The National tribune., 1882-01-21
PUMPKIN-PIE ORDER.

PUMPKIN-PIE ORDER.
When Grant was a brigadier in southeast Mis-
souri,, he commanded an expedition against the
rebels under jeff Thompson, in northeast Ar
kansas. The distance from the starting-point of
the expedition to the supposed rendezvous of the
rebels was about one hundred and ten miles, and
the greater portion of the route lay through
bowling wilderness. The imaginary suffering
that our soldiers endured during the first two
days of the march was enormous. 1t was impos-
sible to steal or "confiscate" uncultvated real
estate, and not hog, or a chicken, or an ear of
corn was anywhere to be seen. On the third day,
however, affairs looked more hopeful, for few
small specks of ground in state of partial Gull
tlvatlon, were here and there visible. On that
day Lieutenant Wickfeld of an Indiana cavalry
regiment, commanded the advance-guard, con-
slstlng OF small squads of mounted men. About
noon he came up to small farmhouse, from the
outward appearance of which he Judged that
there might be something fit to eat inside. He
halted his company, dismounted and, with
two second lieutenants, entered the dwelling.
He knew that Grants incipient fame had already
gone out through all that country, and it occur
red to him that by representing himself to be the
forded. So, assuming a very imperative de-
meanor, he accosted the inmates of the house.
and told them he must have something for him
self and staff to eat. They desired to know who
he was, and he told them that he was Brigadier-
General Grant. At the sound of that name
they flew around with alarming alacrity, and
served up about all they had in the house, tax
ing great pains all the while to make loud pro-
LESSONS of loyalty. The Ieutenants ate as much
as they could of the not over-sumptuous meal,
but which was, nevertheless good for that coun-
try, and demanded what was to pay Nothing"
And they went on their way rejoicing.
In the meantime General Grant, who had
halted his army few miles further back for a
brief resting spell, came in sight of, and was
rather favorably impressed with, the appearance
of this same house. Riding up to the fence in
front Of the door, he desired to know if they
would cook him a meal
No." said female, in gruff voice. General
Grant and his staff have just been here and eaten
everything in the house except one pumpkin-pie"
"Humph!" murmured Grant. "What is your
name?n
'Selvidge," replied the woman
Casting halfdollar in at the door, he asked if
she would keep that pie till he sent an officer
for it, to which she replied that she would
That evening, after the camping ground had
been selected, the various regiments were notified
that there would be grand parade at half-past
six, for orders. Officers would see that their men
all turned out, &c.
In five minutes the camp was in a perfect up
roar and filled with all sorts of rumors Some
thought the enemy were upon them, it being so
unusual to have parades when on the march
At halfpast six the parade was formed ten
columns deep, and nearly quarter of mile in
length.
After the usual routine of ceremonies the
acting assistant adjutant general read the follow
ing order:
HEADQUARTERS, ARMY IN THE FIELD.
Special Order No. -.
Lieutenant Wickfeld, Of the -- Indiana cav
airy, having on this day eaten everything in
Mrs. Selvidges house, at the crossing of the Iron
ton and Pocahontas and Black River and Cape
Girardeau roads, except one pumpkin-pie, Lieu
tenant Wick1eld is hereby ordered to return
with an escort of one hundred cavalry and eat
that pie also.
Z. S. GRANT,
Brigadier-General Commanding
Grants orders were law and no soldier ever
attempted to evade them. At seven o'clock the
lieutenant filed out of camp with his hundred
men amid the cheers of the entire army The