The following lines, which I wrote on July 4th, 1876, and which express the inmost feelings of my heart, I now publish in addition to the story of my trip to California:

OUR CENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY.

The day made glorious on the western main,
From which sweet Freedom takes its yearly date,
Now dawns with brightness on the land again,
Where grateful millions guide its onward fate.

Oppression's bonds their early years confined;
Slaves in the cherished land that gave them birth;
Each man resolved with firm, unwavering mind,
To strike a blow to free his home and hearth.

Ruled by a king enthroned 'mid distant seas,
Deaf to appeals borne from this western shore,
He aimed with stern, unstatesmanlike decrees,
To claim for tribute all their humble store.

The royal tyrant, with outrageous laws,
Essayed to crush the honest sons of toil;
In vain did Justice plead the sufferer's cause,
Nor Mercy's tears could stay the hand of spoil.

The issue forced upon unwilling hands,

That ne'er did wish from parent ties to part, 'Till royal greed, with its unjust demands, Drove loyalty from each indignant heart.

The day on which the deadly strife began
Gave birth to a nation that ignores a king;
Its limits reach towards the setting sun;
Two mighty oceans to its borders cling.

One century marks her course of self-control,
And lo! behold her now, a mighty nation;
Unnumbered ships her starry flag unfold-
The brightest banner that illumes creation.

What heart but beats on this Centennial day
With conscious dignity, nor swells with pride;
What lips but breathe sweet Freedom's sacred lay,
That gives man all-earth can give naught beside.

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OUR CENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY.

Perish the hand that basely lifts the sword,

This land, that patriots won, to sever;

Cursed be the tongue that would with trait'rous word
Soil her flag, whose folds shall wave forever.

America! safe haven for down-trodden man,
Elysium of industrious, happy throngs.
Praise the brave founders of thy freedom's plan,
To them the honor of this day belongs.