(To Dr. L. A. Martinet, editor of the New Orleans Crusader.)

O thou who never harbored fear,
Who ever scorned her visage drear,
Who loathes the name of cowardice,
Whose banner bears the brave device,
'For justice, I will give my life,
Though I should perish in the strife!' -
To thee, I sing my humble lay.
Posterity will see the day,
When thy exalted name shall stand
Immortalized by every land!
Be thou our beacon over-head,
Ay, lead us; blindly we will tread.
Until our dark sky is serene,
May thy unfailing light be seen.