by John McElroy
CHAPTER VIII.
BATTLE OF PAGELAND--A VICTORY TURNED INTO A DEFEAT BY TREACHERY--DEATH OF GEN. LYON--ON THE TRAIL OF THE KNIGHTS OF THE GOLDEN CIRCLE.
"Sorrow breaks seasons, and reposing hours, Makes the night morning, and the noontide night." --Shakespeare
"During the two weeks intervening, Dr. Adams was engaged in carefullywriting from his very full shorthand notes the relation of facts asgiven by Uncle Daniel. At the appointed time all were again present,eager for a continuance of this interesting and remarkable history ofevents only a short time past, and yet almost forgotten. When all wereseated Uncle Daniel began:
"The time between the sending of my report to the President ofGen. Anderson's trip and his answer, with further instructions, wasconsiderable. Finally, I received a letter from the Secretary of War,who seemed very much gratified about the information that had beengathered, as also at the manner in which it had been obtained. Herequested that I send or go myself to Canada and ascertain such furtherfacts as I could in reference to the conspiracy and the movements ofthe conspirators. Gen. Anderson, my son Jackson, and myself held aconsultation as to my going. They thought the undertaking too hazardousfor me to attempt, and finally Jackson proposed that he would gohimself, saying that it would be at least two months before Gen.Anderson could again take the field for active operations; in themeantime he (Jackson) could be profitably employed in this business forthe Government. This was agreed upon as the better course to pursue.Jackson was at once given all the secrets of the Circle as far asthe General knew them. He studied the passwords, signs, and theirinstructions until the General pronounced him sufficiently well informedfor a first class conspirator. And as soon as he could get himself inreadiness he started for Montreal, C. E., by way of New York. Duringall this time the Circle had been busily at work, and the excitement wasincreasing all over the country.
"The alarm for fear of the enemy in our rear was producing such acondition of things as to endanger the safety of the people everywhere in the West, and at this time much encouragement was given toour enemies at home by the many failures of our armies in the East. Thearmy, as before stated, had been put under a new commander, Gen. Pike,and the displeasure created among the ranking officers was easily tobe seen by their language and manner towards him. This feeling wasconstantly fed by disparaging articles in the opposition press. Theenemy in arms could easily see that this was a golden opportunity, andthey availed themselves of it. They commenced a movement which indicatedan advance against our forces. Gen. Wall, of the rebel army, had byrapid marches put himself between Gen. Pike and his base. This forceda movement on the part of our troops to the rear, and necessitated animmediate attack upon Gen. Wall in order to drive him back from thethreatening position he occupied. The troops were moved rapidly backin the direction of Cow Creek, where it was intended by Gen. Pike toassault him.
"The army was at last all collected in easy supporting distance, andPike moved out with Gen. Horn's corps and assaulted Gen. Dawn's divisionof Wall's army. The contest was a spirited one, and lasted until wellin the night. Dawn finally retreated. During the night all arrangementswere made for an advance. The next morning the General-in-chief of therebel armies was moving by forced marches in order to join Wall priorto any serious engagement, and Pike was determined to attack Wall beforethe main army of the enemy could arrive; but, to his utter astonishment,his forces under Farlin, ordered to join him from the base of supplies,were not in motion as yet, as he ascertained; and so with Fitzgibbon,who had been repeatedly urged to come with all dispatch. This left Pikein such a condition that he must delay his attack, which delay mightbring great disaster to his army. Pike sent his staff officers to notifythose Generals of his desires and intentions, which was done; but allmanner of excuses were given for the delay. Finally, the next day, whenpart of his forces had arrived, Fitzgibbon coming up leisurely with hiscorps of magnificent soldiers, he was forced to commence the battle inthe absence of Farlin and his corps. He moved out, putting his cavalryon the right flank, near Siddon Springs, threatening the left of Wall'sarmy, who were formed in line of battle at or near a small town calledPageland. Rackett holding Pike's right, Shunk in the center, andBrig-Gen. David Lyon on the left of Shunk, his left resting on the edgeof a grove of thick timber. The extreme left of the command was held byGen. Fitzgibbon's corps. It was understood that Fitzgibbon would attackthe enemy during the engagement on his right flank, and in that waymeasurably destroy him. The troops being thus disposed they wereordered to advance. The battle soon commenced by slight cavalryskirmishing on our right. Our cavalry having met the cavalry of theenemy, he, discovering our movements and positions, moved out tomeet us. The firing and cracking of carbines increased, until finallymusketry was distinguishable on the line fronting our cavalry. They soonasked for support, which was sent, and the enemy driven back. At thistime skirmishing opened in several places on our infantry line, andcontinued until our whole line was formed and advanced. The enemy havingadvantage in position, did not advance to meet our forces, but heldthemselves in readiness to receive any attack that our troops shouldmake upon them, Wall intending to save his men as much as possible, andto hold out until the main rebel army should arrive. Finally an assaultwas ordered all along the Une, and Wall was driven back to a deepdepression in the ground, behind which, on the rising slope beyond, hereformed his line. Our forces pressed forward and assailed his left withgreat energy. Wall gradually gave way and was being easily driven back,when all at once a dash was made from the position to which they hadbeen forced. This onslaught was so vigorous and irresistible that ourforces had to give way and fall back to the main line. Gen. Rackett,seeing this dash of the enemy, at once said:
"'These are fresh troops. They are re-enforcing from some other part ofthe line.'
"This being communicated to the commanding General, he said they musthave weakened the center. In order to test this he ordered an assault tobe made at once upon their center. In this opinion he was correct. Theassault upon the enemy's center dislodged him and drove him in muchconfusion back to another position. Our left then moved forwardrapidly with the same result, and the battle was going well and verysatisfactorily. Our right being then re-enforced, the enemy was drivenfrom his line at every point. Gen. Pike believing that he had the enemyin a position where he could easily beat him, if his other forces wouldcome up promptly, sent to the rear to find Farlin, but he could not befound. He said to one of his staff officers:
"'Does not this look as if I was betrayed?'
"The staff officer, now dead, replied:
"'General, this is what I have feared for some time. The movements ofthe enemy look as though they were only fighting for time. You seehow easily they are forced back--in numbers engaged more than equal toours.'
"'What of Fitzgibbon on the left? I have not heard a gun in thatdirection.'
"'Nor will you,' replied the officer.
"'But he has orders to attack at once. He must attack very soon, I amsure. How can he see and hear a battle like this without engaging?'
"The officer made no reply. The General thought he would ascertain, andordered his staff officer to proceed to the line of Gen. Lyon, and askhim to feel out from his left for Fitzgibbon, and to open communicationwith him. This order being executed, Gen. Lyon reported that he couldnot find any force to his left, but at the same time reported that therewas much noise and dust in his front on the main road, and he fearedre-enforcements for the enemy.
"Just then Gen. Mcintosh reported with his command, which had beenmarching from Fitzgibbon's rear for some time in order to reach thebattlefield. As soon as he had reported Gen. Pike directed that, as soonas his command could rest, so as to be in condition to move forward,he desired him to move up in support of Gen. Lyon; as he fearedre-enforcements were moving to his (Lyon's) front.
"Just about this, time Fitzgibbon had discovered much dust rising in thedirection of the south. He called the attention of some of his officersto it, and pr
oposed a retreat. But his command did not think a retreatwithout losing a man or testing the enemy would look quite soldierly,and the retreat was abandoned for the present; but in a few moments animmense flock of wild pigeons (having been by some means disturbed,)came down like a great cloud, and the roaring sound they produced intheir flight so startled Gen. Fitzgibbon that he thought a large corpsof cavalry were charging upon him. Thereupon he immediately ordered hismen under cover and to prepare for retiring, at the same time announcingthat our forces were evidently beaten. Gen. Mcintosh moved forward andat once engaged the enemy, and the battle became general.
"The enemy, then evidently being re-enforced, made several desperate butunsuccessful assaults upon our center; but soon fresh troops were thrownin its support, and our lost ground regained. Our right at this timepressed forward, and at once were hotly engaged. Our artillery nowopened from the different positions occupied by our batteries. Theenemy's batteries promptly replied. Our cav airy were ordered to try andpenetrate to the rear of the enemy. Here was a contest between cavalry.Carbines cracked and rattled almost like the heavy musketry of infantry.Many a horse was seen going at full speed over the field riderless. Manya cavalryman fell. At last a charge with sabers drawn was ordered. Thesight, as described to me, was one of grandeur to behold. On to thecharge they went, each saber flashing in the sunlight. Crash went saberagainst saber. Sparks flew as if from heated steel. 'Forward?' was heardon both sides. Flashes of sparks and ringing sounds from the steel assaber came against saber. Arms were gashed, hands and faces were cut,heads were cleft, and sabers pierced the bodies of the troopers oneither side.
Henry Lyon is Captured 135]
"Back went the rebel cavalry and on against them our men were thrown,until infantry came to the enemy's support, accompanied by a batteryof artillery. A deadly fire from both was poured into the ranks ofour horsemen. Our lines staggered, then recovered again, but could notwithstand both the infantry and artillery. They were compelled to fallback. Many were unhorsed and quite a number captured. Among them was myson Henry, of the Michigan Cavalry. His horse was killed, and his ownback injured in the fall, so that he could not make good his escape.(He was sent to the rear. I heard nothing from him for months--onlyknew that he was taken prisoner.) But the command again rallied and heldtheir line on the flank of our infantry. The artillery on the left ofour line were having a regular duel with several batteries of the enemy.Our center was being sorely pressed again. Column after column assaultedand checked our advance. Gen. Pike was very anxious about his support,and repeatedly sent to find Farlin, but the same report was made eachtime, 'Not in sight; cannot be found.' At last a report came that Farlinwas some twenty miles away, and moving very leisurely.
"'My God!' exclaimed Gen. Pike, 'my army is sacrificed. These men willnot support me. The battle is to be lost, and perhaps all depends uponthe issue here to-day. To win this battle makes our success sure; tolose it may be the loss of all.'
"He called an officer and said, 'Take this written order to Fitzgibbon.He must attack at once.'
"Fitzgibbon was found beneath the shade of a broad oak. He had not fireda gun; his men were panting for a chance to enter the contest. As theofficer passed along they cried out, 'Why not put us into the fight?'How is the battle going?' 'Are we driving them?' 'The rebs are beingre-enforced; we can see troops coming down by Pageland.' (The town wasin full view from where they were impatiently waiting for the command'Forward!')
"Gen. Fitzgibbon paid no attention to the order, except to say, 'Pikedoesn't know what he is doing.'
"The officer said, on returning, Fitzgibbon's men were lying by theirarms, (which were stacked,) and could be put into use instantly.The General could not believe that the attack would not be made byFitzgibbon. The battle now was at white heat--infantry, artillery andcavalry were all engaged. The lines swayed, sometimes the rebels weregaining slight advantage, and then the forces on our side. Gen. DavidLyon's command was now all engaged.
"He drove the enemy through the woods where his left first rested. He washandling his troops well. The commanding General came along where he wasengaged and complimented him very highly for the manner in which he wassucceeding on his part of the line. He then asked David (Gen. Lyon)if he could hear any firing on his left. Gen. Lyon answered him in thenegative.
"'Is it possible? Are you not mistaken? It seems to me that I can hearit.9
"'No, Gen. Pike,' said Gen. Lyon; 'you imagine so; for I assure you Ihave watched and listened for some movement on my left. There has beennone whatever.'
"Gen. Shunk came up just at that moment and said:
"'Gen. Pike, Gen. Rackett is killed.'
"'Is that so? He was one of my most faithful Generals.'
"He sent an officer back to see that the next officer in rank shouldtake command at once.
"Gen. Shunk said to Gen. Pike:
"'I fear that re-enforcements for the enemy are coming up. I have justcaptured some prisoners, who say they have marched fifteen miles to-day,and were put into the battle as soon as they arrived. They also say thatthe commander of the rebel armies is not more than ten miles away withat least 20,000 men.'
"'Yes, that may be so; but if Fitzgibbon will attack on the left, as Ihave ordered him positively to do, and Gen. Farlin comes up--who is notfarther away than the rebel troops--we will be their equal in numbers.'
"'Do you think Farlin is trying to get here, General?'
"'Why, he knows we are engaged. He is an old soldier and ought to do hisduty.'
"'True enough; but if he did not know his duty, and was not an oldsoldier, he might come sooner than he will, knowing it. I do not like tosay so, General, but I have my suspicions that Farlin and Fitzgibbon donot wish you to win this battle.'
"The conversation was here broken off. The enemy having made a desperateassault on Shunk's command, he rode quickly away. By this time thebattle was terrific, and the slaughter terrible on both sides. The fieldwas beginning to look more like a slaughter-pen than anything elseto which it could be compared. Men were being brought to the rear onstretchers, and also carried by their comrades without stretchers; infact, you know it was a very common thing for several men to take holdof one to help him to the rear when sometimes the soldier had but ascratch..
"Gen. Horn, who had been in reserve up to this time, came up with hiscommand and supported Gen. Mcintosh, who was now hard pressed. When Gen.Horn entered the field he could be heard far away, having a stentorianvoice. He advanced rapidly and drove the right of Wall back far from hismain line; but here, in close supporting distance, lay Longpath, withhis fresh troops. He waited until Horn's line was clear in advance ofthe main line, and at once set upon him with great ferocity, driving himback on Mcintosh, that portion of our line giving way for the moment.Gen. Lyon's command was then furiously attacked by fresh troops. Theystood the shock, but had finally to give way. Pike witnessed thisterrible fighting, and said again, 'Can it be possible that Farlin willnot get here in time to save this battle?' He again rode up to Gen. Lyonand asked if he still heard nothing on his left. The General answered'No.' He then directed him to send a courier through and communicatewith Fitzgibbon. By this time the heaviest fighting was on the right andcenter, the firing having slackened on the left. The courier was gonebut a short time, when he returned and reported the enemy marching downa road to our left and forming at right angles with our line. This waseasily understood, and as soon as possible our left was changed to facethe troops so forming on and across our flank. New troops were thrown inat this point, to enable proper resistance to be made, their attack onour angle being made as a diversion.
"This attack now having been repulsed, the enemy were driven back, andquite a number of prisoners captured; the soldiers became much elatedand commenced cheering, which was taken up all along the line. On ourleft our officers took it that Farlin had arrived, or that Fitzgibbonhad sent word that he was going to attack at once and relieve thesituation, the position of the troops facing our left being such that he
could attack them in the rear. But all were doomed to be disappointed.The rebels forming on our left were troops just arriving and under theimmediate command of the General-in-chief of the rebel army. They weresoon in position, and their skirmishers moving through the woods in thedirection of our refused left. The situation was critical indeed. Thecommanding General ordered all the artillery that could be brought intobattery to be placed in position on this flank. The line then held byWall on his left could not be abandoned, nor could he draw from hiscenter, as he was being pressed all along that part of the line. But onthey came through the woods. None but infantry could get through withoutgreat delay. They opened fire. Our line gave way, and fell back to thesupport of the batteries. Finally the batteries all opened, and likethe roar of mighty thunders was the noise. The earth shook as though anearthquake was disturbing it. Fire was vomited forth as though it werefrom the mouth of some burning volcano. Destruction and death were dealtout unsparingly to the enemy. They started to charge the batteries, andwith that hideous yell that they seemed only to employ or understand,on they came. But finally, when they could stand against the torrentof shot and shell no longer, they broke to the rear in great confusion.
"Gen. Pike saw the success, and exclaimed: 'If my other troops wouldonly come up, or Gen. Fitzgibbon attack, the day would soon be ours.'
"But he was doomed to further disappointment. They did not come up,neither did they attack. The rebel General soon took in the wholesituation. He put his artillery in battery on a hill to the right ofour refused line, so as to concentrate his fire on the flank of ourbatteries and force them to change position. This being done heopened some eighteen guns. This forced a change in the position of ourbatteries, and there and then commenced, one of the most destructiveartillery duels that was ever witnessed. Battery horses were killed onboth sides, gunners blown to pieces by shell, officers and men mangled,Gen. Mosely, on the rebel side, had his head shot off, and a Colonel andtwo Captains were blown to pieces on our side. While this duel was goingon the rebel General was reforming his men for another infantry attackon our left. At this moment Gen. Pike said to Gen. Lyon:
"'General, I hear guns over to our left.'
"Gen. Lyon listened, and answered:
"'Well, General, I believe you are correct. I think I heard a gun.'
"Pike then believed that Fitzgibbon had made an attack, and would compelthe enemy to withdraw their forces directly on our left. But he wasmistaken. No attack was made except the one by the rebels. Very soonafterwards they had completed their line, and, knowing the value of aflank attack, again assaulted in the same manner as before. They camethis time with more caution than before, but with a stronger force.They opened fire on both sides about the same time. The battle was nowrenewed all along the line--cavalry, infantry and artillery. The Uneswavered occasionally on both sides. The left of our line gave way atfirst, but rallied again. Gen. Lyon rode up and down his line, cheeringhis men. He led them again and again against the seeming adamantine wallof rebels, and finally forced them back slowly, holding all the groundgained. By this time our center was penetrated and broken. Our troopscould not be rallied for some time. The rebels seeing our confusion tookadvantage of it, and with the intrepidity of so many demons made anotherattack on all parts of the line and forced our whole line some distanceto the rear. It looked for an hour as though all was lost. At one timeour lines seemed to be melting away and becoming disorganized. They wererallied again, however, and formed a new line about a mile in the rearof our first. Both armies were exhausted. Fresh troops then to our aidwould have settled the fortunes of the day in our favor But they didnot come. Gen. Pike thought that whoever made the first attack wouldbe successful, and ordered our line forward. They moved cautiously, butsteadily, attacking and driving the enemy back. He kept falling backuntil he occupied his first line and we ours. Our left, however, wassoon struck by a division of fresh troops, and was driven back somedistance through the woods with great loss. My dear son, Gen. Lyon,here, while rallying his men, was shot through the heart and instantlykilled."
Death of General Lyon 142]
"The old man wept bitterly, and many tears rolled down the cheeks of hislisteners. When he could resume he said:
"If Fitzgibbon had attacked as was expected, our flank could not havebeen turned, and the great slaughter that occurred on this part of theline would have been avoided. Night here closed the day's slaughter withour left completely turned and our troops demoralized. They passed thenight on their arms. The next morning at daylight the attack was resumedby the rebels and our army was beaten. Gens. Stepleton and Kearnan fellon that day, with many other brave officers and men. No battle lostduring the war fell with more crushing effect upon the loyal people thandid the defeat of the Army of the East at the battle of Pageland. Thebattle was lost by the failure of Farlin and Fitzgibbon to support Gen.Pike. They did just what the President and Secretary of War feared theywould do--that was, fail in supporting Pike, the new commander. Theiridea was to dictate the commander or not fight. One would think that menwho had fed upon the charity of the Government from youth to middle agewould be inspired by a more lofty feeling and sentiment. But this is amistake. You cannot infuse patriotism by drilling at a college or inthe field. This comes from the nursery of the mother. Nor can you putbrains, commonsense or courage where God has refused it. The questionwith these men was, 'Do you belong to a certain chosen few?' If so, thatwas put above every other consideration. A volunteer, no matter howmuch he might develop a genius for military affairs, could have norecognition at their hands.
"The fact that Julius Caesar and Napoleon Bonaparte were great generalswithout military training except in the field proved nothing. If menlike those who first commanded our army in the East, and who formed thecoterie, had lived during the Revolutionary War, Washington and thebest of his generals would not have been permitted to have commanded abrigade, if these men could have controlled as they did at the outbreakof the rebellion. The same feeling has grown among our people sincethe war, until the brains of a man cuts but little figure in mattersconnected with governmental affairs. He must belong to one of twoclasses: either a snob or one who has made a fortune. No matter whetherhe made it selling rotten blankets to the Government, worthless armsfor the soldiers, bad meat, diseased horses, small mules, rotten andpoorly-put-together harness, or procured his money in some other way--ifhe has it, the conclusion is at once that he is a great man and full ofwisdom. These things are unfortunate in a government like ours. Butthis is the tendency, and has been for many years. Dash and swell is themotto now; it is growing more in that direction every day. But I havewandered away from my subject. The battlefield of Pageland and itssurroundings was a sight to behold the day after our defeat. The privatesoldiers felt outraged and officers were discouraged, and many goodpeople despaired of our final success. Even the President was moredespondent than he had ever been, but still had faith in God and ourcause. The losses on both sides were very great. The country all aroundwas by both sides turned into a great hospital. The army was almostdisorganized; it certainly was most thoroughly demoralized. Gen. Pikewas relieved, and McGregor put in command again. Fitzgibbon was sent tothe rear without a command. Farlin was everywhere by every friend of hiscountry severely censured. Fitzgibbon was denounced as a traitor to hissuperior officer.
"The mournful part to myself and family had only in part come upon us.Dr. James Lyon, having cut one of his hands in making an amputation,feared bad results from the wound; for that reason he procured a leaveof absence, and accompanied the remains of his brother David home. Iwill not attempt to describe to you the depth of grief in our family,from the oldest to the youngest. It was greater than I now wish torecall, even though so many years have passed since that melancholyscene. Suffice it to say that Gen. David Lyon fills the grave of asgallant and noble a soldier as ever drew a sword. He rests beside hiswife and little daughter Sarah in the cemetery at Allentown."
"The old man, overcome by this recital, could not speak fo
r some time,but finally continued:
"Gen. Anderson was very sad. Dr. James was very restless with his hand,which had commenced swelling and was becoming extremely painful. Mywife Sarah and Jennie (David's widow) were stricken down with fever,requiring the constant attendance of Mary Anderson and Aunt Marthafor many days before their recovery was assured. In the meantime Peterarrived, the wound in his foot having broken out again. When he came tohis mother's bedside she said:
"'O! Peter, my son, that horrible dream haunts me still.'
"This dream from the first had a very depressing effect upon Peter,though he pretended to think nothing of it. We now commenced castingabout to see if there was any way to have Henry exchanged. He beingmerely a private soldier, this was not so easy of accomplishment, asif he had been an officer. During the evening, while we were engaged inconversation in the parlor, Aunt Martha came in and said:
"'Uncle Daniel, dar's a young lady on de porch who wants to see you verybad, she say, on mos' obticlar bizness.'
"'Tell her to come in,' was my answer.
"In a moment a very modest and rather pretty young lady walked in. Shewas evidently greatly embarrassed. I arose, and extending my hand askedher to be seated. She sat down for a moment, and then hesitatingly said:
"'Your wife is unwell, I understand, Mr. Lyon?'
"'Yes,' I replied; 'very unwell. She has had a great sorrow recently.'
"'Yes, sir; so I understand. I very much desired to see her, but willnot annoy her at this time. I had a matter about which I wished to speakwith her. You know, women give their confidence to one another; but Ihope you will allow me to give mine to you, as your wife is sick?'
"'Yes, my good girl; you can say what you wish to me.'
"'Well, Mr. Lyon'--she then hesitated.
"'I encouraged her to proceed.
"'Well, I am on my way South, and I wish your good offices in gettingthrough the lines.'
"'How can I assist you, my child?'
"'I hear, sir, that you are a great friend of the President, and Ithought perhaps you might intercede for me.'
"'May I inquire for what purpose you wish to go South? Do your peoplelive there?'
"'No, sir; I live in Michigan. I was never farther South than thisplace, and this is my first visit here. My name is Seraine Whitcomb. Iam going South to see what I can do to have a young man exchanged who isnow a prisoner in the hands of the rebels.
"'Is he your brother?' I inquired.
"She blushed, and replied:
"'No, sir, he is not a relative; but one in whom I am much interested.'
"I saw through the whole matter at once, but did not press the younglady further. If I had only known whom she meant I would have embracedher as the greatest little heroine living. She said she only wished aletter from me to the President; that she would do the rest herself.This letter I gave her without further questions. She was so modest andyet so brave. She took the letter, bade me good-by, and left. As shewent out she remarked:
"'Do not be surprised if you should receive a letter from me at somefuture time.'
"After she had gone Peter remarked that perhaps she was sent down Southby the Golden Circle, and I might be bestowing favors on the wrongperson. I said, 'True, but I will take my chances on that girl's beinghonest, and, not only honest, but a regular little heroine.'
"Here the conversation on this subject came to an end, and we took upthe condition of the army. Peter said the jealousies between officers inthe Army of the East were strange; that there was nothing of thiskind among the Western troops; that all seemed to have the same commonpurpose, and that was success; but, said he, it may be partly accountedfor in this, that we are all alike unskilled in the arts of war, and donot know enough to get up these conspiracies and jealousies. We are allvolunteers, save two or three, and all obey orders, and go into a battleto win, each one believing he is doing the best fighting. It seemsthat at the battle of Pageland the only object of some of the leadingcommanders was to find some way to lose the battle and at the same timesave their own scalps.
"Gen. Anderson said:
"'Well, I do not know how I may succeed as a commander; but I will havethe courage to relieve any man, and send him to the rear, of whom Imay have the least suspicion, whether it be for cowardice, want ofgood intentions toward the Government, good faith toward his superiorofficer, or for any other cause that might give uneasiness about hisproperly performing his duty.'
"'That would seem to me to be the proper course for any commander offorces,' I replied."
"Uncle Daniel," said Dr. Adams, "I am curious to know what became ofthose two generals--Farlin and Fitzgibbon."
"Well, sir, the same power that is now rewarding those who struck usthe heaviest blows, both North and South, is paying homage to these men.They are both held in high esteem by many people, and you would thinkthey were the only loyal men that were near the battlefield on thatday."
"Yes," said Col. Bush; "to have lost an arm or leg on the Union sideis like the brand of Cain nowadays; but to have been a rebel or to havebelonged to the Golden Circle, or failed in some way by which the rebelsprofited or gained advantage, entitles one to a medal or some highposition of honor and emolument."
