Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 07.djvu/191

 their kind hostess, and pressed rapidly on to Manikin Town, on the James River and Kanawha canal, half a day's march from Richmond, where they arrived while it was yet early morning. The green sward between the canal and river was inviting and the survivors laid there awhile to rest and determine whether or not they would push on to the city. They decided to do so as soon as they could find a breakfast to fit them for the day's march.

A short walk placed them at the yard gate of a house prominent by reason of its size and finish. Everything indicated comfort, plenty and freedom from the ravages of war. The proprietor, a well fed, hearty man of not more than forty-two or three, who, as a soldier could tell at a glance, had never seen a day's service, stood behind the tall gate, and without a motion towards opening it replied to the cheery "good morning, sir!" of the soldiers with a sullen "morn—what do you want here?" "We are from Richmond, sir, members of the —— —— —— ——. We are on our way home from Appomattox, where the army was surrendered, and called to ask if you could spare us something to eat before we start on the day's march." "Oh! yes! I know about the surrender! I do. Some scoundrels were here last night and stole my best mare—d—— em! No, I don't want any more of such cattle here," replied the patriot. (A large reward for his name). The foragers, having worked for a meal before and being less sensitive than "penniless gentlemen" sometimes are, replied: "We are not horse thieves or beggars. If you do not feel that it would be a pleasure and a privilege to feed us, don't do it! We don't propose to press the matter."

At last he said: "Come in, then; I'll see what I can do." The seekers after food accepted the ungracious invitation, followed the dog through his yard and into his house and took seats at his table. At a signal from the master a servant went out. The host followed and, it is supposed, instructed her. The host returned and was soon followed by the servant bearing two plates, which were placed before the "survivors." Alas! that they should "survive" to see the plates contained the heads, tails, fins and vertebrae of the fish, fresh from the river, which the family of this hero and sufferer from the evils of war had devoured at their early and no doubt breakfast.

"Survivor" No. 1 looked at "Survivor" No. 2, Survivor No. 2 looked at "Survivor" No. 1, and simultaneously they rose to their feet, glanced at the "host" and strode to and out of the door. The "host" followed amazed. "What's the matter, gentlemen? You did