The new South. [volume] (Port Royal, S.C.) 1862-1867, 1864-02-20

coming OF the SueStS-iOI Inat No 5ildu Aot i0nS
to wait-at o'clock the entire party had assem-
bled. The inviting board was seen encireled
good-humor, mirth, congratnlations toasts,
speeches, cheers and laughter were the prevailing
characteristics of the banquet; every one present
entered heart and hand into the esfuil enjoyment
of the festivities-not single event occurred to-
interrupt the flow of pleasure. The wine passed
freely from hand to hand and, when that became
q clog, the staple old bourbon took its place.
The lieutenant had already established fame for
his prodigal hospitality. No one could count
upon more friends At most any hour of the
day or evening" three or four horses tied outside,
his quarters indicated the number of visitors
within. His popularity was by no means limited
to Morris Island, it extended throughout the De-
partment Some of his more facetious admirers
designated his tent-an Inn; and one Of the
number went 80 far as to present the lieutenant
with an embossed d-board having on the OBJ
verse, the word "Hote," printed in large letters.
This card occupied a conspicuous place above his
writing desk, and no one could enter the tent
without observing it. On rare occasions, it is
said, when, by accident, the whiskey ran low or
the lieutenant had become surfeited with gay So
ciety, and sought brief repose; it was his prac-
tice to turn the reverse of the card towards the
entranse which change was understood by the
knowing ones to signify "hotel not open" ror IN
other words, "no intrusion at present" On this
day the diverse of the card stared the company
full in the face All restraint of eonviviality was
tossed to the wind The guests persisted that
the lieutenant sxcelled himself in the display of
his magnanimous qualities, and declared, in an
ecstatic moment, that they would subscribe to
handsome gift for his special benefit.
1t was rapidly approaching dark. The cloth was
removed and the party proceeded to storytelling.
Nearly two hours were consumed in this pastime.
The general tenor of the stories, az one would ma
turally suppose, partook Of the ludicrous rather
than the grave. It happened, however, that one
of the party, who had been previously noted for
his remarkable versatility, appeared that night as
if a shadow had cast itselfupon him and blackened
all the lively traits of his nature. At times he was
absolutely solemn. His most intimate friends
could not rouse him to merriment much more, to
laughter. Each, with a single exception, had told
o story or sung o song-and jolly one it was. OF
course he would not disappoint them2
"No," he answered in a measured tone, eff
you will not be offended at my selection"
$50 on! Go on" echoed dozen voices 50
eager were the party to gethim in talking humor,
regardless of what he might say:
"wsIl, boys" said he, 81 willrelate my mental
experience for the past two hours must admit
I have scarcely been myself within that time.
am>oppressed with sense that have done some
thing wrong, and stl, for the life Of ma, cannot
fix my thought on any particular misdeed that
should cause such a singular impression. Posi-
bly, dissipation may have something to do with it,
but if that be the case. why have not been SINH
larly afflicted before? The sensation is indeed
painful and to add to my misery cannot dispel