The Richmond correspondent of the N. O.
Crescent gives the following in his letter of the 24th ult.:
‘
I cannot close this letter, long as it is, without narrating an occurrence which happened some days ago at
Centreville.
It was this: Some negroes at work on the roads and fortifications took it into their heads, one night, to serenade
Gen. Beauregard.
Pleased with their performance, he went to the window and asked them to sing ‘"My Maryland,"’ the sweetest and most touching song the war has yet produced.
They were unable to sing it.
’
The next day
Col. Jordan,
Beauregard's Adjutant, who has a
printing press in his department, caused several copies of ‘"My Maryland"’ to be struck off and sent to the First Maryland Regiment, many of whom are vocalists of the highest order.
The was taken, and that night
Gen. Beauregard heard ‘"My Maryland"’ sung with the power and pathos which exiles alone can give it. At its close he stepped forward, and, in his modest, gentle way, said:--‘"Gentlemen, I thank you warmly for the very agreeable serenade you have given me."’ The
Marylanders knowing his quiet habit, and thinking he had said all be intended to say responded with ‘"three cheers for
Beauregard,"’ and were about to return to their camp.
What was their surprise when he called them to stay, and unfurling a flag, said: ‘"Gentlemen, I present to you Confederate flag, made in
Baltimore by the most beautiful woman in that city."’
[
Gen. B. is probably in error in saying the flag was made in
Baltimore.
It should have been
Charlottesville, as the young lady referred to was at that time there although a refugee from
Baltimore.-- Dis.]
"Without waiting to hear more, an enthusiastic young officer called for ‘"three cheers for
Miss Hattie Cary,"’ which were given with a will.
‘"Not so fast,"’ said the
Major of the First Maryland, as soon as the cheering ceased, ‘"not so fast,"’ said he, putting his hand on the shoulder of the excited
Lieutenant, ‘"it was not Miss Hattie, but her sister."’ ‘"Three cheers, then, for
Miss Jennie Cary,"’ cried the
Lieutenant.
Of course they were heartily given.
When the sound died away into perfect silence, and the audience, now comprising most of the regiment, awaited
General Beauregard's further remarks with rapt attention, he continued.
‘"Yes, it was made by
Miss Jennie Cary, and when she presented it to me, I promised her on the honor of a gentleman that I would, with my own hands, plant it upon the
Washington Monument in
Baltimore."’
This assurance of a triumphant return to their city, coming from the lips of the
Commanding General, and while their hearts are still softened by the tender strains of their chosen song of love and lamentation, produced an effect on the Marylanders which it is impossible to describe.
They were literally transported with joy and enthusiasm.
Marylanders who witnessed, the scene, and have since visited
Richmond cannot speak of it without tears welling up to their eyes.
