The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1892-03-17

1865 lit was after we had heard the news of
Lees surrender), orders we're very strict against
! foraging. and we had got ahead of our supplies
which made it harder still to keep our hands
off any living or dead thing that would
ell the aching void Enclosed by Uncle Sans
cartridge-box belt. One afternoon we came
upon a large flock of geese incl0sed in small
pasture. We. of course, could not stand the
pressure over the fence we went, orders to
the contrary Notwithstanding, and drawing
ramrods we charged On those geese and in
about one minute every goose and gander In
boys.
l was fortunate enough to get hold of good,
big white gander. and Ill bet he voted for old
jeff; l know he was old enough. Lieut..
Brown, of Co. II. remember, had goose stuck
On the end of his sword, carrying it over his
shoulder, his face beamng with broad smile,
when who should come galopng along but
Col. Grant, and seeing good opportunity OF
getting supper, as he rushed by he caught the
Lieutenants goose and away he went. How
quickly the look of gladness on the Lieuten-
ants face changed to that Of woe.
But, alas, the Colonel had undertaken bigger
job than he supposed he had. His horse being
n very tigh-sprited animal, became frightened
and boited for the fence, and over he went, and
the tables were turned, for he had to drop the
goose or fall off himself. He chose the former.
for he preferred to lose his supper rather than
his reputation as a hOrseman. The Lieutenant
being in hot pursuit of his game, soon recovered
his goose and carried him under his arm after
that
We had only just quieted down after that
little excitement. when who should come gal
looping along but Gen. A. J. Smith. commander
of the Sixteenth Corps. We tried to put the
geese out of sight, but they were too bulky. 1t
was cemical sight to see the boys shove them
up under their bouses; one short-legged fellow
of Co. FL fwepalled him Dad) even showed his
goose into ths seat of his pants, at least tried
to. He got il all ont of sight except one wing
that hung over, and the head, which went
through break in the seam. But the old
General rode on and seemed to be very much
interested in looking in another direction about
that time. However, we were permitted to cat
our geese in peace. Oh. my! but they were
tuugh and good But subsequently, the owner
Of the geese appeared on the scene and made
complaint to Gen. A. j. Smith, and said his
geese were all taken by the 9Th Mimi. The
General sent for Col Grant. The Colonel forth
with reported in person to headquarters
This man says your regiment has taken all
his geese. Will your regiment take geese,
Colonel? 2"
mo. General; / know they will not. The
gentleman Is certainly mistaken. will vouch
for every man in my regiment ] know the
9th MINI. would not touch one of your geese
The General said to the owner of the geese
You will have to locate the regiment that
has your geese, sir. Goodnight"
This conversation at headquarters did not
hear, / being engaged at that time in trying to
chew piece of my old gander. But / very
Coionels own lips Wake up, boys and let US
hear something from the 9th Minn.-JERRY
PATTES, Private, Co. II, 9th Mimi. Birch
Cooley, Mimi.