erform his duty.
The President hearing of his skill in maneuvering troops, and his
gallant conduct on the battlefield, at once promoted him to be a
Major-General.

"Their return home, of course, made our family very happy again--only
marred by the continued severe illness of Dr. James. He had lingered
for months, sometimes improving, and then again suffering severely. He
seemed to revive and gain strength on the return of his friends. Capt.
Day took up his abode at Young's Hotel, and Capt. Jackson remained at
home with us. Peter returned in a few days, his foot being in a very bad
condition, he fearing that an amputation might become necessary without
great care and immediate rest. Thus our family were once more partly
together, and although some were suffering greatly, we enjoyed the
recital of the battle of Antler's Run, by both Capt. Jackson and the
General The story of his lying on the bed and hearing the suggestions of
a conspiracy by the superior officers of the Army of the East, caused
me serious reflection. The details of this conversation he gave me in
confidence, having never revealed it even to his staff officers. I at
once repaired to the Capital, and saw the President and Secretary of
War, and stated to them the whole of the conversation and the proposed
scheme. They were almost dumbfounded. The President thanked me saying:

"'I have now declared the slaves free. We will see what we will see.'
"He then remarked:

"'I have my eye on the man the Lord I think is raising up in order to
complete the work we have begun. These men must be held in our hands
until the right time arrives;' which he thought would not be very long.

"The Secretary of War was not so mild. Under a promise that I would still
prosecute my inquiries further into Canada and elsewhere I left for
home. On my arrival I found the Doctor much worse, and the family
greatly distressed. He lingered but a few days and passed away. You
can see our household was again in deep gloom. I will not speak of our
grief. We were a sorely stricken family."

CHAPTER X.

BATTLE OF MURPHY'S HILL.-THE MOST SANGUINARY FIGHTING OF THE
WAR.---MURDER OF STEPHEN LYON.--UNCLE HAM GETS A STRONG
DISLIKE TO WAR.

Generals 'gainst Generals grapple gracious God,
How honors Heaven heroic hardihood!
Infuriate, indiscriminate in ill,
Kindred kill kinsmen, kinsmen kindred kill,
Labor laid levels, longest, loftiest lines;