al."

Captain de Banyan assisted him into the ambulance; and, when he had
placed him in the care of the surgeon, he returned to headquarters to
tell the marvelous story of their capture by the rebels, and their escape
from Petersburg. It is quite likely that he did not add his experience in
Tennessee; but when the general called on Somers at the hospital the next
morning, the latter supplied all that had been withheld. The general had
a higher regard for the captain's patriotism than ever before, for he had
voluntarily renounced the ranks of the rebellion, and placed himself on
the side of his country. There was nothing against him; on the contrary,
his conduct had been in the highest degree praiseworthy. But Captain de
Banyan was sensitive on this point; and the general readily promised to
conceal what the brave fellow regarded as a stain upon his character.

Captain Somers did not improve so rapidly as his friends desired. The
surgeon declared that his night ride from Petersburg, in his feeble
condition, had done him more injury than a year's hard service; and after
he had been in the hospital ten days, it was deemed advisable to give him
a furlough, and send him home, especially as the division was then under
orders to march to Yorktown. The gallant young hero regretted the
necessity of leaving the regiment just as he had been promoted; but he
was in no condition to endure the long and weary march. He was able to
walk about a little; and on the day before the sailing of the transport
by which he was to proceed to Washington, he received another visit from
the general.

After a few kind inquiries in regard to the invalid's condition, the
general took from his pocket one of those great official envelopes which
so often carry joy to the heart of the gallant officer. Somers was
amazed. It could not be possible that his own promotion was indicated by
this document. It was not three weeks since his commission as captain had
reached him; but then Senator Guilford was a great man, and wielded a
tremendous influence, both at Washington, and with the military
authorities of his native State.

Recalling his former declaration to Captain de Banyan, he was fully
resolved to decline any further promotion, at least until he had done
something which entitled him to this distinction. The general held up the
formidable packet, while Somers's pale face was suffused with blushes.

"I have brought you a major's commission, Somers; an