bad condition. But we will not discuss the matter
any further now. You will stay and get a bite to eat and take some rest,
but before doing that take a glass of wine.'

"'Thanks, General; I think I would enjoy a glass about this time.'

"After taking a glass together they sat down and had quite a
conversation on the events of the day. The house being very comfortably
furnished with beds and cots, Gen. McGregor said to Gen. Anderson, 'Lie
down and rest while the servants are preparing the supper.'

"The General did so, and dropped off to sleep. Soon some general
officers came in and were seated at a table, imbibing rather freely.
The noise they were making aroused the General from his slumbers. He
recognized Farlin; to the others he was afterwards introduced, being
Gen. Bowlly Smite and Gen. William Cross. The General did not rise, nor
did he, by any means, exhibit any knowledge of their presence.

"In the conversation between these three Generals they were discussing
the probable success of the war and the course of the Administration.

"Farlin said: 'I am very decidedly of the opinion that this war will
last for ten years, and finally the South will gain their independence.
The North will tire out, and the property-holders will get tired of
paying taxes. This war is very expensive, and the debt will eventually
alarm the country, so that they will be ready to accede to anything.'

[Illustration: Anderson overhears the Conspiracy 162]

"Said Smite: 'Well; but what will become of everything? This Government
is not strong enough to stand this strain. It has not power, except it
be usurped, to prosecute the war against these Southern States. I do not
believe in a Republic anyway. We ought to have a government of central
force and power--a military government, or a monarchy, such as England.
Suppose we had such a government as that. We would not be afflicted
every now and then with new commanders that we who make soldiering our
profession know nothing and care nothing about, and cannot allow to be
placed over us when we can avoid it.'

"'Well; but,' said Cross, 'what can we do? That is what we should think
about. For instance, here, to-day, we have won a great battle. It is not
likely that either of us will be put in command of anything higher than
a corps. The command of the different armies will be given to some of
those pets who want to free the niggers; and I was told the other day in
Washington by Mr. Thos. A. S