The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1866-06-01

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nothing now, not much at first! And
went on raids capturing imaginary bands of
enemies, reported by the papers as real.
And being an unscrupulous knave, intent
only on money, was hired by the ad-
ministration of the late lamented to go up
and down the country for and in behalf of
negroes--and Abolitionists--par mobile
tratruno!
And sent Democrats to the front and
they were.shot down like dogs, or dragged
/ back wounded to die in hospitals, or swear
! allegiance to Abraham. And I stuffed
/ election returns-and I stole cotton wher-
ever it could be found; mules ditto; Gov
ernment stores ditto, and other things ditto,
/ till I became rich. And what lot of men
who believed we were fighting to subdue
the rebellion. That was a good joke
Twas merely for plunder, cotton and ne
| groes-the cotton for the rich, the negroes
for the poor tax-pa ayers to support.
The war was God send to me. 1t took
me from the gutter, or stool in some sa-
! loon, and made great man of me- It lift
ed me by the Wristbands right up alongside
of Wellington, Napoleon, Alexander, Wash
ington, jackson. Grant, Sherman and other
great men.
And didn't I strut? And didn't I fall
back on my dignity? And didn't I spub
those whose servant I was-and win the
contempt of every sensible man in the land?
And didn't negro wenches fall in love with
me? And didn't I keep abandoned women
at head quarters, on money stole from my
bleeding country? To be sure did. That
was the acme of 'loyalty.'' That was
known as Lincoln patriotism. That style
was the style that paid. That style made
me popular with Abolitionists at home.
And didn't drive Southern roosters from
watching the nest? And didn't I go into
that business for them? And didn't I. go
into the patent bleaching business on joint
account, half for myself and half for the
| Government?
There were some good men in the army
some fine officers-some gentlemanly patri-
otic officers, but they were in hare luck,
and took lower seats. And didn't get
promoted for being caught out nights.
roaming over the country-poaching on
some negro or white mans domain, in be-
half of my government
And wasn't sorry when we had stolen
the South poor, and were obliged to close
the war? The occupation of Othello was
gone. returned home. People did not
make speeches and welcome me back as
they did when - 1 strutted around
with my blue = plumage till it looked
slumpy, and people began to take in cloths
from the lines in my neighbOrhood when it
became known that was political Gen
eral, whose best hold was stealing and in
dorsing Abolitiona No one cares for
me now. A good hunting dog is more
petted. A buck negro is Of more account
in the eyes of Congress and the people
People whisper strange things about that
Stonewal Jackson song of Whose pin
here?" etc. am not half so popular as l
was when in the army. In fact, believe
I am about played out. Why can't we
have another war? Lots Of fellows have
come out of State prisons since the war
ended; and there is plenty of material for
more of these political army officers, who
could draw beer better than blood. Never
mind: I'll put the money stole in Govern
ment bonds-there is no taxes to pay on
them: I'll sit around and draw my interest
on them, live in idleness and be supported
by che poor fools who have bonds, but who
pay taxes while I do not, and who pay me
for being theft and living in idleness.-
You see I am one of the supporters of this
Government. can put my money in
bonds-sOmebOdy pays the taxes of this
country, and pays me interest, but it is not
US bond-holders. Oh, dear! Suppose the
people should repudiate these bonds, as
they surely will, if they are not taxed
what will become of me? I'll have to work
the same as other men, OF go to the poor
house with liberated negroes, for tax-paying
white men to support.