Dust we are and to dust we must return—but, as the old epitaph said of Catherine Gray, who sold pottery,—
'In some tall pitcher or broad pan
She in life's shop may live again,'—
so, in a higher sphere we may all become vases unbreakable, filled with the wine of life.
Were the enemy in their senses they would probably admit that the annexed proposal is far from being deficient in common-sense:—
DEAR CONTINENTAL:
I see that it is proposed by the Southern press that the rebels, as they retreat, shall burn all their tobacco.
I have a proposition to make.
Let General McCLELLAN send a flag of truce and inform them that if they need any assistance in that work, nothing will give me greater pleasure than to assist in the consummation.
I have an enormous meerschaum and a corps of friends equally well piped. If the seceders have no time to ignite the weed, we are quite ready, and a great deal more willing, considering the late frightful rise in Lynchburg, to do it for them. I can answer for burning one pound a day myself. What do you think of it? It isn't traitorous in me, is it, to thus desire to aid and assist the enemy?