The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1863-08-06
A story of Grant.

| The hero veteran, who was citizen, cap
tain, colonel, brigadier and major general
within space of nine months, though a
rigid disci 2inarian, and perfec. ironsides
In the discharge of his official duties, cod
enjoy good joke, and is always ready to
perpetrate one, when an opportunity pre-
sents. Indeed, among his acquaintances,
! he Is as much renowned for his eccentric
humor, as he is for his skill and bravery
as commander.
When Grant was brigadier in south.
east Missouri, he commanded an expedi-
ton against the rebels under jeff Thomp-
son, in northeast Arkansas.
The distance from the starting point of
the expedition to the supposed rendezvous
OF the rebels, was about one hundred and
ten miles, and the greater portion of the
route lay through howling wilderness.
The imaginary suffering that our soldiers
endured during the first two days Of their
march was enormous. 1t was impossibIe
to steal or "con6scate" uncultivated real
estate, and not hog, or chicken, or an
ear of corn, was anywhere to be seen.
On the third day, however, affairs looked
more hopeful, for few small specks of
ground, in state of partial cultivation,
were here and there visible.
On that day Lieutenant Wickfeld, of
an Indiana cavalry regiment, commanded
the advance guard, consisting Of eighty
mounted men.
About noon he came up to small farm
house, from the outward appearance of
which he judged that there might bs
something fit to eat inside. He halted
his company, dismounted, and with two
second ieutenants entered the -dwellings
He knew that Grants iDcipient fame had
already gone out through all that country
and it occurred to him that by represent
ing himself to be the General he might
obtain the best the house afforded So,
assuming very imperative demeanor, he
accosted the inmates of the house, and
told them he must have something for
himself and staff to eat. They desired to
| know who he was, and he told them that
he was Brigadier General Grant.
| At that name they few around with
alarming alacrity, and served up about all
they had in the house. taking great pains
all the while to make loud professions Of
loyalty.
The lieutenants ate as much as they
could OF thenot over sumptuous meal, but
|
country, and demanded what was to pay.
'tNothing." And they went on their way
rejoicing.
In the meantime General Grant, who
had halted his army few miles further
! back, for resting spell, came IN sight of,
aud was favorably impressed with the ap-
pearance of this same house. Riding up
to the tence in front of the door, he asked
if they would cook him meal.
"No," said female in gruf voice.
"Gen. Grant and his staff have just been
here, and eaten everything in the house
except one pumpkin pie"
"Humph p muttered Grant ''what is
your name2'
"SelTidge," replied the woman.
Casting half-dollar in at the door, be
asked if She would keep that pie ELL he
sent an officer for it, to which she replied
that she would.
That evening, after the camping ground
had been selected, the various regiments
we're notified that there would be grand
parade at half past six, for orders Off
GERS would see t hat their llen all turned
out, &c.
In five minutes the camp was in per-
feet uproar, and filed with all sorts of
rumors. Some thought the enemy was
upon them, it being so unusual to have
parades when on a march.
At half past six the parade was formed
ten columns deep, and nearly a quarter
of mile in length.
I After the usual routine of ceremonies,
the A. A. A. G.. read the following order:
"Headquarters Army in the field
! Special Order No. No.-.-Lieutenant Wick
field, of the Indiana cavalry, having
on this day eaten everything in Mrs. Sell
yidge's house, at the crossing of the Iron
ton and Pocahontas, and Black River and
Cape Girardeau roads, except one pump
kin pie, Lieutenant Wickfeld is hereby
ordered to return with an escort of one
hundred cavalry, and cat that pie also.
U. S. GRANT,
Brig. Gen. Commanding"
Grants orders were law, and no soldier
ever attempted to eyade them. At sevon
o clock the lieutenant fled out of camp
with his hundred meE, amid the cheers of
the army. They concurred in stating
that he devourea the whole Of the pie, and