The daily Alaskan., 1904-03-21
UNOFFICIAL
 INFORMATION
IorlElnaLl

IOmhnsOn-coulu not aulue d WoLlah In camp.
 One spring morning when the sun was warm and the buds were opening rfter a hard winter the army was or dercd very suddenly to break camp and move southward. General Tomlinson stood waiting for all to be in readiness for him to mount and ride away with hlsstan. For the want of something bet ter to do he was watching the strikers carry the headquarters appurtenances from the tents to the wagons. Sudden y he noticed a trunk outside of which hung a bit of embroidery that looked as if 1t belonged to a w0man's under skirt.
 Captain Murdock," said the general to his aid, "since when have the officers of my stan taken to such refined ap- parel as that" pointing to the embroid- cred garment
 The captain glanced in the direction indicated and bit his lip.
 "I think, general" he replied, scratch ing his head meditatiyely, that is some stun sent me by my mother to turn over to the surgeons to be cut up for hospital supplies
 "Very well" replied the commander "Turn it over You should have done so earlier"
 At the end of the first days march the general went Into camp opposite the only house there was in the gicini- ty. It had been reported 10 him that 1t had been deserted on the approach of his army. He was therefore very much surprised on Che morning after camp ing near it. while dictating dispatches to Captain MurdOck, to see emerge rom it a very pretty and tastefully dressed boy, who, on seeing the two of- dcers. set mp a glad cry and was about to cross the road when a young and comedy woman came out caught him and dragged him back.
 "I thought that house was vacant % said the general.
 I thought so too,' stammered his aid
 "They look like nice people" contin- ucd the general "I must go over and ask them if they want anything"
 "Tm sure it is unnecessary, general 20 said the aid quickly. CT have given ur- ders that He hesitated.
 "You seem to be interested i1 them, captain. Some of these southern wom- en are very pretty rn pay my rS. spects, which is no more than uy duty under the circumstances. We must do what we can to placate the southern people. think Il go now"
 "Do you desire me Co attend you, sirg" asked the aid, vaiuly endeavor- ing to conceal look of agony.
 "You3 Yes, certainly
 The two walked across the road and entered the house Captain Murdcck called aloud:
 "Nrs.-Batesw
 "Wcng" asked a soft voice.
 General Tomlinson desires to pay his respects to you"
 "I win be down directly"
 There was an anxious look on Mrs. Bates face when she entered which The general naturally atuibuting to fcar of the Yankees, endeavored to dispel by offers of a safeguard, supplies from the commissary stores and ether fa- vors. "You have very pretty boy, Mrs Bates" he sTid, thinking to Vin Che mothers confidence by praising her child. "l should like very much to see him."
 "Certmnly. general" The mother cast glance at the aid. who seemed 10 be unable to sit still and was walk ing ncryously back and forth
 "Isn't he asleep at this timeE asked the captain.
 "Aslccp:" said the general Dicnt we just sec him start across the read Co make us a yisitT
 "Ah. yes. remember We should like to see him very much. Mrs Bates.'
 Tine lady went upstairs and in few minutes came down, leading her boy his eyes shining with a bright expec- uucy
 Well my little man" said the epn- rral taking him on his lap, "are you a Union or Confederate boy|
 "I'm a Union boy
 "Thats good Why are you Union loyf"
 "Eocause papa's Union"
 Papa UnionT asked the genetal. surprised. Where is papaF"
 The boy turned and looked at NJ IT, dock as if for instructions.
 .'I fancy your papa has gone on with the retreating soutlierners," said Mr- dock
 The boy looked a strong protest to this statement, then jumped down from the generals lap and rushed with open arms to Murdock. The general looked on with a singular expression.
 "Mrs. Bates" he said, unless you'll give me your word you're not a widow l shall have to send you through the lines. My aid has, l fancy, already made some headway in your goid graces. and should not be surprised to hear your boy cal him papa Good morning. Mrs Bates. Call on me for anything you require" The general and his aid walked back in silence to camp. Before resumine q ssn- q