"Here, sir, I've got an order for you," said an acknowledged well-known rebel citizen, as he entered the head-quarters of the General commanding the Third Brigade of the First Division of the Ohio. From the pompous manner of the Tennesseean, the General didn't know, for a moment, but that he was about being ordered under arrest by the citizen. The General merely replied in his usual style:
"The hell you have, sir! Who is it from?"
"From General Fry, sir."
"Ah! let me see it."
The order was produced. It requested the General not to allow too much of any one man's stock of corn to be taken. The General read the request, and instantly inquired of the Tennesseean: "Are you a Union man?" and as instantly received the reply of "No, sir, I am not."
"Then, G——d d——n you, sir, how dare you have the impudence to come within my lines?"
The Tennesseean, seeing he had a man of the pure grit to deal with, shook slightly in his boots, and did not put on so much "style," and was about to explain something, when the General interrupted him with a quick order to leave forthwith, or he would have a dozen bayonets in his rear "d——n quick."
"But, General, how shall I get out of camp? Won't you please give me a pass?"
"Me give a pass to a rebel! No, sir. How did you get within my lines?"
"Why, sir, I just walked straight in."