Nor boat, nor vessel, leaves the fleet,
"Let the old Major burn,
We'll boast of what we would have done,
If but—on our return."
Go back, go back, ye cravens;
Go back the way ye came;
Ye gallant, would-be men-of-war,
Go! to your country's shame.
'Mid fiery storm of shot and shell,
'Mid smoke and roaring flame,
See how Kentucky's gallant son
Does honor to her name!
See how he answers gun for gun—
Hurrah! his flag is down!
The white! the white! Oh see it wave!
Is echoed all around.
God save the gallant Anderson,
All honor to his name,
A soldier's duty nobly done,
He's earned a hero's fame.
Now ring the bells a joyous peal,
And rend with shouts the air,
We've torn the hated banner down,
And placed the Crescent there.
All honor to our gallant boys,
Bring forth the roll of fame,
And there in glowing lines inscribe
Each patriot hero's name.
Spread, spread the tidings far and wide,
Ye winds take up the cry,
"Our soil's redeemed from hateful yoke,
We'll keep it pure or die."
Columbia, S. C., Banner.
Very different was the reception of the news at the North. At last war had begun. The time for argument and compromise and entreaty was past. The time for action was at hand.