Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-01-15
GOOD cRINDSToNE SOUP.
A War Story In Which Two Union Omcers
Figurs-After the vicksburg Surrender.

The day after the surrender of Vicks-
burg Colonel Eidridge 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 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 Il
wrinkled aunty. When they realized
that we had come for supper and lodg-
ing they retired excitedly to a corner
of the kitchen. where they held a
council of war.
Look here!' said the colonel. some
what sharply, ''we are hungry. Quit
your whispering and get US something
to eat"
The mother stepped boldly from the
rank. and confronting the colonel, an
nounced the melancholy fact that there
were no edibles about the premises.
Give us anything" replied the FAM
ished colonel. 1--WE are not fastid-
ious."
We'll, you see, sah." replied the
lady, impressively, first there were
our own soldiers; then came the Yam
kaes yesterday, and between the two
they ate us out of house and home"
This is Serious" said the colonel to
me in an undertone, and then aloud,
60 out into the shed and bring me
an armful of wood"
Wondering what his scheme could
be, went out into the yard and re-
turned with dozen large faggots.
The colonel heaped them upon the eX-
piring emberS on the hearth in one
corner of the kitchen, where they soon
blazed up brightly. Then taking Il
kettle to the pump, he filled it with
water and set it on the fire to boil.
''What are you going to do?'' asked
the old lady.
make souD!' was the colonel's la
comic reply. There was Il 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
to be?" asked the coiored servant,
with a grin.
''Grindstone soup!n snapped the col
onel. He seized a lade, and, lifting
the lid off the kettle, dipped out some
of the water and tasted it with great
gravity.
''Hmw he cried, addressing me,
mot yet strong enough? Will YOU
please get another armful of wood?'
| did as requested, to the cOnsterna-
ton of the enemy, which saw its
meager stock of fuel burn away. After
pause the colonel again raised the
lid to taste the mess.
"Ahn he said, smackino his lips
with satisfaction, that's something
like! May | trouble you for little
salt and pepper?"
Amid great tittering on the part of
the ladies the condiments were brought
That's queer way of making
soup!" cried one of the girls, with a
smothered giggle.
Yes; it's economical. Haye You n
little flour handy?"
After a 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 older daughter, disap-
peared and returned after while with
| three fine onions. The colonel cut
them into bits, and with belitting So
| lemnity stirred them into the soup I
could scarcely refrain from laughing.
And now, ma'am, a slice of good
fat bacon if you please" said the col
onel.
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 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 I
brought in the rest of the wood.
Here's your pork" said the young
| est daughter, angrily.
The day was won. Ten minutes
afterward there stood on the table as
| good and thick Il soup as any of us
ever tasted. The flavor of the grind
stone could not be detected. PhitadeI-
| phia Times.