The Portland daily press., 1865-07-22
Saturday Morning, July 22, 1865.
ALL RRApY FoR a puEr..

AAL 141A11 1Oh h OUkill.4
Our regiment was stationed at Morgan'
Ford. Our colonel had been shot by an In
dian guerrilla, and our heutenant-colonel hat
gone home sick, so the command devolved I'D
on our MAJOR, whose name was Farwell. Ht
was a middle-aged, dashing fellow, given tt
social enjoyment; on good terms with himself
and, as general thing, keeping on pretty gooC
terms with those around him. He was natur
ally free and easy "a fine soldier, and strict dis
cipinarian. He was kind d-hearted. eenerou,
man, though troubled with a temper that leo
him into error at times.
Major Farwen had been in command but a
few weeks when he concluded to send for his
wife to come and stop with him through the
summer. he had comfortable and commo-
dious quarters, and there was little danger that
the Indians would make another attack.
was away on foraging expedition when Mrs.
Farwell arrived; but returned on the follow
ing day, and was in season to attend the par
ty which the major gave on the occasion. The
statf and line officers, not kept away on duty.
We're all present, and joy and merriment ruled
the hour.
Mrs. Major was younger than her husband /;
handsome, portly woman, bearing herself
with peculiar grace and dignity, without any
effort at show or aifectation She assumed
no needless reserve, but treated her guests
with Kindness and consideration, seeming only
anxious all should feel at home and enjoy
themselves
In that far-of region the laws of total absti-
nence were not strictly adhered to and on the
present occasion we not only emptied MANY
bottles of wine, but sundry bottles of old
Bourbon were included in the bill of fare
Towards midnight the ladies withdrew; but
the officers were not quite ready to retire. The
major was in the highest spirits, and stories,
with flowing gobIets gave us occupation. BY
and BY proposed a toast, Mrs. Major Far
well" and it was drunk with three cheers.
Why in the world the major should have tax
en- oiense could not comprehend; but he did
so, and intimated that / had not better make
toe free with his wiies name. w
'Egad,' Ireplied, without stopping to weigh
my words, If you must have your handsome
lady as sacred as that, you ought not have
brought her out here.'
Captain Willett,' he cried, springing to his
feet, If you breathe the lady's name again, I'll
kick you from my quarters
had started up from my seat, when Lieut..
Walker, who was sitting by my side, pulled me
back. sa4sa Be- NV
'Zounds,' he uttered, in hurried whisper
don't say another word. The old majors mad,
and he's bit jealous too. Can't you see
itp
As Walker spoke it flashed upon me that
el w lldQ Dt6u very dIUeQL1V6 10 mc.-
She had danced with me four or five times,
and had promenaded with me upon the pi-
azza.
But could not bear such language as Ma
jor FaTwell had addressed to me, and in spite
of my friends remonstrance, | retorted upon
him. My blood was heated with whiskey, and l
cared no more for the commanding otricer at
that time than for our drummer boy.
'By , sir?' / replied with an oath
r
fine time ldckingm me out! Perhaps you had
better try it nowp 1885 glHb
The major sprang towards me, and caught
me by the collar. / thought at the time that
he meant to strike but l was subsequently con-
vinced that he did not. But struck him
struck him upon his cheek with the fiat of my
hand. 9aa asf 8t
With Kissing oath he drew pistol from his
pocket, but before he could use it the adjutant
caught his arm, and three or four of my
friends hurried me from the room, and led me
to my own quarters.
On the following morning awoke with any,
thing but pleasant feeling, and when l
remembered what had transpired during the
previous night | felt wretched enough.
cursed the wine-cup and the whiskey-bottle
from the bottom of my heart, and inwardly re-
solved that | would touch the stuff no more.
Still was forced to take stiff hot toddy to
steady my nerves; and after / had dressed
myself L sat down to cup of coffee. was
thus engaged when our adjutant, Mr.. Bowker,
entered my quarters. bade him good morn
ing, and asked him if he would take breakfast
with me. N
Not now,' said he, shaking his head. Il
have called upon business. All, Captain, this
is bad affair. Do you remember you struck
the major last night?'
Yes-I remembered it very well-re-
membered it too well.
He expects that you viii make an apology
pursued the adjutant.
And if do not?' a w at4
Then you must fight him.
You were present, Bowker, during the en-
tire scene?' rHL
Yes
Then wish you would tell me the truth
for | am free to confess that my brain was on
bit ofa whirl last night. First; did / in my
toast to Mrs. FaEwell, give him the least occa-
sion for ill-feelingr ~ n
1 could see none, captain, but you must re-
member that he had been drinking
Exactly-and in that we were even. And
now-did he not, in the presence ofthe whole
company, threaten to kick me from his quar-
'Yes.'
AnG did he not lay his hand upon me before
did, 'u' 'niiiA 'iia' nc
Them said drinking the last of nv cof
fee, Il shall make no apology, go. fa
you will remember, captain. s,ooastad Row.
ker, that the major is dead shot. and that
in handling OF the sword he has no srlperi.
or M
1 cared nothing at all about that. knew
the temper of my officers, and knew shond
be held in light esteem if L allowed the maiol
to back me down. once more Bowker asked
If | would apologize.
told him most emphatically "No."
Them he added, 4 have instructions to de
liver this note'
de handed me an unsealed missive, which
+! found to be challenge; and by it was in
formed that Adjutant Dowker was empower
ed TO make all necessary arrangements
MY warmest friend in the regiment was
nrst Lieutenant, named Walker, and | sen
LOT MN at once, desiring him to act as m
second At first he tried to dissuade me fron
nshtlnS but when he found that would no
retreat, ne consented to serve me, though
couid see very plainly that he liked not tn
business. however, he asked me if had an,
Instructions to give him.
ea1 1UnIy Two Items,' l replied. First, l viii
nSn. Win PISTOLS. AS my nerves are some
would like that the affair b
put Oh till tomorrow morning,
walker went out with the adiutant. an,
when ne returned he informed me that tn
arran gements were all made. We wer
10 meet at seven o'clock on the fDllowin,
morning-weapons, pistols--distance, twelv
paces-our seconds to toss for choice of posi
ron-to fire at the word of commend.
After dinner sat down alone to arrange m,