it is the instrument and measure of commerce in all the civilized and trading parts of the world, and its normal currency.”  Gold has maintained its present price for one hundred and sixty years, while silver has declined twenty-two per cent. within thirteen.  When, owing to scarcity, gold advances in price, then we may fear, that, what the late Mr. Bagehot use to call the “apprehension point,” is close at our heels.  The amount of gold in existence has increased from $1,975,000,000 in 1843 to $8,166,000,000 at the present time; while silver, owing to the great attrition of coin (estimated by Bowen at one per cent. per annum), has increased from $5,040,000,000 to but $5,504,000,000, during the same period.  Of the two hundred and twelve millions of dollars of the precious metals annually produced, ninety-eight millions are furnished by gold.

* * * * *

MY MOUNTAIN HOME.

BY WILLIAM C. STUROC.

  Down in the valleys, where the grasses grow,
    And waves the gold-rod and the meadow queen;
  Where peaceful streamlets, with a languid flow,
    Are calmly shimmering in the noonday sheen—­
  There may be peace, and plenty too, I ween;
    But on the mountain’s elephantine height,
  Where thunder-drums are beat on bassy key,
    And lightning-flashes glisten through the night;
  And forests groan with storm-chang’d melody,
    There let my home, ’mid lofty nature be—­
  That, near the stars, and near the sun and moon,
    My eyes may gaze upon the book of space,
  And learn the lyrics that are sung in tune
    As rolling orbs their constant journeys trace.

* * * * *

General Knefler to General Wallace: 

    INDIANAPOLIS, February 19, 1868.

GENERAL.  Upon reading the “Life of Grant,” by Colonel Badeau, I was much surprised to see his version of your conduct on the first day of the battle of Shiloh.  As I was present with your command on that day, as Assistant Adjutant General of Division, I desire to make the following statement of facts, as I can remember them at this time: 

The position of your division, on the morning of the sixth of April, 1862, was as follows:  Headquarters of the division and camp of the First Brigade at Crump’s Landing; Second Brigade, two and a half miles from Crump’s Landing, on the Purdy road, at a place, if I remember right, called Stony Lonesome; Third Brigade, two and a half miles from the camp of the Second Brigade, at Adamsville, on the Purdy road, and five miles from Headquarters of division at Crump’s Landing.

When the cannonading was first heard on Sunday morning ’you issued orders’ at once, for the concentration of the division at camp of the Second Brigade, at Stony Lonesome.  The baggage, camp and garrison equipage was ordered to Crump’s Landing, and detachments were