n
  search of a conveyance to Stratford, a few miles distant from our
  point of landing, and the birthplace of our friend and kinsman, Gen.
  R. E. Lee.

  “An old hay wagon, drawn by a very large ox and a very small mule
  (guided by ropes and goaded with a hickory pole) was finally
  secured, and in this striking conveyance we made our triumphal entry
  into the Confederate States.

  “Up to this time I had worn on my person a flag bearing the Maryland
  coat of arms, and presented by Baltimore women to the Maryland
  troops in the Southern army. In addition to the discomfort of this
  unwonted article of apparel, I had suffered no small amount of
  anxiety lest the paint, which was quite fresh, should sustain some
  injury, therefore gladly shook its folds to the breeze the moment we
  were safe in Dixie.


                    THE BIRTH OF THE SONG IN DIXIE.

  “My brother cut a pole, we raised the banner aloft, and, perched
  upon our trunks, jolted up and down hill to Stratford in the early
  dawn of that fair 4th of July, making the Virginia woods ring with
  ‘Maryland, my Maryland!’

  “The story of our adventures soon reached home; the ‘aid and
  comfort’ given to the enemy were greatly magnified, and my family
  received notification from Washington that we should not be
  permitted to return.

  “We were living in Virginia in exile, when, soon after Manassas,
  Gen. Beauregard, hearing of our work and sufferings for the
  Marylanders, who had already done such gallant service in his
  command, invited us to visit them at his headquarters, near Fairfax
  Courthouse. The fortifications there were in charge of my cousin,
  Capt. Sterrett, (U. S. N.,) who received and entertained our party
  during the visit.


                   THE BIRTH OF THE SONG IN THE ARMY.

  “The night of our arrival we were serenaded by the band of the
  famous Washington Artillery of New Orleans and all the fine voices
  within reach. Capt. Sterrett expressed our thanks, and asked if
  there were any service 