beyond the shadow of a doubt, that they had fought men and Americans--
men whose patriotism and devotion to a cause sacred to them was as
pure and lofty as their own. It is time that sane men and women should
be large-minded enough to recognize that, whatever may have been the
original motives of political leaders, the people on both sides were
sincere and honest; that around the camp-fires at their hearths and in
their places of worship they looked for God's blessing on their
efforts with equal freedom from hypocrisy.

I have endeavored to portray the battle of Bull Run as it could appear
to a civilian spectator: to give a suggestive picture and not a
general description. The following war-scenes are imaginary, and
colored by personal reminiscence. I was in the service nearly four
years, two of which were spent with the cavalry. Nevertheless, justly
distrustful of my knowledge of military affairs, I have submitted my
proofs to my friend Colonel H. C. Hasbrouck, Commandant of Cadets at
West Point, and therefore have confidence that as mere sketches of
battles and skirmishes they are not technically defective.

The title of the story will naturally lead the reader to expect that
deep shadows rest upon many of its pages. I know it is scarcely the
fashion of the present time to portray men and women who feel very
deeply about anything, but there certainly was deep feeling at the
time of which I write, as, in truth, there is to-day. The heart of
humanity is like the ocean. There are depths to be stirred when the
causes are adequate. E. P. R.

CORNWALL-ON-THE-HUDSON,
_August_ 21, 1883.