The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1898-09-22

| began to relate thefs experiences; not only
religious experiences, but brief history
of their lives. Some were husbands and
fathers. Their masters, had sold them
down South lest they should escape: In
their terror they had escaped by night,
and fed to the National banner for refuge,
leaving all behind that was dear to them.
In conclusion one old man, evidently
their leader, stood up and said: tell
you, my breddern, dat de good Lord has
great patience. But now he can't bore it
no longer, no how, and he has said to de
people OBJ de North:r Go and tell de slave
holders to let de people go. dat dey may
Sarve me-"
There were many there who had listen
ed to the old colored mans speech and
believed, as ! did, that there was more
truth than poetry in it. Many hearts
were moved with sympathy towards them,
as was soon proved by the actions OF the
soldiers.
An immense fire was built, around
which these poor darllies eagerly gathered,
as they were very wet cold and hungry.
| Then a large camp-kettle of coffee was
made and set before them, with plenty OF
! bread and meat to satisfy their ravenous
appetiteS, for ravenOus they were, not
| having tasted food for more than two days.
Then blankets were provided, and they
soon became comfortable and as happy
as human beings could be under such
| circumstances.
A cold, driZzling rain continued to de-
scend for several days, and our camp, be-
came a fair specimen of Virginia mud.
began to feel the effects of the miaSma
which came floating on every breeze from
the adjacent swamps and marshes, and
fever and ague became my daily com
panlonS Tor q time.
ABOUT MULES.
Az sat in my tent, roasting or shiver-
ing, as the case might be, | took strange
pleasure in watching the long trains OF
SiXmule teams which were constantly
| passing and repassinC within n few rods
| of my tent. AS Miss Periwinkle" re-
| marks, there are several classes OF mules
| The coQuettiSh mule has small feet, a
nicely trimmed tall perked-up ears, and
seems much given to little losses OF the
head, affected skips and Frances, and, if
| he wears bells or streamerS, puts on as
| many airs as any belle. The moral mule
| is a stout, Woodworking creature, always
| tuGging with all his might, often pulling
| away after the rest have stopped, labOring
| under the conscientious deluSiOn that
| food for the entire army depends upon his
individual exertionS.
The histrionic mule is elO-dramatic
| sort of quadruped, prone to startle hu-
| mainly by cratic leaps and wild plunges,
much shaking of the stubborn head and
| flashing of his vicious heels now and then
| falling fat and apparently dying la For
rest, gasp, grOan, a Shudder, etc, till
the street is blocked up, and drivers all
swearing like so many demons. and the
chief actors circulation becomes decided
ly quickened by every variety of kick. cuff
and Jerk imaginable. When the last breath
seems to have gone with the last kick,
and the harness has been taken off, then
sudden resurrection takes place. He
springs to his feet, and proceeds to give
himself two or three comfortable shakes,
and if ever mule laughed in scornful
triumph it is he, and as he calmly sur
veys the excited crowd, seems to say: A
hit a decided hit For once the most
stupid of all animals has outwitted more
than q dozen of the lords OF creation.
The pathetic mule is, perhaps, the
most interesting OF all; for although he
always seems to be the smallest, thinnest
and weakest OF the six, yet in addition to
his equal portion of the heavy load, he
carries on his back great postillion,
with tremendous boots, long tailed coat,
and heavy whip This poor creature strug-
giles feebly along, head down, coat muddy
and rough, eye SpirtlesS and sad, and his
whole appearance a perfect picture OF
meek misery, fit to touch q heart Of stone.
Then there is another class of mules
which always have Jolly, cheer up look
about them They take everything good
naturedly, frOm) cudeeling to caressing
and march along with a rOguish twinkle
in their eye which is very interesting.
A BOX OF GOOD THINGS
One morning, as | was Just recovering
from fever and ague, Jack, our faithful
colored boy, made his appearance at the
door of my tent, touching his hat in the
most approved military style, and handed
me letter bearing my address, saying as
he did so.
"Dah's box at de 'spress office for you.
May | run and fotch it7' | said: "Oh, yes,
Jack, you may bring it, but be careful and
keep the cover on; there may be chickens
in it.
In the meantime ! opened my letter,
from which ! make the following extract:
Having learned your address through
Mrs. l., whose son was killed at the
battle of Bull Run, we send you dona
ton in token of our respect and esteem
and of our gratitude for your faithfulness
on the field and in the hospital
While Mrs. B and were specializing
with regard to the contents of the box