes,

where loved ones at that twilight hour were bowing round the family altar, and

asking God's care over the absent soldier boy.

 

--GENERAL J.B. GORDON, C.S.A.

 

_WELCOME TO KOSSUTH_