The morning times., 1895-07-14

Just atthe present time, whenA AMBASSADOR
Eustis is enjoying so large share OF public
attention, an anecdote Of his experiences
during the war will be of interest.
The episode is now published for the first
time anh was recently related by the man
who figured in it with the United States
Ambassador To France. The narrator is q
well-known Washin gtonian who is quite
musical genius ana most obliging in the
matter Of responding 10 any number of re-
quests for encores on the part OF his friends.
Not long since after he had played at
the house Of Il friend for some time, in
termingling the well kno wn airs and themes
with improvisations of his own, the talk
turned upon music and the difficulty that
beset even the most noted performers when
they allowed themselves to get out OF prac-
tiCe.
In response to the query as to whether
or not he had ever suffered in this respect,
the Washington man replied that strange
as it might seem for one so paSSionately
fond OF music as he, during the entire
period of the war he had touched the piano
but twice. One of these occasions, the one
leaving upon his mind the most lasting inn
preston because of the unusual cirCuIn-
stances surrounding it, was when he was
in camp at Dalton just before the siege
of Atlanta.
1t was the bittercst winter weather
with a heavy fall OF snow coming down
over the country already buried under
drifts from the previous storm. Camp life
had been ineNprcSsibly depressing, when
early in the afternoon of the memorable day
the Washington man was reused from none
too eXhilaratlng reflections by the sudden
and unexpected appearance OF Mr.. Eustis
At that time he was judge advocate gen
eral or the STAFF OF Gen. Joseph E Johnston
ThruSting aside the Hap OF the tent Mr..
EuStis greeted his old friend, the major,
with the decidedly startling announcement
that, he was in a mood Tor music and that
furthermore ne meant TO have some at all
hazards, to gratify his longing, that very
afternoon: in tact, with the smallest pos
slbe delay. Outside in the cod the horse
on which he had ridden over from his
quarters stood snorting lrcm the rafting
pace 10 which ne had been urged by his
muSic-mad master.
The fact that not only was the major un-
able to provide piano from the scant fur
nishings of his own tent, but that there was
not one To he had for love or money through
out the entire camp, did not III the least deter
the future United States ambassador or
dash his aTdor on the subject.
He had upon him the craving for music,
and nothing short OF the actual qualification
of that desire was going 10 pacIy him.
There was no help for it, the major was
constrained to call for his horse, and,
wrapping himself up as best he could from
the intense cold that seemed TO increase
every hour. the two friends set out on their
novel quest for a piano.
When they finally rode into town the
riders slackened their speed somewhat in
order to make a careful survey OF the sur
rOundngs. Then having finally se,eCted a
street which in their estimation was most
likely to prove propitioUs for the gratifica
ton OF their wishes. they finally alighted
before fine old homestead and rang the
bell.
The door was opened by the mistress
of the house who looked in heeTeSt asto onsh
ment when Mr.. Eustis, Sumng the role
OF spokesman, asked if he tad piano in
the house. This unique greeting from two
soldiers covered wah snow from their long
ride in the storm was happily answered
in the affirmative. ThcreupOn, without
further ceremony. Mr.. EuStiS announced his
intention Of entering with his friend. NJ the
same time coupl n n-thiSstatement with amost
polite request that they might he allowed
the use OF that same piano for couple OF
hours The piano was a coed ore hut the
music-hungry man was compelled to wait
some little time for a fire To lie lighted
in the unused drawing room in order that
the majors fingers might have the chance
to thaw out.
Finally N was ready and as the performer
opened the nStTlment and ran his hands
over the keys the future United States Sena-
tor and ambassador threw himself back in
a chair with o sigh OF deep content.
Play" he said, the opera OF Lucia ds
Lamamoor Bagin at the prelude and
go straight through Don't leave out a
single variation"
And / played !" said the major, "for two
hours without moving from tha piano. AS
soon as / finished one thing | went on 10
another until Mr.. Eustis declared himself
satisfied. Then We bade good-by TO our
hostess. thanking her for her kindness and
rpd- back To camp, TO hot coffee and to
what at that time passed muster for
q inner"