Louisiana capitolian. (Baton Rouge, La.) 1879-1881, 1879-06-07
AN ARMY INCIDENT

AS SHOWING tue attaCIIucHto vi tllc IHil-
itary officers servants to their masters,
! will relate an incident which occurred
in garrison town where the writer was
stationed for some time. An officer of
rank in the artillery was named in gar
risOn orders as the officer of the day.
As the "grand rounds" it was his duty
to visit the garrison guards Mt night.
Having sat pretty late at mess and be-
ing fond Of the bottle, his gait was very
unsteady when he arose from the table
to proceed to his quarters to dress for
duty. Before dressing he threw himself
on the bed, saying
"Tll just snatch half an hours sleep;
call me at 1 o'clock"
At 1 o'clock the servant attempted to
rouse him, but without effect. The ser
want got the officer upon his feet, shook
him, applied wet cloths to his head, but
to no purpose; the gentleman had been
going on o short allowance of sleep for
% week, and now nature had taken hold
of him, and being backed by the wine
he had drank, held him fast. The ser
want was almost frantic, knowing well
the consequences that would ensue if
his master did not make the grand
rounds. While wondering what course
to pursue his eyes fell upon his masters
uniform, sword, etc, all ready laid out
for him to put on. The officer and SER
want were about of a SIZE the clothing
of one fitting the other to perfection.
'There's no other plan," said the SER
want to himself OTIS an ugly risk, but
l will attempt it,"
Hastily throwing off his clothes he
donned his masters regimentals-the
splendid uniform, buckled on the sword,
drew the heavy bushby down, and cast
ing an admiring glance at himself in
the glass, Notwithstanding his anxiety,
opened the door upon his master and
went out. The orderly was waiting in
the barrack guard room, and turned out
with the guard to present himself.
"Go ahead " said the pseudo officer.
(Which guard first, sir7"
"The magazine guard"
The orderly led the war, Guard after
guard was visited, and the servant be-
gan to enjoy the masquerade. 1t was
something unusual for him to be answer
ed as grand rounds, and have guard
present arms TO him. There was no Sis
picion that the master and servant had
changed for the time being, although
the subaltcrn officer in charge of the
main guard perhaps felt little nettled
to have his friendly salutation, after the
guard had been turned in, responded to
so gruflly.
On returning to the quarters the SER
want found the master still sleeping.
Unable to resist the temptation to adj
mire himself in the glass, the servant
paradcd up and down the room, casting
sidelong glances at the mirror. While
thus engaged the officer awoke. He was
not little surprised to find what ap-
pcarcd to be himself strutting about the
apartment. He soon discovered, how
ever, that the appariton was his ser
want, and anxious to know what the
unusual masquerade was for, kept quiet.
The servant, after two or three turns,
mt down and leisurely drew off the
spurred boots, Invested himself of other
articles of uniform in their order, and
then heaving sign, said:
dts id well over"
81 should think it u.s. cried the officer
"What dye mean, you rascal, by put.
ting yourself iuto my uniform, ell :"
III didn't know you were awake, sir
Do you know what time it is ?"
The officer had forgotten that he was
on duty, but it now flashed upon hin
at once. Jumping from the bed he look
ed at his watch.
"Halfpast four. My Cd, l an
ruinedw
Then, turned to the servant, he said:
"Now, then, why didn't you call III,
at one o'clock Do you know what yol
have doneW
"Sir, might as well have tried t.
awaken dead man. | used every
means to awaken you, and you will SCI
by the stains on your linen that | hav'
deluged your head with water"
"Too late to take the guards now,
groaned the offer; "the night has passc,
away and day is breaking q
"Nevcr mind, sir; cheer up! TIN
grand rounds visited the guards; CIV
cry thing is correct, just make on
your reports as if you had taken tn
guards"
"What do You mean 7!
~ mean that have been the gran,
rounds tonight, and acted the part s.
we'll that not soul suspected that i
was not you. Now you know why
had on your uniform"
The officer stared at his man a mo
ment.
"Do you mean to say that you hav
personated me and taken the guards 7"
eyes, sir, that's it. personate'
you"
The officer grasped the servants hand
"Ashton," he said, "you have don
me great service tonight. l shan
forget it,