The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1895-06-27
GOT THE CHICKEN.
But for an Act of Pilfering a Union Soldier
Would Have Died.

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: On Gen.
Popes campaign we were on the rear Of the
retreat (Gen. Toner'S Brigade), near Water
loo, Va, waiting politely for Jackson and
his army to make a call Occasionally we
could hear him making a salute with few
of his guns. Our regiment biyouacked near
one of those old Virginia houses, rather
mansions, beautifully situated, with lovely
lawn in front. Under the tender feeling 10
rebels that characterized the military orders
of 1S61-62, everything was blooming
through that part of Virginia. Not thing
had been touched around that old Colonial
residence.
Gen. Mcdowell and his staff had pitched
their tents npon the lawn, and were the
guests of those who occupied the house. We
were bivouacl1ed only few rods from this
mansion. We had been quite active night
and day, and not few Of our men had sue
cumbed to the heat and fatigue of the forced
marches.
/ had a young soldier in my company
whose spirit was stronger than his body.
Like some others he sank under the extreme
fatigue of the retreat of Gen. Pope. / had
an especial interest in him, from the fact
that when in Utica, N. Y, his parents had
visited me and said: You have our only
son, Captain; look after him, and our prayers
viii be with you"
DIR. Conenty, our Surgeon, said: Captain,
] am afraid that we will lose VIII. / do
not think he has strength enough to reach
Alexandria. II could procure a chicken for
broth it would save him.
Serg't Cleveland overheard the converse
ton. Said he: Captain, there are chickens
in the cellar Of that house." pointing to the
mansion.
All we could rake in the way of money
was a gold dollar. ] told the Doctor /
would see what j could do. / went TO the
house and rang the bell. A lady came to the
door-one Of the typical Virginia ladies,
dressed in style. Presume she had been
entertaining the General, much against her
will. Her dark eyes flashed when she saw
me. She was very dignified.
j said: :" Madam, / have young boy in
my company who is seriously i'll. Our
Surgeon says that If i could procure a
chicken for him il would save his life /
have a gold dollar to pay for chicken;
you have some in your cellar" She said:
DO you think the chicken would save the
s0Eier's life? Then, sir, if you had 500
for chicken, and it would save wretched
Yankees life, you could not have il from me-"
She closed the door with siam, and |
went back TO my company said before
my company, A chicken cannot be had for
money. Boys, we must obey orders, but
want chicken"
1t was not long before Serg't Cleveland
came with chicken. Suffice TO say it was
soon in the soup, and saved the life of the
soldier. A short time after an Aid TO Gen.
Mcdowell came up and asked:
Who commands this company?"
al do"
:" 1t is the Generals order that you report
TO him at once.'
/ did so. Said the General: 'I have a
mind to have your shoulder straps taken off
in front of your regiment for the violation
of the orders of the War Department. Re-
turn to your company, and see that your
Sergeant is reduced TO the ranks"
About this time Jacksons guns had
moved up, and we were in line. There was
plenty of business. / never heard more of
the chicken. The soldier Joined two
months afterward. The second time we
passed through that country nothing was
left of the mansion but the bare walls.-E.
II. p. SHURLY, Co. c, 26th n. Y, Chicago,
III.