gh the mills of God grind slowly,
Yet they grind exceeding small;
Though with patience He stands waiting,
With exactness grinds He all!"

[Illustration: ROBERT ANDERSON.]

Who of us can ever forget that memorable hour, or the deep and silent
expectation of the great assembly, as General Robert Anderson, the
hero of the day, stepped forward, and with uncovered head and a voice
trembling with emotion, said:

"I am here, my friends, my fellow-citizens and
fellow-soldiers, to perform an act of duty to my country,
dear to my heart, and which all of you will appreciate and
feel. Had I observed the wishes of my heart, it should have
been done in silence; but in accordance with the request of
the Honorable Secretary of War, I make a few remarks, as by
his order, after four long, long years of war, I restore
to its proper place this dear flag, which floated here
during peace, before the first act of this cruel rebellion.
[Taking the halyards in his hands, he said:] I thank God
that I have lived to see this day, and to be here, to
perform this, perhaps the last act of my life, of duty to my
country. My heart is filled with gratitude to that God who
has so signally blessed us, who has given us blessings
beyond measure. May all the nations bless and praise the
name of the Lord, and all the world proclaim, 'Glory to God
in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"

"Amen! amen!" the multitude responded. Then the old veteran grasped
the halyards with firm and steady hand, and

"Forthwith from the glittering staff unfurled
The starry banner, which full high advanced,
Shone like a meteor streaming to the wind."

[Illustration: THE FLAG REPLACED ON SUMTER.]

A loud and prolonged shout, from fort and fleet, greeted the old flag
as, all tattered with shot and shell, it rose above the battlements
into its native air. The whole audience sprang to their feet. Several
bands began to play their most inspiring music. Men swung their hats
and grasped each other by the hand; women and children waved their
handkerchiefs, and many wept for very joy. As it rested at length in
its old place at the top of the staff, and waved its victorious folds
towards the recovered city, which had first disowned it, the
enthusiasm became tumultuous and overpowering, till at last it found
relief in the national song: