Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1865-07-28
Mistcllantous.
All Ready for a Duel.

gans Ford. Our colonel had been shot
by an Indian guerrilla, and our lieuten-
ant colonel had gone home sick, SO the
command dcvolycd upon our major, whose
name was Farwcll He was middle
aged, dashing fellow, given to social en-.
joyment; on good terms with himself );
and, as general thing, keeping on pretty
good terme with those about him. lie
was naturally free and easy fine soldl.
or, and strict disoiplinarian. lie was
a kindhearted, generous man, though
troubled with temper that led him into
error at times.
Major Farwell had been in command
but few weeks, when he concluded to
send Tor his wife to come and stop with
him through the summer. He had COM
modious quarters, and there was little
danger that the Indians would make an.
other attack.
was away on a foraging expedition
when Mrs. Farwell arrived; but | re-
turned on the following day, and was in
season to attend toe party which the ma
ior gave on the occasion. The staff and
line officers, not kept away on duty, were
all present, aud joy aud merriment ruled
the hour.
Mrs. Major was younger than her hus-
band, a handsome, por:ly woman. bearing
herself with peculiar grace and dignity
without any effort at show or affec alton.
She assumed no needless reserve, but
treated her guests with kindness and con.
sideration, seeming only anxious that all
should feel at home and enjoy them.
selves.
In that far off region, the laws of total
abstinence 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 We're
not quite ready to retire. The ma jor
was in highest spirits, and song and story.
with flowing goblcts. gave US occupation.
by and by l proposed toast, "Mrs.
Major Farwell," and it was drunk with
three cheers. Why in the world the
major should have taken offence, l could
not comprehend but he did so, and
intimated that had better not make too
free with his wtc's name.
Eyed" | replied. without stopping to
weigh my words, "if you must have
your handsome lady as sacred as that,
you ought lot to have brought her out
here.
"Captain Willett." he cried, rising to
bis feet, "if you breathe the lady's name
again, I'll kick you from my quarters" "
| had started up from my scat. when
Lieut.. Walker, who was sitting by my
side pulled me back.
"Zounds," he uttered in a hurried
whisper, "dou't say another word. The
old majors mad and he's a bit jealous
too. Can't you see it?"
As Walker spoke, it flashed upon me
that Mrs. Farwell had been very atten-
tive to nc. She had danced with me
four or five times, and had promenadcd
with ine upon the piazza.
But could not bear such language as
Major Farwell had addressed 10 me, and
in spite Of my friends rcmonstranee. l
retortcd upon him. My blood was heat
ed with whiskey, and cared no more
for the commanding officer at that time,
than | would have cared tor drummer
boy.
"By-, sir |" l replied, with an oath.
which | need not repeat here, "you would
have 6nc time kicking me out! Per-
haps you had better try it now!"
The Major sprang towards mo, and
caught me by the collar. | thought at
the time he meant to strike; but | was
subsequently convinced that he did not
But struck him-struck him upon the
cheek with the fat Of my hand.
With a Kissing oath. he drew pistol
from his pocket. but before he could use
it, the adjutant caught his arm, aud three
or four Of my friends hurried me foom
tA.e room, and led me to my own quar-
tiers.
On the following morning l awoke
with anything but pleasant feeling,
and when remembered what had trans
pired during the previous uight. | felt
wretched enough. | cursed the wine cup
and whiskcy bottle from the bottom OF
my heart, and inwardly resolved that |
would touch the stuff no more. Still l
was forced to take stiff hot toddy to
steady my nerves; and after l had
dressed myself, sat down to a cup OF