Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 21.djvu/183

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design than anything in history, embodying within itself millions of men who had sprung full armed and as in one step to war, was be- yond the pale of international or of national precedent.

THE LOST CAUSE.

"Then, too, we felt something must be expected of the great nation that had allowed its people to enter heart and soul into our cause. Would she stand by us now in our day of trial ? These were our varying thoughts and hopes against the uncertain future, when on the 5th of November land was descried. Up from the water rose the Welsh hills. Distance lending her charm to their purpling heather, smoothed down their rough exterior as they rose from the water, bright in the autumn sunlight. Now the clear head- lands of the Anglesey, rising high out of St. George's channel, stood more near, and a pilot swept alongside. He asked us to show our flag. We say we have no flag. Then answers the servant of the nations, ' Cannot go on board your ship.' A hurried consultation an anxious exchange of inquiring looks what shall we do now we have but one flag shall we raise it? It was the flag to which we had sworn allegiance. Shall we lift it once more to the breeze, in defiance of the world if needs be and, defying all, be constant to that cause which we had sworn to maintain until we knew there was no Confederacy, and that ours, in truth, was a lost cause ? ' We will,' say all hearts with one 'acclaim.' ' And let this pilot, or any other refuse to recognize us if they will.' Then, for the last time, was brought up from its treasured place below, the sacred banner of the fair South, to wave its last defiant wave, and flap its last ensanguined flap against the winds of fate, before going forever upon the page of history. Out upon the free day it flashed, and the far shores of Eng- land seemed to answer its brave appeal that the banner that had led 1,000,000 men to many victorious battles should now have one more and final recognition, Should once more be recognized a flag among the flags of nations. The grim old sea-dog, tossing his boat at stern, beholds go up the outlawed banner ! He sees it floating in the wild, free air, and anticipates his England's decision that it shall be recognized for this one last time. He calls for a line, swings him- self over the old war-ship's side, and up the noble Mersey, thirteen months after the departure from the Thames, and just six months,