the truth. Capt. Jackson, I will not get mad at you for speaking in a
complimentary manner about my husband.'

"'Hereafter I will repeat all the good things which I may have to say
about him to you; but you will tell him, and then he will get mad at
me.'

"'No, he will not be mad; don't you know what peculiar animals men are?'

"'Well, yes; they are rather peculiar,' said Jackson. 'They like
compliments when not deserving; but when deserving they then dislike
them. Is that not about the way with most men? I notice women are
somewhat differently constituted? Are they not?'

"'Yes, indeed; they always like compliments. Do they not, my dear?'
addressing her husband.

"'I have usually found it so,' replied the General. His wife ran into
the house, and laughingly said:

"'Well, I guess Tom has been trying his compliments on some one else.
Has he not, aunty?' addressing Aunt Martha.

"'God lub you' sole, chile, dese men, you can't tell nuffin 'bout dem,
sho'; but Massa Tom be all rite, I 'spect; I knows him; no fear 'bout
him; de good Laud spar' him for good work, sho'.'

"I asked the General to write out a full statement of all he had
reported to me. He did so that night, and the following day I mailed it
to the President with a private note accompanying.

"During the day Jackson entertained us with his visit to Washington, to
the army, and the pleasant time he passed in camp with his brothers. He
said that there was something wrong in that army; that the machinery did
not seem to work very smoothly, but that never having been a soldier,
perhaps he could not form a correct opinion. The sequel told the tale,
however."

"Well, Uncle Daniel, this Golden Circle discovery was most
extraordinary," said Dr. Adams.

"Yes. It grew into greater proportions later on, however."

"I feel an interest in knowing what became of that young Virginian whom
Gen. Anderson met at Camp Chase; his name I forget, but have it written
down."

"Yes; you mean Mr. Ridenbergen?"

"Yes."

"I have learned that he went through the war on the rebel side unharmed,
after the war married in Pennsylvania, and is now one of the most
prominent men in Virginia. He espoused the advanced policy of the men
who saved the Union, and is now one of the leading opponents of the
unreconstructed in that State."

Uncle Daniel becoming very weak and exhausted, by an agreement with us,
the continuance of his story was postponed until another time.

C