The Lafayette advertiser. [volume] (Vermilionville [i.e. Lafayette], La.) 1865-19??, 1878-02-23
A Good Story Of Gen. Magruder.
[San Francisco Mail.l

Gen. Shields, Of Cerro Gordo celebrity
has lately furnished correspondents of the
Eastern papers some "reminiscences, hu
morous or otherwise, of his Mexican expe
riences. One anecdote see published
wherein Bapkhead Magruder, the gallant
and convivial, figures as the hero. an
reminded of one Of Magruder's adventures
during the campaign Of 1861, which is
familiar to most officers Of the "o'd army,
but which never remember to have seen
in print. 1t was on the march from Puebla
to the City Of Mexico that Magruder, who
had an artillery command, on hating fo'
the night, in the midst Of a pelting rain,
noticed at some little distance some out
buildings admirably adapted as shelter
for bis command. To think with him was
to act, and in few minutes his men and
horses we're comfortably housed, and bis
pieces and caissons protected BY tarpau|ins
from the storm. Scarcely had the gallant
captain and his subalterns settled them
selves in snug corner before welcome
fire, when they were disturbed by the en-
trance Of au aidde-csmp to the divieion
commander, conveying the untimeIy or.
der that Magruder's command should at
once vacate, as the premises had been as
signed to division headquarters. Now,
the commanding officer was Gen. Pillow,
who had already acquired a certain fame
by digging the fosse of fortified work on
the wrong side of the parapet, and whose
ever occurring errors Of detail afforded to
the regulars under his command fund of
Infinite jest. Magruder was equal to the
occasion and with bland smile, stare
of non-recognition, and his own inimitable
lisp, he addressed the aid he had seen
every day for year: "Ttir, do not
know you, l never thaw you before in my
life. If Gen. Pillow wisheth to convey
me any orderth let him do so 10 writing"
The astounded sed retired, and Msgruder
and his comrades again settled to their
coffee and their fire. Shortly the jingle Of
spurs and the clang of sabres announced
a new arrival, and, supported BY his or.
Derby, stalked into the circle the Adjutant
General Of the Division, Major -. "Capt.
these buildings haye been as
signed as division headquarters. Gen. Pill
ow demands that you will vacate them
immediately" They were intimate friends,
had been at West Point together, but Ma
yruder failed to recognised the Major.
'Thir, do not know you. Let Gen. Pill.
ow convey both orders in writing"
Why, Magruder," urged the major.
'Thir, do not know you" was the polite
and the discomftted chief of
taft withdrew. A few minutes more
passed by; coffee had been discussed, and
he now jovial party were engaged in test
ng, from the festive canteen, superior
'rticIe Of oommisssry whisky. when the
,lstter Of hoofs, the hosrse voice Of CON-
nand, the rattle Of many sabres, pro.
claimed the approach Of the division com.
nander and his retinue. Mag'uder and his
ieutenants rose respectfully as the civilian
GENERAL, in all his muddled and bedrsg
lied p6mp, entered their humble quarters.
Capt. Magruder," thundered Pillow, "if
n fifteen minutes your men and horses
re not removed from these quarters, l
will give you an order that will surprise
'ou, sir!" Magruder shuddered at the
but, ever ready, fred the final
hot: Il beg pardon, general, you could
i've me no order that would thurprithe
ne, thir."