Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 07.djvu/74

66 in town who were under the influence of liquor, he was apprehensive that some insult might be offered to the family within the house unless the flag was withdrawn before I left. I therefore directed him to knock at the front door and tell some responsible person within of the circumstance and give them my request that the flag be withdrawn, at least until the command had passed on. Captain Lamar did as directed, and afterwards told me that the lady of the house had answered his knock, and on being told his reason for coming, turned very pale, and, clasping her hands, assured him that the flag was being displayed by some young persons without her knowledge. Captain Lamar told her that there was no harm done, but to prevent any being done, he requested that the flag be taken in, and it was done at once. This reminds me of an incident that happened while on the march through Frederick City on our previous campaign of invasion. General Howell Cobb's brigade, a very large and fine one indeed, was marching with a band of music playing through the streets—the General at the head of his column—when two ladies appeared on a balcony waving two small flags. The General, a gallant gentleman as he was, with the ladies as in war, pulled off his hat and bowed to them with great courtesy, his men cheering in unison; but presently the cheering was succeeded by a burst of laughter from the rear, and as the General turned to find out the cause, the men shouted, "Why, General, those are Federal flags!" The General, not at all disconcerted, replied at once: "Never mind, boys, that is not the first time I have pulled off my hat to that flag!" and the men cheered more than before, and the column went on in the best of humor. I mention this to show with what little unworthy and ungenerous feeling our men went into the invasion, and scorned to give offense or insult where it could not be resented.

But to resume the march. My division finally went through Chambersburg and into camp about a mile beyond. The country was thickly settled and finely cultivated, with some excellent gardens. I recollect one near my headquarters which abounded with vegetables, and the sight was so tantalizing that finally a party of my command came and asked if I would not negotiate for some of them. Accordingly, I paid a formal visit to the lady of the mansion, where the garden was, and telling her the purpose of my visit asked if she would sell some or all her vegetables—informing her, however, that we had but Confederate money wherewith to pay, but if she preferred it I would give her a certificate of what was