The Lone Sentry.

By James R. Randall.

Previous to the first battle of Manassas, when the troops under Stonewall Jackson had made a forced march, on halting at night they fell on the ground exhausted and faint. The hour arrived for setting the watch for the night. The officer of the day went to the general's tent, and said:

"General, the men are all wearied, and there is not one but is asleep. Shall I wake them?"

"No," said the noble Jackson; "let them sleep, and I will watch the camp to-night."

And all night long he rode round that lonely camp, the one lone sentinel for that brave, but weary and silent body of Virginia heroes. And when glorious morning broke, the soldiers awoke fresh and ready for action, all unconscious of the noble vigils kept over their slumbers.

'Twas in the dying of the day, The darkness grew so still; The drowsy pipe of evening birds Was hushed upon the hill; Athwart the shadows of the vale Slumbered the men of might, And one lone sentry paced his rounds, To watch the camp that night.

A grave and solemn man was he, With deep and sombre brow; The dreamful eyes seemed hoarding up Some unaccomplished vow. The wistful glance peered o'er the plains Beneath the starry light-- And with the murmured name of God, He watched the camp that night.

The Future opened unto him Its grand and awful scroll: Manassas and the Valley march Came heaving o'er his soul-- Richmond and Sharpsburg thundered by With that tremendous fight Which gave him to the angel hosts Who watched the camp that night.

We mourn for him who died for us, With one resistless moan; While up the Valley of the Lord He marches to the Throne! He kept the faith of men and saints Sublime, and pure, and bright-- He sleeps--and all is well with him Who watched the camp that night.

Brothers! the Midnight of the Cause Is shrouded in our fate; The demon Goths pollute our halls With fire, and lust, and hate. Be strong--be valiant--be assured-- Strike home for Heaven and Right! The soul of Jackson stalks abroad, And guards the camp to-night!