trider, who is one of the ablest men in
this country, that this Abolition President was going to try to set the
slaves free and thereby impoverish the South, so as to force them to lay
down their arms. He said that if this was done he would not be surprised
if Indiana would rise up in revolt.

"'If that be true, I will leave the army myself, said Smite.'

"'No, you are wrong,' said Cross. 'If this is the intention of the
Administration, we ought to organize the army on a better basis than it
now is, have McGregor relieve every one who is not his friend; and
let us urge him to march upon the Capital and there we can install him
Dictator, recognize the South's independence, with the understanding
that they in turn will send their army to the front near to us, so as
to sustain him. We could seize all armories, arsenals and war materials.
The people would then be powerless. England would at once recognize the
South, and if we can maintain ourselves six months, which we can easily
do, the whole of Europe would recognize our government.'

"'Just at this moment Gen. McGregor entered the room and said:

"'Gentlemen, I hope you have been enjoying yourselves. I have been out
to my Adjutant-General's office, dictating my orders for to-morrow. I
hope you have helped yourselves to my sherry and champagne. I had quite
a good lot of it brought on, not knowing how long this campaign might
last.'

"Farlin said:'General, I would think that the campaign for the present
is almost over; our troops are in no condition for further offensive
operations.'

"'Do you think so?' said Gen. McGregor.

"'Yes; most assuredly.'

"'Yes,' added Smite; 'we are in no hurry; this war cannot be rushed
through; and if this Administration is going to do what I understand it
is, there are some of us who will not submit.'

"'What is that?' inquired McGregor.

"'Free the negroes. We will not stand that. We want you to be up and
dressed. We will put you in place of the Administration, and have the
country governed properly, make peace with the South and stop the war.'

"Gen. McGregor here put his finger to his lips, indicating silence
on their part; and looking in the direction of the bed on which Gen.
Anderson was resting, all became silent on this subject, and commenced
speaking of the quality of the wine. Very soon supper was announced,
and the messenger was told to call Gen. Anderson. The General, turning
over and groaning as if awakening from a d