The National tribune., 1900-11-08
ONE ON THE COLONEL.
How he Was Convicted, by Overwhelming
Circumstantial Evidence, of Foraging

q.
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: After the
seven days fighting in front of Richmond
| Va, we were allowed q short rest under
the protection of our gunboats at Harri
sons Landing, on the James River. From
there we were ordered to Yorktown
on the York River. Before leaving camp,
however, the usual orders were read pro-
hibiting any foraging on the way, which
order was received by the frank and file''
like ''cold bath on frosty morning." in
asmuch as we had lived on short rations
and fresh meats of any kind usually found
on our way would have come very accept
able.
We broke camp and moved over the
Chickahominy on pontoon bridges, and
late in the day halted for a nights rest on
d fine plantation apparently deserted, yet
showing signs of life in the numerous
ducks and geese in sight. Now, ducks and
geese are main attraction to the average
soldier, and while the soldiers were cook
ing their bacon and coffee few of us, un-
der pretense of going for water and re-
gardless of orders against "foraging," took
a stroll towards the buildings in sight.
The first to attract our attention was a
fine patch of sweet potatoes, which we
x. w
soon had our haversacks well filled with
the toothsome tubers. Next we explored
the outbuildings for stray members of the
feathered tribes, but without success, and
we were about to return when We came
upon comparatively new pig-pen about
four by six and three planks high, with a
floor in it, and underneath large quantity
of new straw two fine porkers about six to
eight weeks old. 1t took us but few mo-
ments to slip under the pen two poles,
and manning each end we commenced our
homeward march with high anticipations
of a grand treat when all the officers
should be sleeping the sleep of innocence
and ignorance.
We had nearly reached our picket line,
where we had no doubt a few sweet pota-
toes would pass us through, when who,
but our own Colonel. Hating at our side,
he inquired what we were carrying into
camp. We very humbly informed the
Colonel that it was merely a box-pen that
would make q very convenient bedroom,
and hoped we had done nothing against
the rules. The Colonel, not being quite
satisfied with our answer, Inquired what
was in the pen. OF course, we told him,
nothing but straw for our bedding" He
thereupon rode closer, and, leaning over,
looked into the pen, eXclaiming.
"Humph! Two of as fine porkers as I've
seen in a long time. But, boys, you must
turn them loose, for it is strictly against
the orders to forage"
He then wheeled and rode away, and
we, setting down the pig-pen, then and
there held a council of war whereby we
could not only have roast pig ourselves,
but also fresh meat for the whole COM
mand.
After ways and means were properly
settled we took up ''the poor mans bur-
den," and proceeded to camp without fur
ther trouble. About o'clock or after
taps" q company of about 100 silently
formed a circle at a respectful distance
around the Colonefs tent, having with
with much force (O disarmed and taken
prisoner the guard on duty before the tent,
and then, procuring a long cord, one of
the pigs was tied by its hind leg and
slipped under the Coloners tent. AS soon
as the snout of the porker was released he
began skirmishing around the enemy's
headquarters, and on finding himself fast
by the cord set up squeal that equaled
a "call to arms" and the circle outside
was augmented by hundreds.
The Colonel made q leap for the open
air minus ali outer garments, even to his
epaulets, and found himself surrounded by
his own men. After expressing himself in
all the choice language not found in the
dictionary, he finally demanded what was
meant by this uproar. He was very meek
ly informed that hearing a squealing in
this direction, we were anxious to know
who were violating the rules against for
aging" The Colonel, seeing the point, or
dered all to their quarters, promising them
that the next day rations of fresh beef
would be issued to the whole command
and he kept his promise.
The two pigs were nicely dressed and
roasted, and next morning one found its
way to the Colonel's table with the com
pliments of Co. H.-F. J. f., Co. III, sd
Pa, Seguin, Tex.