Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1868-02-27
Au 0rigiual Storg.
For the Yorkville Enquirer.
THE LOVE OF LILLIAN LEE.
A STORY OF THE WAR.
BY CLAUDE FORESTER.

A STORY OF THE WAR.
BY CLAUDE FORESTER.
CHAPTER I.
"And now, Lillian" said Major Lee, putting his
arm around the neck Of his daughter, $50 we really
are alone, ehi I have made several unsuccessful
attempts, since my arrival to have little private
conversation with you. Having cornered you, at
last. YOU had better make an unconditional surren-
der; and, sitting right down here, listen to what
have to say" a.. %. ..
saThat you have failed to find an opportunity to
converse with me before, is certainly no fault OF
mine," said Lillian, playfuy lingering the star up
on her fathers coat collar. "What, with General
Stanton, Colonel Hoyt and Captain Lamotte, it
seems to me your entire time has been monopollzed
with military affairs; to the utter neglect or tor
getfuluess of mother and myself"
"a reproof, ehl'' said the Major, gnawipg the
ends of his moustache. 'tHow do you know that
7 have been either negligent or forgetfu? And if
YOU are not assured of the fact, why do you make
the charge? These are not the times, Lillian, Tor
the qualification of our likes or disikes. fitwere,
might, possibly, find it more agreeable to have
less to do with the gentlemen referred to-
'.Now, dear papa r' said Lillian, coaxingly,
s'don't mind what say! was only jesting, and
have not yet learned the weight Of words; Or per-
haps, should have omitted what Ihaye so thought
lessly spoken It does seem too hard, though, that
the little time you are with us, should be broken
into by these august looking sons Of Mars. Sons
of Mars heaven save the mark kI' And Lillian
LAUGHED aloud and curled her pretty lips in the
utmost contempt. ....
ssFoolish child!' muttered the Major; then,
with an anxious and troubled expression Of coun-
tenance, he said ''My dear Lillian, to which OF
the gentlemen do you refer? The General, Colo
mel or Captain2 Or do you embrace them all IN
that look of contempt and scorn, which was so un-
becoming to your pretty face? If so-why? Ex-
plain yourself" ....
Lillian did not, for moment, imagine how
much importance the Major attached to her reply.
Did not know that he was, with soldier-lke tact,
feeling her position, preparatory to an attack.
'The General, papa, is, no doubt, an excellent
disciplinarian; the Colonel, very handsome OIL
Ger on horseback, and an excellent judge Of block
ade wines" .. ....
''Pon my word!' exclaimed the Major, after
hearty laugh; 'sbut what of the Captain?' And
the Majors fine face became unusually grave.
'He is positively contemplate, sir!'
The Major whistled; moved uneasily about the
sofa; took pinch of snuff, and finally got up and
walked to the window.
''It is matter Of little consequence to me,
said he suddenly turning and re-occupying his po-
sition upon the sofa, "what may be your opinion
of the other officers alluded to; but, must con-
fess, that the manner in which you express your
self concerning Captain Lamotte, surprises and
grieves me.
'Recollect, papa, that I am simply giving my
on;nion of their merits from o military point OF
"Indeed !" saidthe Major. "And you consider
yourself capable of forming correct opinion upon
matters, which you are entirely ignorant OF, eh!
Pom nv word you should be Immediately placed
upon the Military Board of Examination
"a position, which I could certainly fill with
greater justice to the applicant and honor to my
self, than ever Captain Lamotte did,, said Lillian,
with flushed cheek.
"And, pray, what are you driving at now?'
asked her father, looking wonderingly into his
daughters angry face 'To hear you speak, one
would suppose, that you had been disappointed
candidate for military honors, yourself You GER
tainy have no cause to feel angry with the decis-
ions of Military Board
'sMany grey jacket is worthier OF starry collars
and glded sleeves, than those who sport them,
said Lillian, the color coming and going upon her
beautiful cheeks"
''You are very impertinent!" said her father.
''But none the less truthful" said Lillian. Then
suddenly remembering the personal nature OF hel
remark, she said quickly, and with fond look o.
affection into the thoughtful face of the old soldier
beside her: "Here is case in point! How much
worthier, DEAR brave papa, is this worn and faded
coat of the three stars, so dashingly conspiciou:
upon that of General Stantonl What has he done
to merit them?"
''That is not for you to say, my daughter" be
said, kissing her upturned face. IF circumstan
ces afforded him the opportunity, the Genera
would, no doubt, acquit himself with honor to hi
rank. 1t is very unfair to condemn man without
trial 1t is impossible to predict, with certainty
how any officer will behave in action. But-tt
change the subject-let me hear why you hole
Captain Lamotte in such contempt. You alluded
in this connection, to his decisions while mem
Der of one of the military boards. What specia
case do you refer to?"
'"That of Sergeant Walton" said Lillian, with
deep blush, o,, 49,;
the Major looking thoughtfully up to the ceiling
and stroking his beard "Ah! remember now
The young man was elected to fill vacancy IL
Lamotte's company! Did not pass examination
if mistake not"
''And every man, composing that board, forfeit
ed his claim to anything like justice, rank or gen
tility. Walton was examined in Hardee's Tactics
the Articles of War and Army Regulations. l
was agreed upon, before hand, to puzzle and an
nov him by an unusually severe examination; bu
Sergeant Walton failed to reply correctly to but nv
or six questions and left the room, feeling perfect
" satisfied in his own mind, that the board woul
report favorably. You know the sequel"
''But you certainly cannot attach the blame
Captain Lamotte He was only one; and thel
were three Or four officers composing the board.
''In the first place, papa, this Lamotte used eV
cry effort to oppose Sergeant Waltons election
His influence and even his money was made use o
in favor Of the other candidate-a private in tn
company. If mistake not, this, of itself, wa
conduct unbecoming an officer. When the resul
of the election was made known, Lamotte made N
n... .o,oool his anger and disannointment