ow he might have cured himself by a course
of _pates de foie gras_.

And now let me direct your most intense attention to the Mackerel Camp
on this side of Duck Lake, where the spectacled veterans are all
repairing their umbrellas for another reconnoissance toward the first
point of the compass that seems most vulnerable. They are all full of
enthusiasm, my boy, over the loss of some of their comrades and arms in
the recent triangular geometrical proceedings against the unseemly
Confederacy, and unanimously demand to be led against the enemies of
human freedom that presume to show the freedom of human enemies.

You may remember that, just previous to the recent crossing of Duck
Lake, Captain Samyule Sa-mith was despatched with the Anatomical
Cavalry to dig a canal in the immediate rear of the Southern
Confederacy, in order that the legions of the enemies of human freedom
about to be captured by surprise, might be at once set to hard labor on
the tow-path. It was not more than four days after all the fighting was
over that Samyule came back with his equestrian warriors, and says the
General to him:

"Well, boy, is the canal finished?"

Samyule scratched his head, and says he: "Not quite, sire; but we have
torn up a Confederate railroad."

It was this circumstance, my boy, that gave rise to the recent reports
of the capture of Richmond, as considerable of the Rebel capital is
known to be invested in railroad iron.

Shortly after Samyule's return, the Grim Old Fighting Cox took off his
coat, rolled up his sleeves, ordered a couple of spies to be executed,
and discharged the following

"CONGRATULATORY ORDER.

"HEAD QUARTERS MACKEREL BRIGADE.

"The General commanding tenders to the aged Mackerels his
congratulations on their achievements of the last seven days, which
were week.

"If they have not accomplished all that was expected, the reason
is, that more was expected than has been accomplished.

"It is sufficient to say that they were of a character not to be
foreseen without foresight, nor prevented without human sagacity
and attainable resources.

"In withdrawing from the other side of Duck Lake without delivering
a general battle to our adversaries, the Mackerels have proved
their renewed diffidence in themselves, and their fidelity to a
high standard of retiring modesty.

"In fighting at a disadvantage, instead of at the enemy, we would
h