HE DID NOT KNOW THE ROPES.
General Morgan, of Illinois, who commanded a brigade in Davis's division, was one of those men so slouchy in his appearance that a stranger would never have picked him for an officer of high rank. One day a raw recruit of his brigade who had lost some books asked a veteran where he might be likely to find them. The veteran said the only thief in the brigade was Jim Morgan, who occupied a tent near the blue flag. The recruit hastened to Morgan's tent, shoved his head in through the flaps, and asked,
"Does Jim Morgan live here?"
"My name is James Morgan," answered the General.
"Then I want you to hand over those books you stole from me!"
"I have none of your books, my dear man."
"That's a lie!" cried the soldier. "The boys say you are the only thief in camp. Turn out them books, or I'll grind your carcass into apple-sass!"
General Morgan appreciated the joke, and laughed heartily, but when the recruit began pulling off his coat to make good his threats, the officer informed him of his relations to the brigade.
"Waal, blast me if I'd take you for a brigadier!" said the man. "Excuse me, General, but I don't thoroughly know the ropes yet."