National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-01-10

wrong thing at precisely the right time
for the enemy. Now IL may appear out
Of place for confederate soldier to write
thus Of his fallen chief. but If write at
all intend to write honestly, and, oven
at the risk Of defamation, havo only to
say, "rhom's my sentiments"
But there was another craze which WAS
an important factor in hampering the
efforts Of the confederates at the outset of
tho war, and in saddling upon the cause
the policy Of playing waiting game, to
wit the belief that France and England
would break tho blockade and recognize
tho confederacy. One can SEQ now that
even had this occurred the southern peo-
pie would have delivered themselves over
bound hand and foot to those two powers.
Aud yet such was the bitter feeling to-
ward the north then and afterward exist
ing that believe verify the south, could
IL have done so, would have allied itself
with the Prince Of Darkness himself un-
dor any penalty to be enabled to effect a
separation from the north. When the
army, some two or three weeks after the
Bull Run battle, was encamped about
Centervillo IL was announced that Prince
Napoleon (Plon Plon) was about to visit
the headquarters, and that he had come
on n special mission from his imperial
majesty Napoleon III with view to eff
feoting
AN ALLIANCE WITH THE CoNFEDERAcY,
offensive and defensive 1t may we'll BIO
supposed that this news created great eK-
element and gave great satisfaction, for
1t was then very evident that the federal
authorities intended to put forth all tho
vast power and resources of the north,
and II then first dawned upon the confed-
crates that IL the southern people in
tended TO stand up to the rack, long
and bloody war was before them. Well,
when IL was announced that the prince
would review the troops on o day stated
there was great preparation made. Camps
were thoroughly policed, arms aud ac-
coutrements wero made rs bright and
slightly rs work could make them, drills
were resumed that had been suspended
on account Of the scorching wealth er and
in fact matters were put in ship.shape,
so to speak, as far as possible for the
grand event--though l must confess,
even at that period, as far as uniforms
were concerned, we were q very dirty
looking set, the confederate government
not having then issued to us any new
uniforms. Tho eventful day arrived and
Gen. Longstreet was constituted master
of ceremonies. Desiring to impress the
royal visitor as much as might be, tho
best dressed and best drilled regiments in
the command, some ten or twelve in num-
Der were selected to show of before tho
royal visitor. All tho fellows in butter
nut jeans frock coats were strictly ruled
out Only gray jackets and pants were
ell rege. The 18th Virginia regiment
was one of those selected. The division
was drawn up in open order In long
line.
THE PRINCE APPEARED ON THE FIELD
about p. m, in an open carriage, sur.
rounded by oil tho confederate generals
in all the bravery of their best uniforms
resplendent with gold lace embroidery
When the Rlittering cavalcade reached
the right Of the line, the prince descended
from bis carriage and mounted a charger
which had been provided for him. Ac.
companied by Gen. Longstreet, with hal
in hand as he rode by his side, and fol-
lowed by the train of generals, his royal
highness slowly passed from right IL
left of the line, while tho troops stood al
present arms. He scanned tho ranks
gave no indication as TO his opinion
of our appearance. As no passed, We
could not help observing what a striking
resemblance he bore to pictures o.
Napoleon the Great. The same shor
stature, tho duck legs, the rotund nbdo
mon, and the same noble contour of heat
and classic profile of features were OBJ
servable. And here / must say that Gen
Longstreet played or attempted to play
regular heather Chinee
TRICK ON HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNEss.
When the ranks were closed and the
line broke into column of companies t,
march past the prince in review, he anc
his escort were placed at the foot of
hill. Lonestreet had already told tn
prince that he had not drawn out the who'll
army because of the contracted space avail
able for forming the line. But the gen
eral quietly told the colonies to marcel
their regiments in front of the primo,
and then to pass around tho base of tn,
hill and pass him again, so as to give hin
an extended idea of our numbers. / an
sure | saw something like grin on tn,
princes face as we passed him the second
time. And 30 ended the royal review.
NOTHING CAME OF THE ROYAL VISIT
Doubtless the French emperor thought
the best thing for him and his dynasty
considering political complications ther
existent, was to keep hands of, Man.
quid nuncs now debate as to what nigh
have been the issue of the great contes
had so and so been done by tho confeder
alto generals: have, in the space allotte,
me, attempted to give some idea of tn
state of feeling in tho camps after tn
battle, and it is now universally agree,
that all happened for tho best.
THOMAS ]. MURRAY.