The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1895-08-15

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masses-not only for day, but 40 long
as there shall be history of this war
the Rock of Chickamauga.
CHAPTER XVIII.
A SINGULAR CEREMONY.
Laura Maynard, after long period
Of solioitude as to her Observation-Disclosures
ed at home by temporary illness OF
her child-had at last found it possible
to go and seek him. She had arrived on
the morning of the news of his appoint
ment and at once sought General
Thomas headquarters. There she had
been informed of the status, and a mes
senger was at once sent for her husband.
Leaving the tent where Maynard had
first been plunged in despair only to be
elevated to condition Of mind border
ing on ecstasy, the two sought hotel,
where Laura could be made comfortable
till the next day, and there passed the
time IN going over the period since they
had parted and rejoicing at the outcome
of the singular complications which fate
had been pleased 10 bring down upon
the husband.
But all meetings must have an end,
and at last the husband, departing, rode
to his tent. There he found messenger
waiting for him.
Flag of truce wants to see YOU on
the picket line, sir. -
! Without dismounting, the newly
created general rode in the direction of
Mission ridge and met "the flag at it's
base. There stood a mounted party of
/ Confederates, one of them bearing a
white flag, headed by an officer, a son
OF the south who spoke every word as
though it were of momentous impor-
lance, never emitting the word 'sir."
''Are you Colonel Maynard, STRIP
II am, or at least was I hardly
know what I am just now 1 should not
be surprised to be informed that was
to command all the armies Of the United
States
The officer looked puzzled.
II am the bearer, sir, of a message
from Corporal Sir Hugh Ratigan. He is
to be married at o'clock this evening
at General Bragg's headquarters on Mis-
sion RIDGE
''The devil he is!''
''That is his intention, sir. He desires
your presence.
"Whom does he marry?'
"Miss Caroline Fitz Hugh"
Il have been more surprised at other
announcements, confess 1 don't won
der he invites me to his wedding, since
helped him to wife,
"Shall l transmit your acceptance of
the invitation, sir?'
''On one condition
"Please lame it, sir.
II fear it will be unacceptable to
Colonel Fitz Hugh, who will doubtless
be the host or one of the hosts. He will
not likely yield in matter of etiquette
which must insist on"
Colonel Fitz Hugh cannot be present,
sir. He is now in your rear with our
cavalry completing the starvation Of
your army in Chattanooga by destroying
your lines of SUPPLY
III IN. Twas not aware of any hunger
in our ranks. Indeed my request is,
knowing that your own larder in the
Confederacy is not exactly abundant;
that the horn of plenty is not burying
you like Hercu1aneum under the ashes
Of Vesuvius; that the blockade
1.-THE blockade is not effective, sir,
interrupted the officer stif1y.
HAS somewhat reduced your wine
cellars, my condition is, I say, that I
may be permitted to bring half dozen
cases Of champagne for the wedding
feast"
Il assure you, sir, that it is not nee
essary. We are getting cargoes Of wine
from Havre by a regular line Of steam.
erz 1t is your own messtables at Chat
tanooga that are doubtless bereft of bev-
erages, owing to the fact that our Gen
ezal Wheeler is circus riding in Ten
nesseo, leaving no road or railroad open
to you"
''Do you consent that ! shall bring
the wine?'' -
II do, sir, but shall claim for the
host, general officer related to the
bride, the privilege Of supplying an
equal number Of cases. -
agreed. will meet you here at
o'clock this evening, when ycu can con-
duct me and my party to the place where
the ceremony is to take place. You may
say, if you please, that shall consider
the invitation extended to my wife,
whom will bring with me-"
"We shall feel highly honored, sir,
at Mrs. Maynard's presence Am to
infer, sir, that your wife has been able
to reach you over the burned bridges
and trestlework in your rear?''
''She has found no difficulty what
ever in joining me-.
Maynard failed to add that Laura had
only come few miles to meet him.
GOOD day, sir" said the officer, rails
ing his hat. II shall expect you at :"
"Good day. I will be on time
And each rode away in the direction
Of their respective camps.
Maynard's offer of the wine had come