The National tribune., 1897-08-05
A CORpORHh BOLD.
An Amusn. Hoax that Ended in Soldiers
Wedding.


An Amusing Hoax that Ended in a Soldiers
Wedding.
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: Our scene
is laid in the vicinity of little Tennessee
village The time was that of National
strife. However, our simple narrative Is
not In connection with the stirring call OF
| the bugle to arms, but is the adventures of
/ Corp'l G. while in Winter quarters. About
a half-mile from the Union quarters stood
| cOmmodious farmhouse. the home of a
! Colonel OF Tennessee regiment. The Colo
| mel was far away i'll command of his own
troops, leaving alone his wife and daughter,
beautiful girl of 16.
One day the pride of her fathers heart
was seated on the veranda when she beheld
a soldier approaching. She became aware
that he was very handsome, and wore the
uniform of what appeared to be Union Off
Ger. She was not well enough yersed in the
army code to decide what his rank might
he. He gracefully saluted in military style
and begged the lady's pardon for iutruding
upon her time, saying:
My men are eneaniped close by, as you
10 doubt know. / am Maj. d., of the -
Ind"
The young lady, whom we will call Ella,
invited him in and introduced him to her
mother. The good wife was very glad to
meet the Major, and naturally asked him
great many questions.
Now, the Major" was none other than
one of my regiment, Corp'l G. He was fully
capable of answering all questions, if not
with veracity, with great deal of satisfac-
ton. He forthwith informed her that he
was really Spanish nobleman of great re-
pute III his own country, and was holding
commission in the Northern army TO learn
the American mode of warfare. Upon the
lady producing an atlas he marked the very
i, 1utical spot where his father owned ex-
tensive vineyards in the vicinity Of old
Madrid" He further informed his hearers
that his father was very close adviser of
the King.
Needless to say the ladies were delighted,
and extended to him the freedom and hos
pitality of their home. G.. was in clover.
His original intention in visiting the house
was to beg some butter, but by a little
judicious prevarication he found himself
installed as a favored guest. After supper
he took his departure highly elated
Soon the Majors " visits were of daily
occurrence. Oae day some three weeks
after G.'s introduction to the ColonePs
family, Serg't A, in speaking to e.. said:
guess I will go up to the ColonePs and
try to get some milk and butter" This
filled the Corporal with dismay. He did
not wish any of his company 10 become
acquainted with the family, for fear of
disclosure of his identity. He did his best
to persuade the Sergeant that the good
folks had already been begged out Of house
and home" So the Sergeant concluded not
TO 20. But as soon as he walked away, the
Corporal betook himself to the mansion to
sun himself in the smiles Of pretty Miss
Ella. The Sergeant, however, suspected
something, and seeing G.. light out on a
double-quick, concluded he would also be a
visitor To the house. Arriving, the C0lonel's
wife answered the Sergeaut's knock. Good
morning, SIR" was her greeting, and seeing
the number on his cap, she continued:
Come in; Maj. d. of your regiment is in
the parlor The Sergeant knew there was
no Major Of that name in his regiment, SO
he stepped inside to see who it might be.
Seated upon a chair, perfect picture of
contentment, was the Corporal, whose nerve
did not forsake him for an instant Said
he: Sergeant, did you get a pass?"
:" No." said the other; "I took French
leave" "Oh well," replied the supposed
Major, sit doesn't matter" The Sergeant
then went out in search of the COlonePs
wife. How do the men like Maj. DIP" she
asked. "Oh," replied the Sergeant, "the
boys fairly idolize him." yes" said she;
he is such a nice young man. Do you
know what part OF Spain he comes from?"
No, do not" was the Sergeants reply; but
to himself he added: "If you call Indiana
Spain, l could tell you the exact spot" The
lady informed him OF the Majors" talk,
and showed him the atlaS
Upon reaching camp the Sergeant awaited
G's. return. "HeIIo, Major" was his greet
ing. Another Sergeant sitting near looked
at the Corporal in establishment. Why"
he said; where is the Maori"
oh, forgot to tell you. This is Major
d., our new officer" G. was embarrassed, but
commenced to explain. But he had to
acknowledge tie whole affair. He begged
his comrades to keep quiet for time at
least. This they agreed to do, of course.
Before noon OH the next day every man in
the regimsnt was fully acquainted with the
escapade.
On the following Sunday G., as was his
won't, proceeded to the mansion. He had
become thoroughly at home and was very
high in Miss Elias regard. q. was being
entertained by his sweetheart when o young
negro breathlessly entered the room crying:
''Oh, Massa, Gen. WheeIers sojers are
hyah."
G. sprang TO the window and saw enough
to confirm his worst fears. He made dash
out of the rear door for a cornfield. He
heard in the rear the hair-raising rebel yell.