INCIDENT NO. 6.
Fooling with supposed empty shells, is sometimes disastrous. The Banner Company of the Regiment were much given to old sledge and poker, and often plied their avocation into the wee small hours of night, contrary to express orders—lights out after taps. But these injunctions were not always heeded, as the sequel will show. Some of the boys had found a shell not exploded. They, as supposed, dug out all the powder, and on the occasion of a night’s occupation of their favorite pastime, used the shell as a candlestick. They inserted their short piece in the fuse hole, and proceeded with the game. The candle burned low; the lighted wick dropped into the shell; a tremendous explosion was the result. It totally demolished the tent, and nearly severed the flag-staff near by—so much so it fell over. But, strange to relate, nobody was hurt. They supposed they had got all the powder out. Moral—do not play cards after taps, nor use a shell for a candlestick, unless you are positive it is not loaded.