his grateful appreciation of the handsome gift, especially on account of the application of the money derived from it in the Fair, to the relief of our suf fering troops and sailors.

Several other gentlemen, actuated by similar motives of patriotism and personal good will, took measures to present him a commodious dwelling in Philadelphia, the particulars of which reflect much credit on the parties concerned. From considerations of delicacy we abstain from inserting all the names of parties in this place, with regard to this honorable and generous proceeding.

The Coal Exchange of Philadelphia, through the personal exertions of JOHN R. BLACKISTON, Esq., DAVIS PEARSON, Esq., and other gentlemen, gave a practical proof of their good will by placing at the disposal of General HANCOCK the handsome sum of fifteen thousand dollars, to be used by him at his discretion, in the work of procuring recruits for his Corps.

Mr. PEARSON followed his proofs of attachment to the General by raising, in connection with his own liberal subscription, the sum of twenty-four hundred dollars, with a view to presenting him another elegant sword and accoutrements. But, in consequence of his having received a similar present from Saint Louis, this

testimonial was deferred. The amount subscribed is still retained; and a much larger sum is being added to it, by his Philadelphia friends, with a view to making him a durable gift, that will be especially prized by his family.

It was perfectly natural and proper that the citizens of Saint Louis should feel a peculiar interest in General HANCOCK. Beside their high appreciation of his character as an officer, they had known him among them as a resident. As a General, they regarded his brilliant military achievements as fully equal to the best of those of the most distinguished commanders of NAPOLEON-MURAT, DESSAIX, JUNOT, and DUROC. They felt that the nation owed him a debt of gratitude, which would be well repaid; but their attachment to his person was originated and cemented by still other causes.

He had come among them from his campaigns in Mexico, and by his modest bearing, his gentlemanly courtesies, his skillful attention to his duties, had won all their hearts. It was nearly seventeen years. since he first came to Missouri-a young Lieutenant and Aid to General CLARK, then in command of Jefferson Barracks. Here he had married the only daughter of the late Mr. SAMUEL RUSSELL, one of the oldest and most highly esteemed merchants of

Saint Louis. The name of this gentleman is never mentioned but with respect among all who knew him. His house, on Fourth street, in that city, was for years the seat of generous and elegant hospitality; while his career as a merchant exerted a wide-spread influence in the prosecution of Western trade. Here General HANCOCK had resided, for several years; here his children were born; here his character as a soldier and a gentleman had been regarded with pride. Nothing of the kind, therefore, could be more becoming, than that St. Louis should honor herself by honoring him with an elegant and costly sword.

CHAPTER XXX.

IN FRONT OF PETERSBURG.

"Then, if you fight against God's enemy,
God will in justice ward you as his soldiers.
If you do swear to put a tyrant down,

You sleep in peace; the tyrant being slain."

Shakspeare.

E are now to take our stand with HANCOCK,

WE

in front of Petersburg, Virginia. The intermediate steps by which he reached this important point are passing into the current history of the country. His Corps moved, in conjunction with that of WARREN, across the intervening region, until they arrived at the position of most strategic value. He was in the advance of the extreme left, on the fifteenth of June, and immediately opened on the enemy. The outer works assailed were pronounced by competent judges to be more difficult to capture than those taken from the enemy at Missionary Ridge and Chattanooga.

It seemed natural that the old Second Corps should be among the first to make the attack on these new and powerful strongholds of the rebels. It was still meet and fitting that they should be in the advance. Their well-tried guns were among the earliest to wake the echoes of Petersburg.

Up to this time the rebels at Richmond had no correct idea of our movements. They were not at all aware of our having crossed the James. It was their expectation-their fond hope that we should take the old route, by way of Malvern Hills, where they were prepared to greet us with secret embankments, ambuscades, and surprises; if possible to drive us back, and keep us through the summer in the pestilential swamps of the Chickahominy, and contiguous streams. They did not dream that by a bold movement GRANT would again change his whole base, dash across the James river in darkness and silence, and plant himself opposite their intrenchments in front of Petersburg, and south of Richmond. They awoke to the discovery of the fact that the arduous and gallant deed was done—and they knew it not! Their defences at a strong strategic point were not only now to be assailed, but both Petersburg and Richmond were to be virtually besieged,