The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1891-02-21
1000 cRINpsroNe SOUP.
4 war story In which Two Union omcsrs
rigsr< AFTER the vicksburg surrsadsr.

rigsf After the viekssars sarrsadsr.
The dAy after the surrender Of vicks-
burg CoIdnel EIdridge aud myself were
assigned Quarters for the night Ia an
isolated hduse on the road between
vicksburgsnd Haines' Bluff. We had
been Establishing all day over the
rough Mississippi roads and were hun
cry and tired. We AT once laid siege
to the enemy's kitchen. where we were
confronted by the indignant family.
The personnel consisted Of corpulent
old lady. two pretty daughters and
wrinkled aunty. When they realized
that we had come for supper and lodg-
ing they retired excitedly TO corner
OF the kitchen. where they held
council of war.
look herer' said the colonel. some
what sharply. 1--WE arc hungry. Quit
your whispering and get Us something
10 eat"
The mother stepped boldly from the
rank. aud confronting the colonel. an
nounced the melancholy fact that there
were no ediblcs about the premises.
Give US anything" replied the fam
ishcd colonel. We are not fastid-
ious."
We'll. you see. sah." replied the
lady, impressivcly. ''iirst there were
our own soldiers; then came the Yam
KEGS yesterday. and between the two
they ate Us out OF house aud home"
This Is serious" said the colonel TO
me in an uudertone. aud then aloud.
60 out into the shed aud bring mo
an nrmful OF wood"
Wondering what his scheme could
be. went out into the yard aud re-
turned with dozen large faggo;s.
The colonel heapcd them upon the ex-
piring embers on the hearth ia one
corner OF the Kitchen. where they soon
blazcd up brightly. Then taking "a
kettle to the pump, he filled II with
water and set il on the fire TO boil.
What are you going to dopr asked
the old lady.
Make soup" was the coloncrs la
comic reply. There was a small grind
stone on the dresser. This the col
onel laid In the kettle.
The enemy was beginning to mani
fest some interest IN our culinary
operations.
What kind oh soup am dat gwine
10 bcpn asked the colorcd servant,
with grin.
'.Grindstoue soupl" snapped the coll
onel. He seized ladlc. aud. lifting
the lid oil the kettle dipped out some
o. the water aud tasted IL with great
gravity.
.'H'm!" he cried. addressing me,
mot yet strong enoughP Will YOU
please get another armlul OF wood?'
did ms requested. 10 the consterna-
ton OF the enemy. which saw its
meager stock OF fuel burn away. After
pause the colonel again raised the
lid 10 taste the mess.
"Ah!" he said. smacking his lips
with satisfaction that's something
like! May | trouble you for little
suit and pepperP"
Amid great tittering ON the part of
the ladies the condiments were brought.
That's queer way OF making
soupl" cried one OF the girls. with
smothered gigglc.
Yes; it's economical. Haye you a
little flour haudyp"
After moments hesitation the flour
was brought.
And now a couple of onions.
please"
There are no onions. sahln 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 moekly.
mildred. 90 and see."
Mildred. the older daughter. disap-
peared aud returned after while with
three fine onions. The colonel cut
them into bits. and with beiitting So
lemnity stirred them into the soup.
could scarcely refrain from laughing.
And now. maam. a slice OF good
fat bacon IL you please" said the col
onel.
This was too much for the enemy.
The old lady advanced. There was
lire Ia her eye.
you can't get another thing from
us" she shouted. You Yankees
think you are smart. There amt any
bacon In the house. and II there were
you wouldn't get itv'
Very well" replied the colonel
calmly. He gave me look aud
brought In the rest OF the wood.
Here's your pork" said the young
est daughter. augrily.
The day was won. Ten minutes
afterward there stood on the table as
good and thick soup as any OF us
ever tasted. The flavor OF the grind
stone could not be detected. Phiiadci-
phia Times