Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1890-11-29
GRlNDSTONE SOUP.
An Adventure of Two Officers After the
Surrender of yiclSsburg.

An Adventure of Two Officers After the
Surrender of viclssburg.
The day after the surrender of Vicks-
burg Colonel Eldridge and myself were
assigned quarters for the night in an
isolated house on tho road between
Vicl1sburg and Haines' Bluff. We had
been skirmishing all day over the rough
Mississippi roads and were hungry and
tired. We at once laid siege to the en-
emy's kitchen, where we were confront
ed by the indignant family. The per-
sonnel consisted of corpulent old lady,
two pretty daughters, and wrinliled
colored aunty. When they realized that
we had come for supper and lodging
they retired eXcitedly to corner of the
kitchen, where they held council of
war.
Look here!" said the Colonel, some
what sharply, I'VE arc hungry. Quit
your whispering, and get Us something
to eat"
The mother stepped boldly from the
ranks and, confronting the Colonel, an
nounced the melancholy fact that there
were no edibles about the premises.
Give us any thing" replied the fam
ished Colonel. We're not fastidious."
well, you see, sah." replied the lady
impressively, "irst there were our own
soldiers, then came the Yankees yester-
day. and between the two they ate US
out of house and home"
This is serious" said tho Colonel to
me in an undertone, and then aloud:
"Go out into the shed and bring me in
an armful of wood"
Wondering what his scheme could be,
I went out into the yard and returned
with dozen large faggots. Tho Col
onel heaped them upon tho expiring en-
bers on the hearth in one corner of the
kitchen, where they soon blazed up
brightly Then taking kettle to the
pump, lie filled it with water and set it
on the fire to boil.
what arc you going to do?" asked
the old lady.
"Malle soup!" was the Coloners lacon-
ic reply. There was a small grindstouo
on the dresser. This the Colonel laid
in the kettle.
The enemy was beginning to manifest
some interest in our culinary operations.
"What kind oh soup am dat gwine to
u,
grin.
"Grindstone soupr' snapped the Col
onel. He seized ladle and, lifting the
lid of the kettle, dipped out some of the
water and tasted it with great gravity.
"H'm!" he cried, addressing me, mot
yet strong enough! Will you please get
another armful of wood?
die as requested, to the consterna-
tion of the enemy, which saw it's meager
stock of fuel burn away. After pause
the Colonel again raised the lid to taste
the mess.
"Ah!" he said, smaclsing his lips with
salts faction; that's something like!
May l trouble you for little salt and
pepe' ?'
Amid great tittering on the part OF
thr ladies' the condiments were brought.
THAT'S queer way of making soup!'
rrird one of the girls with o smothered
s.sGle.
"Yes; it's economical. Have you a
little flour handy?"
After moments hesitation the flour
was brought.
"And now a couple of onions, please"
"There are no onions, sah!' cried the
lady of the house.
Then bring in some more wood,
George; the stone is not soft yet"
was just starting to the door, when
the commander stopped me.
Coming to think, believe there are
some onions left" she said, meekly.
mildred, go and see."
Mildred, the elder daughter, disap-
peared and seturned after while with
three fine onions. Tho Colonel cut them
into bits, and, with befitting solomnity,
stirred them into the soup. could
scarcely restrain from laughing.
"And now, madam. slice of good fat
bacon, if you please" said the Colonel.
This was too much for the enemy
The old lady advanced. There was fire
in her eye.
"You can't get another thing from
us!" she shouted "You Yankees think
YOU arc smart. There amt any bacon
in tho house, and II there were yor
wouldn't get it'll"
Very we'll" replied tho Colonel
calmly. lie gave me look and
brought in the rest of the wood.
"IIere's your pork" said the younges
daughter, angrily.