Clarksville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1865-1867, 1866-04-06
HOW THE CAPTAIN EAT MULE MEAT.

1t Is well known fact, that during the
siege Of Port Hudson, mule meat was an ar
ticle "provender' issued to the Confederat.
soldiers after the last cow, sheep, and hog
had been killed and eaten. Many Of th,
soldiers swore they wouldn't eat il; whilt
others, just as determined, said they woult
eat anything, "Daddy Longlcgs," as they
humorously called Gen. Gardner, woult
issue them as rations. But the beginning
was everything-who was to take the initia
tory in the matter 90 as to give the exampl,
TO others, "there was the rub, Gen. Gardne,
brave as be Is noble-hearted, ordered fifteen
pounds from the first mule killed for his own
mess, to show his men that he was willing te
eat'of the same dainties provided for them. His
example was followed by nearly nil the
command. Among the officers of the post
there was certain Arkansas Captain, com.
missary in Gen. Beals brigade, who could
not bring bis mind to the "sticking point. y
Swallow the undiluted mule be wouldn't
said he couldt; and finally swore he'd be
burned if be would not starve first. His
brother officers often joked and quizzed him
upon his delicacy in the matter, but of nc
avail-the Captain could not be induced 70
solace his "ipternal arrangements with
roast or fried mule, no matter how hungry
he might be.
One day, while sitting in the rear of our
quarters, indulging in an excellent hash, the
only dish upon the table except shoe cake, -
the captain stepped up and seeing US busiiy
engaged at the meridianal repast, inquired
the nature of the dish which seemed 30 luz
urious to the palate. We invited him to
partake of such as we had TO offer aud satisfy
himself on the point.
1t is nothing but hash made of piece
Of the last milk COW in the port" encourae-
ingly said we, and continued eating as if life
depended upon its rapidity.
Hash, eh last milk COW killedp solilo.
qulzed the captain, as he slowly seated him
self and commenced "shoveling' out a
plateful of the fragrant hash. "Why, /
thought the last COW was killed few DAYS
2"
"Oh, no there was one saved on the sly
by the butcher, but old Frank smelt il out
and gave orders to have II killed at once -
got nice piece from the butcher for old ac-
quaintance sake" said we, rs IL beef had
been common article of consumption with
us all the time.
The captain said no more, but went in"
with an appetite. The dinner was enliyened
by many sallies Of wit on the part of our
guest at those condemned by cruel war, to
partake Of the "hybrid' character of meat
just then much in vogue at the post; nay, he
even invited himself to dine with us until
our " "cow-meat" should be exhausted.
The dinner over, pipes filed with fragrant
leaves OF the blackberry, common substi-
tute for tobacco, were passed around, much
to the qualification of the captain, who ee-
clared that he had never dined more sump-
tuously at any time since he had honored
Port Hudson with bis presence.
Glad to hear, cap that you are pleased
with our poor fare"
" Poor fare think 1t was excellent. Now
you see, if l had dined at my quarters, /
should have been compelled to eat that con-
founded mule meat, or have gone hungry
for want OF something better. Thanks, how
ever, to your kind invitation, have avoided
the nauseous dose for one day moro, at
least"
We allowed the captain to get his pipe
under full headway, before we again broke
the silence.
N"P" yOu uhFC otcu very cOmpll-
mentary upon the dinner set before you, to-
day, and are under many obligations for II !;
but do you know what you have eaten 2"
At these words be turned deadly pale;
"Know what have eaten Certainly !
You said the hash was made of q piece Of
the last milk COW in the port"
$50 we did, Cap, but the truth may as
well be told now as at any time. That hash
was made of mule meatr'
"whatf" roared he, springing to his feet !;
" and you allowed me to eat II without tell
ing me what 1t was? Look here, sir. If I
thought yOu meant 10 insult me- I,"-here
he broke down-he could contain himself no
longer. The "retchings," short comings" /"
and "up-heavings' of our guest can be bet
ter imagined than described. Suffice to say i,
that after the joke had exhausted itself at
his expense, he " came down" as quietly to
his mule meat as If be had been accustomed
70 this sort Of beef all his life Louisiana
Sugar Planter.