g, dropped
into the middle of a window-brush, and graduates downward into his
boots without seeming to be either growing out of them, or running
through them.

And he is none of your military popinjays, my boy, all plastered with
buttons and gold lace, but an earnest, hardworking soldier. His dress
for the field is characterized by genuine republican simplicity, and
consists of hardworking corduroy breeches, sternly patched; an earnest
pea-jacket, resolutely out at the elbows; a pair of straightforward
slippers, unflinchingly ragged around the toes, and an untrifling silk
hat, determinedly mashed-in at various points. You feel as you look at
him, my boy, that he means hard work, and is indifferent to good
clothes as long as he can save his distracted country.

On the majestic brow of a true hero, a shocking bad hat is a far
nobler, more glittering crown, than the circle of filthy lucre which
surmounts the head of Europe's bloated despot. Grander, far grander is
the nightcap of a Washington, than any style of army cap I have yet
seen.

The new General was mounted upon a long-tailed cob, and his
horsemanship thrilled this manly bosom with rapture. Did he wish to
deliver an order to his aid, he but slightly tightened the reins of his
horse, and at once the noble animal arose to his hind legs and fired
off a pistol held for him by an orderly. Did he wish to go the rounds,
he but touched the left flank of his horse, and straightway the
sagacious charger struck into a graceful waltz, leaping over
five-barred gates as he went along, and dashing through hoops held
aloft by the troops. Did he desire to approach one of his Generals for
consultation, he had but to give a low whistle, and forthwith the
intelligent animal limped about on three feet, as though lame, and
drank a bottle of wine presented to him by an orderly. Did he have an
inclination to review his troops, he was compelled only to gently pinch
his horse's neck, and at once the graceful beast laid down upon his
side and pretended to die as naturally as any human being.

In short, my boy, it is argued from the earnest new General's bad
clothes, that he will speedily bring the war to a good close; and from
his being such a particular horseman, that he will never become any
party's footman.

But let me change my subject for a time, and relate the great triumph
of our new naval artillery on Duck Lake, which majestic sheet of water
has returned to earth with the late