Weekly Trinity journal., 1865-02-25
Tl.c CITY CT Sin IHumbIed.


Charleston is oars" says the latest tele-
yraphic disnatch from the other side of the con-
tinent, and there is no to doubt its truth
Is there a loyal American whose heart does not
beat cxultantly at the thought that this cug cov-
eted prize is at last safely in keeping? Is
there who does not feel that a national insult
has been ayenged--that the fall of Charleston is
the long delayed but eagerly hoped for consum-
nation of a nations wish q?
1t is not quite four years since the accursed day
when that city was full OF animation and excite
mcnt. The streets w,~e crowded with brilliant
uniforms-martal music was heard everywhere,
Palmetto flags decorated. or rather desecrated
buildings stolen from too lenent Government,
and joyously, exultingy, the pOpulace crowded
the wharves ail astions, for Fort Sumter was
to be attacked. 4 starving garrison of seventy
men was to be conqucrcd-a hated flag was to
be insulted, ana above all secession wanted its
the bloom of their checks heightened by excite
ment, waving handkerchefs offering flowers to
the heroes that were to be; inciting by word
and gesture the proud Southron to the carnival
of death. Beaurcgard the pompous, last de-
clAred everything ready. A deep silence, then
suddenly came fash, a roar, and war with its
terrible dcsolaton and destruction was inaugu-
rated. But above the of the cannon was
heard the cheers of the Charlestonians, intox-
Gated with martial ardor, and with greater fire
than the fash Of the mortar more malignant
more deadly CLEANED the eye of jeff Davis and
his fellow conspirators, for now Secession was
accomplished now the way back was barred to
some crrng sister who repented her folly. The
brave little garrison of Sumter encircled by a
sea of frc-a hail of shot and shell falling around
them such as never before was witnessed on this
continent exhausted by ceaseless watching and
toll and nearly starved, at last surrendered. For
the first time in its history our flag was lowered
and Secessia went mad with joy. The rebel
President in his exultation turned poet and sent
"with mortar and petard
Jef. Davis sends his Beauregard
to our President. The joyous city, the glory
covered soldiers the eminent statesmen of South
Carolina did they for one moment pause and
reflect upon the consequences of that first shot
fred on Sumter? Ah it did better :han that
it - fred the Northern heart, northern patriot
ism, and at last produced con1agration which
VIII consume secession and slavery, and leave
the charrcd remains in its ruins. And those
handsome ladies. looking upon that lombard
ment n gorgeous piece of frework, little did
they imagine it possible that only few years
later their gallant soldiers so proud, so in
solent, would fly ignomniousiy from this very
or ', not even daring to defend it. Little did
they dream that Gilmore would como to illu-
inmate the heavens with a brilliant display of
shot and shell. but with a slight difference those
shell to fail thick and fast on their palaces
on the abodes of Southern aristocrats. Well
do we remember the feeling of indignation, of
burning shame, which consumed every loyal
heart when first the news of the fall Of Sumter
electrified the country. The traitors at Charles
ton in their pride and folly, overstepped the
bounds and the ruin of their city, the destruction
of their homes is the consequence. When our
flag fell at Sumter the Charlcstonians thought it
a pretty sight; they clapped their hands with
glee and never doubted but that the Union was
destroyed forever. Why should they doubt ?
Was not Beauregard there, with his Na2oleonic
genius? Was lot Wigfall there, urging the m
on-assuring them that he would ride into the
Capitol at Washington, booted and spurred, and
there dictate the terms upon which the chiv-
alters Of the South would treat with Northern
mudsilIs? Did not jeff Davis send them his
congratulations did not the whole South stand
amazed at the herosm displayed by the - gallant
little Siate?' What had they TO fear? Were
they not equal to five times the number of Yam
KEGS? Did not tape" as they delicately
expressed it, occupy the Presidential chair p
Their hopes were highs that they might be
da shed down WAS ont of the dueStiOn
But in their calculations they forgot Northern
patriotism and energy; Yankee perseverance and
valor. They did not heed the warning voice of
one of our patriot poets, when he said
God help them if the tempest swings
The pIEe against the palm
Onward they went in their career of treason,
and now the bones OF thousands OF those who
watched with eager eye the hombardment of
Sumter, lie bleaching upon that same Southern
soil others are driven by the iron hand of Sher-
man from their city, and their palatal residences
are thronged by our gallant soldiers, while even
now Sherman dictates his orders in the Govern
ors mansion at Columbia The hall where the
secession ordnance signed is the camping
place of Yankee regiment, and the chair where
Calhoun, Rhett and Pickens presided over the
Legislature of the fcrv little State, is now occu-
pied By one of our volunteers, singing John
Brown, while chorus of patriots swe!ls the
L" Abolition song" How have the mighty fallen.
No event, not even the capture of Richmond,
would have SO filed tie loyal heart with joy as
the fall of Charleston. Other cities we can for
give, and receive them back with affection, they
have erred, it is forgotten but Charleston,
never ! The nation thanks are due to Sherman
for humliating this once proud city, but to re-
deem II from its foul stain let us make Yankee
city of it-a new, q better Charleston-for it
will be loyal one.