of which, wherever displayed, waved the unapproachably beautiful and ever superior flag of "Stripes and Stars."

For half an hour or more, we lay rocking upon the swell, while one and another transport landed its load at the dock of the fort. We passed the time in studying the storied old ruin. A ruin it is, though not so utter, as the imaginations of some artists have depicted it. It is built externally of brick, and filled in with stone, sand and earth. The walls are deeply indented by the shot hurled against it; the top lines are uneven, and in some parts battered half way down towards the foundation. As it was terribly bombarded, while in Rebel possession, and its walls gave way by day, by night the Rebels piled cylindrical baskets filled with sand in all the chasms, and now they rise in rows or layers six or seven deep, nearly to the original height. The casemates are filled with the broken stone and brick, and the most of the port-holes closed. Around it, upon the rocks, is a stratum of balls, exploded shells and comminuted brick, to the depth of several inches.

The signal being given for the "Golden Gate" to approach, in five minutes we are at the landing; the same at which Wigfall, the self-appointed commissioner to propose terms to Major Anderson, landed in 1861, from a row-boat. On either side of the platform, upon which we debark, was a company of soldiers, with muskets shouldered and bayonets fixed-on the left, white, on the right, black, rivalling each other in soldierly bearing. We ascended to the top of the wall, by a flight of

fifty steps, passed under an arbor entrance of evergreens, walked across about thirty feet of earth and sand, and lo! the interior of the glorious old fort appears in view-glorious yet, though in ruins. Immediately in the centre was the new flag-staff, surmounted by circular terraces of grass, and these surmounted by immense conical shot and shell, planted with the points upward. Before the flag-staff, was a large platform carpeted with myrtle, mock-orange, and evergreen boughs, the railings festooned and twined with the same. Four pillars, fifteen feet in height, rose from the corners of the platform, wound with the national colors, and knotted with orange wreaths, while from their tops, graceful arches were sprung, terminating together in the centre. Upon the very apex was a golden eagle, standing upon the flying flag. Rows of substantial seats surrounded the platform, which we found already nearly filled. The interior of the fort presented the appearance of a huge earthwork, for as the sides were slowly demolished, the shattered stones and sand fell down in slanting grade towards the centre, and now remain as they were found. Surmounting the parapet towards Charleston were six large guns, ready for the grand salute. The crowd now gathered densely, but were admirably disposed and managed by Col. Stuart L. Woodford, who was in charge of the exercises of the day.

While waiting for the arrival of the orator of the day with his party, the flag of the "Planter" was seen

above the parapet, slowly waving towards the landing, and was greeted with cheers.

Mr. Wm. B. Bradbury, taking a position at the foot of the flag-staff, then led the whole multitude in singing his resounding song, "Victory at Last," which was followed by "Rally Round the Flag."

A few minutes later, the passengers from the "Arago were brought to the landing, by the "Delaware," and were seen crossing the sandy parapet and descending the stairway, into the fort. As one and another familiar face was discovered, signs of recognition were given, breaking out, in two or three instances, into ringing cheers.

Upon the platform, salutations were exchanged for a few moments; and, all preliminaries having been duly arranged, the exercises of the day were begun and carried forward according to the pre-arranged programme, as will now be set forth.

Breathless was the attention with which the venerable man was received, who was to offer the

1. Introductory Prayer.

Rev. Matthias Harris, Chaplain U. S. Army, who made the prayer at the raising of the Flag, when Major Anderson removed his command to Fort Sumter, Dec. 27, 1860, now stepped slowly to the front of the platform, uncovered his head, silvered with age, and while his thin locks streamed in the wind, read a brief, but appropriate prayer, with trembling voice, which he closed with much emotion, pronouncing a blessing upon the flag of his fathers.

Rev. R. S. Storrs, Jr., D. D., of Brooklyn, N. Y., then advanced, and with sonorous and solemn voice, read the following:

2. Selection from the Psalms.

(The assembly making the responses.)

PSALM 126.

1. When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.

2. Then was our mouth filled with laughter and our tongue with singing then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them.

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3. The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad.

4. Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south.

5. They that sow in tears, shall reap in joy.

6. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

PSALM 47.

1. O clap your hands; all ye people, shout unto God with the voice of triumph.

2. For the Lord most high is terrible; he is a great King above all the earth.

3. He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.

4. He shall choose our inheritance for us, the exceliency of Jacob whom he loved.

5. God is gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet.

6. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises unto our King, sing praises.

7. For God is the King of all the earth; sing ye praises with understanding.

8. God reigneth over the heathen; God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.