Christmas. 371 



Addressed to Eva : 



" Do you believe this fairy tale ? 

 Or must you touch the fabric frail ? 

 Take care ! you know you're rather rough, 

 And fairy-work is never tough." 



All were remembered, even the dog, Mac, was 

 bountifully provided with hoe-cake. 



" But where is Mac ? Pray don't forget 

 Your Uncle Willie's darling pet, 

 But save for him, a right good slice 

 Of hoe-cake and of all that's nice." 



The home-loving Pastor of St. John's took part 

 with joy in this family festival and afterwards these 

 simple rhymes were sadly recalled as the last com- 

 posed by his wife for the amusement of his grand- 

 children. 



In a few days he returned to his lonely labors in 

 Charleston. 



To MRS. J. W. E. 



CHARLESTON, Sept. 8th, 1863. 



My dear, kind Friend : I seldom go as far into 

 the heart of the city as your residence. The Post- 

 office and all the hospitals, except the Marine, hav- 

 ing been removed up town. 



I trudge on foot and only go into the lower part 

 of the city when pressing duties urge, and therefore 

 see less of your pleasant, hospitable home than I 

 did in other and happier days. * * I return 



home, mourning over our scattered people. But let 

 us try to submit to our lot ordered by a Wise 

 Providence, discharge our duty under all circum- 

 stances, and look to that Mighty Deliverer, who, out 

 of seeming ill, is yet educing good. * * * 



