Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-08-01
GRANT PAID IN HIS OWN COIN.
How Sixteen ear.Old Boy Made the
General Obey His Own Orders.
ON the Cincinnati ENQUIRER

From the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Capt John R. Steere, now an inmate of the
soldiers home, tells good story, showing how
he, when but Is years of age made Gen, Gran,
obey his own orders.
The occurrence took place in the early stages
of the war, shortly after Grant had received his
commission as brigadier general, and was
placed in command of the military district OF
Missouri, with headquarters at Cairo. John
Steere, then boy little over sixteen years Of
age, enlisted and was ordered, with others, to
report at Cairo, which they did. Five days after
enlisting they were drilled in marching and
man9uvring without uniform or arms This
was continued for few days, when the new
recruits got a uniform and an old Harper's
Ferry musket, one of those old affairs that
had to 60 hunting for the hammer OF his gun.
The morning after young Steere got his gun
ne was stationed at Cen Grants headquarters
the levee fronting the Ohio river, near the
junction OF the Mississippi river. 1t was in
mo- and the day was cold and bolster.
GUS one. Steere's military experience was very
limited indeed, and the Indictment weather did
not exactly suit him. His orders were to let no
one except an officer or one on official business,
until chilled through and through, when he SET
MS musket up In one corner of the door, lean
the building, with the cape of his P pvsrcnst
pulled over his ears to keep warm.
AS every person who came near the place
ing all his time and attention to keeping himself
warm and comfortable. Morpheus courted him.
and ne was on the verge OF taking pleasant
way aroused him. Looking up he saw an Off
Ger buckling on an elegant sword. After pass
ing through the door the officer came to halt,
What are doing there?"
I'm the guard" replied Steere:
IAN excellent guard, indeed. Do you know
whose headquarters this ISL"
Eyes, sir; Gen. Grants
TT, The officer looked at the guard a moment in
stand up there. sir, and bring your gun to a
shoulder e>'. .
Young Steere did as requested. bringing his
officer took the gun from him and went through
the manual OF arms for him. He remained with
MIN for hfteen or twenty minutes until he
asked:
"Several days."
"Do you know who I ann"
mo, sir; never saw you BEFORE"
II am Cen Grant You have deserted your
post of duty, sir which is very serious breach
but, young man, be very careful it does not oc.
cur e., again. Orders must be strictly and prompt
on guard on steamboat which was being
loaded with provisions and ammunition, With
cigar to come within q given distancePabout
nity feet. He had not been at his post of duty
more than hour when Gen. Grant an
teeth He seemed to be deep in thought, but
the moment he came near the ganRplank his
musings were interrupted.
"Halt!' cried the young guard. bringing his
gun to his shoulder ---'
The general was taken completely by sur
prise. be looked at the young guard, who had
uim covered with his gun, amazed, and then
MS countenance showed traces Of arising anger.
But he did not bulge an inch
have been taught to obey orders strictly
and promptly" explained Steere Quoting the
general; land as my orders are to allow no one
70 approach this boat with lighted cigar, you
will please throw yours away.
Grant smiled, threw his cigar into the river
ana crossed the gangplank on to the boat.