The morning call., 1890-12-07
MAKING YANKEE SOUP.
Adventure Of Two Officers After
Vickburg's Surrender.

lie Udy amer lilt SURRENDER OIL tlckSDurg
Col onel Eldridge and myself were assigned
quarters for the night in an isolated house
on the road between Vicksburg 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 enemy's kitchen, where we were con-
fronted by the indignant family. The per-
sonnet consisted Of Il corpulent old lady, two
pretty daughters and wrinkled colored
aunty. When they realized that we had
come for supper and lodging they retired ex-
citedly to corner of the kitchen, where
they held a council of war.
Look here!' said the Colonel, some
what sharply. I'VE are hungry. Quit
your whispering and get US something to
eat"
The mother stepped boldly from the ranks
ard confronting the Colonel announced the
melancholy fact that there were no edibles
about the premises.
Give US anything" replied the famished
Colonel. "We're not fastidious."
well, you see, sah," replied the lady i'm
pressively, first there were our own soldiers,
then came the Yankees yesterday, and be-
tween the two they ate us out Of house and
home"
"This is serious" said the Colonel to me
in an undertone, and then aloud: go out
into the shed and bring me in an armiul of
wood"
Wondering what his scheme could be I
went out into the yard and returned with
dozen large faggots. The Colonel heaped
them upon the expiring embers on the hearth
in one corner of the kitchen, where they
soon blazed up brightly. Then taking a
kettle to the pump, he filled il with water
and set it ON the fire 10 boil.
what are you going to do?" asked the
old lady.
MAKE soupp' was the ColonePs laconic
reply. There was small grindstoue on the
dresser. This tile Colonel laid in the kettle.
The enemy was beginning to manifest
some interest in our culinary operations.
What kind OBJ soup am dat gwine to be?"
asked the colored servant, with a grin.
GrindstOne Soup! snapped the Colonel.
He seized ladle and, lifting the lid of the
kettle, dipped out some of the water and
tasted it with great gravity.
HmT' he cried, addressing me, mot
yet strong enough! VIII you please get
another armful of wood?"
did as requested, to the CONSERVATION Of
the enemy, which saw its meager stock Of
fuel burn away. After pause the Colonel
again raised the lid to taste the mess.
AIR he said. smacking his lips with
satisfaction; that's something likel May
trouble you for a little salt and pepper?"
Amid great tittering On the part of the
ladies the condiments were brought.
That's a queer way of making soup!"
cried one of the girls, with smothered
=" Yes; it's economical. Have you little
flour handy?"
After moments hesitation the -four was
brought.
And now couple of onions. please"
There are no onions, Sahl'' cried the
lady of the house.
Then bring in some more wood, George;
the stone Is not soft yet"
l was just starting to the door when the
commander stopped lie.
Coming to think. l believe there are
some onions left" she said meekly. Mil
dred. go and see.''
Mildred, the older daughter, disappeared
and returned after while with three fine
onions. The Colonel cut them into bits and
with BETTING sOlemnity stirred them into
the soup. l 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
You can't get another thing from u.s."
she shouted. lyon Yankees think you are
smart. There amt any bacon in the house,
and If there were you wouldn't get it."
Very WELL" replied the Colonel calmly
He gave me a look and l brought In the
rest of the wood.
Here's your pork" said the youngest
daughter, angriiy.
The day was WON. Ten minutes after
ward there stood on the table as good and
thick soup as any of us ever tasted. The
flavor Of the grindstone could not be de-
teeted.- ladelpha Times.