session at least three weeks,
and have given the General himself an infinite amount of satisfaction in
examining his French authorities, and in strictures upon the Records.
What have we here, any how?"

No. 1. "Straggling to a persimmon tree on the road-side."

"That man," said a Lieutenant, "when he saw our Brigadier coming up,
presented him with a couple of persimmons very politely. But it was no
go; the General ordered him under guard and eat the persimmons as part
of the punishment."

"Well," rejoined the Colonel, "we'll let you off with guard duty for the
night."

No. 2. "Killing a shoat while the Regiment halted at noon."

The man charged was a fine-looking young fellow whose only preparation
for the musket, when he enlisted, was previous practice with the yard
stick in a dry goods establishment. Intelligent and good-natured, he was
popular in the command, and was never known to let his larder suffer.

"Was it a Rebel pig?" inquired a bystander.

"A most rebellious pig," replied he, bowing to the Colonel. "He gave us
a great amount of trouble, and rebelled to the last." A laugh followed,
interrupted by the Colonel, who desired to hear the circumstances of the
case.

"Right after we had halted on the other side of New Baltimore,"
continued the man, "I saw the pig rooting about a corn shock, and as my
haversack was empty, and myself hungry, I thought I could dispose of
part of him to advantage, and before I had time to reflect about the
order, I commenced running after him. Several others followed, and some
officers near by stood looking at us. After skinning my hands and knees
in trying to catch him by throwing myself upon him, I finally caught
him. When I had him skinned, I gave a piece to all the officers who saw
me, saving only a ham for myself, and I was dressing it when up came a
Lieutenant of the Provost Guard and demanded it. I debated the matter as
well as a keen appetite would allow, and finally coming to the
conclusion that I could not serve my country as I should, if half
starved, I resolved to keep it, and refused him, and he reported me, and
here I am with it at your service," clapping his hand on a well filled
haversack.

One-half of the meat was confiscated, but the novelty of the sergeant's
patriotic plea saved him further penalty.

No. 3. Caught in a negro shanty, in company with an old wench.

The crowd laughed; while the subject, a tall cadaverous-looking fellow,
protested earnestly