The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1889-01-12

but almost impossible 10 locate the oou-
faith and continued practice were the only
paths 70 walk In. Thus the day we'll ad-
yanced, after at least fifteen miles dill
cult of exploration, before reaching II.
WAY heightened by devious divergences.
A remarkable peTversity prevailed through
the war In that men, while never adnit-
ing ignorance as 10 the location Oi par
tjcular command sought, they would often
misdrect or misiead an officer inquiflng
for it. The only proper inquiry was, wv hat
division Is thisY or "Wha battery, regi-
ment or de,achment?' Many of US dld
NOT learn this I'LL experience taught H.
Headquarters was the surer place TO en-
auire, but this was not always easy to find,
| had not more than reported AT the reg
huent before u crowd Of aiding j3d's be-
sought my aid for the current iist oi all
ments, and as many were in quarters ana
hospital unable 10 come TO me, for weeks
afterwards there WIS scarcely Zine 10 eat,
to rest or sleep. Only that the cases likely
10 linger we're constantly being sent 10
northern hospitals, soon there would hard
Nv have been com pafatively well ones
left at any time TO nurse the sick, Picket
duty was extremely severe, owing 10 una
voidahle exposure 10 the almost constant
rains. To this day an being frequently
applied TO for ailidavits for pensions, on
account of diseases Incurred In that dread
full siege Of Corinth, During "A period Of
weeks, so great was the pressure from 50
much sickness, it was only impossible 10
keep entire record OF the transactions OF
my office. Through one day. by detailing
a man for that purpose, | did contrlve 10
keep note of the cases prescribed for, anu
il reached In round numbers, three hund-
red! Calculating on basis OF twenty
hours for days business, 1t VIII appear
now much average time could be devoted
10 each case. lt follows that there was
much similarity in the diseases; and for.
tungtely, having two or three intelligent at
teniants, medicine could be prepared In
advance 10 meet them or the work could
never have been comprised. The very
worst part of all was the endless reports
of the surgeon, "required at superior head
Being senior surgeon Of the
brigade, these were greatly increased. All
~ for hty 40
frequent" Respectfully returned for cor
rection. See special orders, so and So"
-" to be made in strict conformity there's
with" which orders in most cases had
not been served with. That would COM
pell sending for them. The orderly often
falling in his mission, would have to 90
myself, thus consuming time, and allowing
the work 70 accumulate. Authority to de-
tail any required number Of men to assist
me: unfortunately they had to be educat-
I'd to the business ia order to be available
and that was more difficult than to do the
work. Aud being Tanned for that service
1t once they would be further detailed to
some superior headquarters. 1t Is almost
Incredible the copies that were sometimes
eQuired to be- made of reports. | have,
absolutely, now and then, been compelled
o sertuplicate them! because Of the SO
requent changes Of orders.
On one occasion, IL being necessary toI
visit Gen Grants headquarters, and meet
ny the Adjutant, who proved gentlemanly,
lrump Ut and accommodating, | mentioned
ny constantly augmenting difficulties.
Protested was endeavorlng constantly to
20 according to regulations, but orders
we're so nunerous, adverse, and constant,
equations seemed entirely aOrogated. lie
eplied that all he knew about "regula-
ions were In that chest there"-pointing
o box near by. "Curfent orders We're
he only regulations then. lnquirng of
he location of the SD, which had moved
lp," hall mile or 50, from the previous
he pointed In the direction
md described the position 81 clearly there
eemed no difficulty in being able readily
o reach it. 1t was Il lowery, gloomy at.
nosphere, decidedly moist but 1t seemed
impossible to loose myself, after so Clear II
Erection. Shortly came upon where an
sutler had set up business on
big stump, with huge cheese rs cen.
raj figure In the exhibition of his brief
took in trade. The cheese being tested
'roved excellent. Perhaps its superior
ualty beguied me into introspection,
nd fOrgetiulne TO take heed uf my ways
hey being wholly strange. | continued
wandering. Most carefully worded inquir-
les as to my position Indicated further de.
,arture from the objective point, and the
ime had discouragingly heightened out
When TO my great establishment, found
myself back 10 the suffers stump again. |
lad been just two and a half hours wan.
ering. Proved the fact, often claimed,
hat a person lost, and no point of guidance,
will advance In circle. Lost! and amid
host of men-enough for city full!
Sought out headquarters: got out of
he labyrinth speedily, and soon home with