This was our last look at the dragoons. We learned afterward that, later in the evening, they searched the farm house (the family had just returned), and not only struck our trail through the woods, but held it within three miles of our resting place for the night; there, the numerous cross roads, and the utter confusion of many tracks, baffled our pursuers, probably, too, their horses by that time were in poor condition for following up an indefinite chase. Alick and I determined to push for our original starting point-the house of Symonds of that ilk. Another two hours riding brought us to where a lane turns off toward Bon Gualtier's home. He was evidently anxious to find himself a free agent, and this time even the Alabamian did not seek to detain him. The rest of the road we had traversed, on the preceding Saturday, and we could hardly miss our way. So there I parted from my honest guide, with many kind wishes on his side, and hearty thanks on mine. I rather repent having alluded to that little nervousness; but, after all, it was hardly a question of physical courage; we sought to avoid imprisonment, not peril to lifo or limb. My stout horse, Falcon, strode cheerily over the last of those dark, tiresome miles without a stumble or sign of weariness; but the roan's ears were drooping, and he slouched along heavily on his shoulders long before we saw the lights of Symonds' homestead, where we met a hearty if not a joyful welcome. We had not tasted food for thirteen. hours, during which we had scarcely been out of the saddle; so even disappointment could not prevent our relishing to the uttermost the savory supper with which our hostess would fain have comforted us. DIXIE. BY FANNY DOWNING. CREATED by a nation's glee, We sang it in our early pride Throughout our Southern borders wide, While from ten thousand throats rang out A promise in one glorious shout "To live or die for Dixie !" How well that promise was redeemed, The banner of the Stars and Bars! To die for Dixie !-Oh, how blest Nor knew the future's awful store, But deemed the cause they fought for sure As heaven itself, and so laid down To live for Dixie-harder part! To stay the hand-to still the heart- Beloved land! beloved song, Your thrilling power shall last as long- Made holier by the test of years— A RICH LETTER TO GEORGE D. PRENTICE. The Louisville Journal published the following letter, which it declared to be genuine : LEXINGTON, KY., Aug. 4, 1863. GEORGE D. PRENTICE, ESQ.: How are you, old George, any how? I have just come from a visit to our old city, George, after an absence of two years or more in the Confederate army. Brigadier-General John II. Morgan's command, a particular favorite of yours, I believe. Nothing would have given me more pleasure, old fellow, than to have paid you a call, and have had a social chat with you. After due consideration I thought it would not have been healthy; so I contented myself with a passing look at your noble countenance. How handsome you have grown, George. "The Captain with his whiskers took a sly glance at me," (old song.) George, your detectives ain't worth a damn. I splurged around in Cincinnati for a week or more before coming to your city. Birney's orders have not killed all the secesh there yet. Didn't they spread themselves to put me through in royal old style! I came to your office, old fellow, bought a newspaper, saw Ellsworth's lightning machine, and several other curiosities you have there; adjourned to Walker's, took a mint julep; went to Hotel de Raine, took several juleps. Mighty refreshing, George, after an absence in Dixie for several years. Mr. Bragg don't allow any such luxuries in his department, you know. You may want to know what the hell I was doing up here. I will tell you; I will tell you all the particulars. I was gobbled up at Buffington's Island. IIaving on a very genteel suit of citizen's clothes, on the wharf at Cincinnati, somehow or other I got mixed up with the guard. They knew that I was a citizen, and ordered me back among the crowd-bully! Now, George, to biz. You have been taunting General John since he has been in prison, about having his head shaved, wearing striped clothes, etc. Now, old fellow, the quieter you keep the better for you; you are going to turn up missing some of these fine mornings-spirited away to Dixie. I will be very sorry to have to do it, but, by the Eternal God, you shall be scalped—no idle threat, George. You came very near going up awhile back. A little trap was fixed for you so nice, but fortunately for you, you started to New York unexpected to us-mighty mean in you, George. All of your men are not such damn mean fellows; one of them was kind enough to leave his horse standing on the street here for me, fully equipped with saddle, bridle, holsters, etc. I've got him, and by the time you get this, will be far away in Dixie. Farewell, old boy, until I get you. any word for Clarence, or any of your Confederacy? Yours, as ever, By-the-by, have you former friends in the F Captain and A. D. C. to General J. H. Morgan, C. S. A GENERAL BRAGG AND THE YOUNG OFFICER. AN officer in General Bragg's army had obtained a short leave of absence to permit him to go home and attend to personal interests demanding his presence. Before his time of absence had expired, he requested a further leave of absence for thirty days, and promised to return a better soldier than he had ever been before. His request was approved by the various officers in command over him, who knew him to be a true and faithful man, and finally by General Bragg. Before the thirty days' time had granted expired, he again forwarded a communication desiring a still further leave. IIis officers were astonished at his impudence and audacity, and each one in turn, through whose hands it passed, marked it disapproved." Before the communication reached army headquarters, General Bragg was the recipient of a letter from this officer, who stated that he had made application for further leave, and gave as a reason that while our armny further advanced he had become engaged to a young lady from whom he had received a letter, which he enclosed. This delicate missive contained a sad and touching farewell to the young officer who had gained her affections. She explained that since the enemy had gained her homestead they had destroyed her property, taken every thing from her, and well-nigh made her penniless. When she had engaged herself to her lover, she was the possessor of property, and was in different circumstances. With this state of things existing, hard as she felt would be the trial to her, she had determined to release the object of her affections from an engagement made in her prosperity. This noble missive was couched in such loving and gentle, though prudent and touching language, that it might well |