"IO TRIUMPHE." O, land, through years of shrouded nights That beacon the world's hoping, To all who, dragged through hell's abyss, The Lord God's purpose throbs along Our stormy turbulances; He keeps the sap of nations strong By hidden recompenses. The Lord God sows his righteous grain And draws from present days of pain For lo! the branding flails that drave And lo! the dreadful blasts that blew Have scorched and winnowed from the true Wherefore, O ransomed people shout! O, banners, wave in glory! O, bugles, blow the triumph out! 163 O, drums, strike up the story! Clang, broken fetters, idle swords! Clap hands, O States, together! AND LET ALL PRAISES be the Lord's, OUR SAVIOR and our FATHER! Lieut. RICHARD REALF. RETURN TO WASHINGTON-HIS DEATH. 165 CHAPTER XVII. RETURN TO WASHINGTON-DEATH AND BURIAL. R. LINCOLN remained in Richmond two days, looking over the great fortifications of that rebel stronghold, and gathering such information as might be of value in his future duties. On his return, he stopped at City Point. "Calling upon the head surgeon at that place, Mr. Lincoln told him that he wished to visit all the hospitals under his charge, and shake hands with every soldier. The surgeon asked if he knew what he was undertaking, there being five or six thousand soldiers at that place, and it would be quite a task upon his strength to visit all the wards and shake hands with every soldier. Mr. Lincoln answered, with a smile, he 'guessed he was equal to the task; at any rate he would try, and go as far as he could. He should never probably see the boys again, and he wanted them to know that he appreciated what they had done for their country.' Finding it useless to dissuade him, the surgeon began his rounds with the President, who walked from bed to bed, extending his hand to all, saying a few words of sympathy to some, making kind inquiries of others, and welcomed by all with the heartiest cordiality. As they passed along, they came to a ward in which lay a rebel who had been wounded and was a prisoner. As the tall figure of the kindly visitor appeared in sight, he was recognized by the rebel soldier, who, raising himself on his elbow in bed, watched Mr. Lincoln as he approached, and, extending his hand, exclaimed, while tears ran down his cheeks: Mr. Lincoln, I have long wanted to see you, to ask your forgiveness for ever raising my hand against the old flag.' Mr. Lincoln was moved to tears. He heartily shook the hand of the repentant rebel, and assured him of his good-will, and, with a few words of kind advice, passed on. After some hours, the tour of the various hospitals was made, and Mr. Lincoln returned with the surgeon to his office. They had scarcely entered, however, when a 1 IN THE HOSPITALS. 167 messenger came, saying that one ward had been omitted, and the boys wanted to see the President.' The surgeon, who was thoroughly tired, and knew Mr. Lincoln must be, tried to dissuade him from going, but the good man said he must go back; he would not knowingly omit one, the boys would be so disappointed.' So he went with the messenger, accompanied by the surgeon, and shook hands with the gratified soldiers, and then returned again to the office. The surgeon expressed the fear that the President's arm would be lamed with so much handshaking, saying that it certainly must ache. Mr. Lincoln smiled, and, saying something about his strong muscles, stepped out at the open door, took up a very large, heavy ax which lay there, by a log of wood, and chopped vigorously for a few moments, sending the chips flying in all directions; and then pausing, he extended his right arm to its full length, holding the ax out horizontally without its even quivering as he held it. Strong men who looked on, men accustomed to manual labor, could not hold the ax in that position for a moment. Returning to the office, he took a glass of lemonade-for he would take no stronger beverage—and while he |