The National tribune., 1884-10-16
NO FORAGING. ALLOWED.

To THE EDITOR: While reading the account
of the battle of fredericksburg, was reminded
of the following Incidents Gen. Meade's Di-
vision of Pennsylvania Reserves commenced
the fight in the morning, gained Marye's
flights and partially turned the rebel right.
The first intimation that we had that we were
not properly supported was the blowing up of
rebel eaisson in our rear by our rife guns
from the opposite side of the river. The boys
thought the fire we got from the rear was the
shot from our guns falling short from going
ever US. On falling back from the nights, we
passed over a long, deep cut in the railroad.
This cut was filed with about equal numbers
of rebs and our men. seeking shelter from the
fire OF both armies. The rebs claimed our men
as prisoners, among the number being "Stutter-
ing Ned, Co. B, Sd Pa Res. When Ned saw us
coming. he turned to his capturer and said ::
b-b-be jj. i-jabers a-a-a little while a-a-ago
I-l-l-l was your p-p-prisoner. Now, bib be-
gobs, y-e-e-s mine. Give me my gun, and y-e-e-s
along wild it," and Ned marched his man out
of the ditch. Gen Meade was asked if he ex-
pected the Pennsylvania Reserves to get out of
the fight He replied, "Yes; they are all
PrigadierGenerals." 1t was at this time our
cavalry General Beyard was killed.
Previous to the seven days fight before Rich
mond, we had strict orders not to forage and
was several days without fresh meat. At this
time We had drummer boy named Jas. K.
Polk, who was an inveterate poker player. and
the boys say born with cards in his hands. He
always had money and was banker for the
regiment, and never saw the boys in want So
he bought steer and divided it among his
friends (the boys foraged the balance of the
herd). Next day citizen complained to Gen.
Meade that his cattle had been stolen, and that
the regiments all had fresh meat. Meade Or
dered officers call, and, upon inquiry, all had
received their meat from Polk Polk was
Snmptpnpi Whap ha fnllnuinu 80,
ensued:
General-Did you give meat to the men2
"Yes, sir"
Where did you get it7"
Bought it, sir"
Meade, turning to the citizen:
Did you ever see this soldier befors7"
"Yes, sir"
did you sell him any cattle?"
"Yes, sir; sold him steer"
Did he pay you?"
How much2"
Seventy dollars, sir"
You come here, sir, and accuse my men Of
stealing, when you sold it to him. Get out of
my quarters, sr-get out of my quarters" And
he got Turning to the drummer, Gen. Meade
said: Mr.. Polk, you can 60 to your regi-
ment"
1t was thought that Polk's steer was very
large one to feed brigade and the Generals
headquarters mess.
About this time the Quartermaster had two
wagoners, Ike and Jack. Ike was noted for
being q good cook and making onion stews,
always inviting his friends to partake. He had
just fOraged two sheep and had the skins hang
ing up to dry, when Gen. Meade came riding
by, saw the SKINS and stopping, inquired of
Ike:
where did you get those skins?"
on the sheep, of course"
"Where did you get the sheep?"
Bought them, Sir"
well, | wouldn't mind having nice NUT
ton myself"
Perhaps could get you one where got
them, Sir"
The General rode on; as soon as out of sight
Ike went for the sheep pasture, secured nice
lamb, dressed it, and then made for the Gem
erals quarters. He was walking past the guard
when he was halted. Meade saw him and told
the guard to let him pass. Ike walked up to
the General, holding out the mutton, and says:
General I've brought you up that sheep"
All right Orderly, take it to the mess.
How much did it cost youf"
"Just $780,"
"Well, here is S."
"Can't change it" says Ike.
"Never mind the change; keep the half dol
lar for your trouble" says Meade.
Ike bowed himself out Of the quarters back
wards. The General, knowing Ike stole the
mutton, was extremely amused at Ike's ex-
treme politeness in doffing his hat and bowling
himself out after he had received his pay. That
money went for commissary and Ike got glo-
rious. Let's hear from the Pennsylvania Re-
serve boys.-REsERvE, National Home, Mil
waukee