The union Democrat., 1870-10-01
secret story sf the war.

A Boston correspondent to the Sacramento
Uaion thus exposes some he secret history
of the late war:
IL is no small privilege to hear Virgil Del
phini Paris talk. lie was one of the most
prominent politicians of Maine in its ralny
days Of Democratic rule, and his virnlen, Cop
perheadism. intensified By many veara of
hoping against hore, does not detract from
the brilliancv and cnustic humor of his cor.
versation. / had the pleasure of listening to
him the other dav. and will try to tell two of
his stories. think the company were talk
ing about great facts Of eating, when V. n.
p. struck in.
"Ah," said he plaintively, show great iu.
Justice has heen done hy the historians nf the
late war How unfair has been the diatri.
hutton Of hnnors and the awards OF credit for
its successful termination. Il is recorded
that hard fighting and good generalshir
brought about the consummation, and SOL
diers have been rewarded, and generals rsis.
ed to high Offices, in knowle6gement of their
military services. But what is the truth
about this matter? The fact is no credit be-
longs to Grant or Sherman for putting an end
to the war. happen to know how IL was
done, and that the honors should he paid "a
two huTble Oxford county hoys, whose names
are hardly known outside of their own coun.
~. 1t was during the last weeks of the
struggle. when the Union army was encir-
cling Richmond. The Cnnfederates were
known to he desperately short of supplies
the men subsisting on half pint of 5ry corn
per day. Intelligence Of their condition was
brought to General Grant. lie smoked n
dozen cigars, while Illuminating on the .proba-
Utilities it suggested. Finally he took reso.
ln:ion. Calling upon the commander of one
of the Maine regiments. be ordered two mcn
Sam Damon and Alnon Washburn-.to ha
detailed for special service. lie dispatched
them beyond his lines, expecting them to lie
taken prisoners. His expectations we're re-
alzed; and his strategy was successful. The
Confederate army was burdened with the
subsistence of two men whose maws were
never flied. General Grant took bunch Of
cigars and sat down. confident Of speedy r..
suits. lie was not mistaken. In very few
davs the two prisoners had exhausted the
rebel comm: :ssary department; surrender was
inevitable.o
Encouraged by the laughter which this
story-to'd much more spiritedly than heve
told it-provoked, V.D. p. began another.
His hero. thie time, was the con Of verv
prominent Maine politician. who expects TO
he elevated to high official position, at the
election, to-morrow-a young man whose
military career was-not to put too fne "A
point on it-not brilliant, and whom / will
designate Smith.
"One day. near the close of the war, the
two armies were confronting each other, and
exchanging artillery compliments as opror-
tnni'y offered. Lieutenant Smith. in the
performance OF his duty, was engaged ir
managing the gun Of which he had charge,
10 &. r. 4
battery. and Lad loaded the niece. and was
Just ready to discharge it, when the rebels.
with disregard of the proprietisa nf life most
rainfnl ~ contemplate. turned their fire di.
rect!y upon him. Like prudent man and a
good officer, Smith incontinently fed, and
shelved himself in n bomh-proof Now. you
know, Smith is rather tall, and much srace
is required tor the accommodation of his per.
son. Bnt nv dint of hard squeezing he
slowed himself sway. shielding every part Of
his body except one foot there was no help
for it-that had ito remain exposed. General
Lee, reconnotering the works of the Union
army, cast glance upon the position occupied
by Smiths gun. After gazing moment,
he seemed to see something that attracted
his close scruitv. 'IIand me a 6eldglass.'
said he to a soldier standing by. Through
the glass be looked long and earnestly. and
III last towering me g'ass. sald. sadly, Il cane
make it out.' The soldier took the glass,
sqninted at the mysterious object, and eai1
rather contemptnously: THAT, why that'sa
mans foot = 'Whatl' cried the General.
A mans foot repeated the soldier. You
don't mean that any mortal man has a foot
like that = exclaimed the venerable chieftain,
Certainly l do, General he's one of thenew
recruits they re sending down by thousands.'
The General sighed deeply. and rode away,
exclaiming. If the United States are send.
ing forward men with feet like that, ard bo.
dies of propor.ionate size, the Confederacy
must go down. The next day Lees army
was surrendered"