Immediately there was entire quiet; every man stood still just where he was to hear what his commanding officer had to say; not a foot moved.
“Soldiers, you forget yourselves,” said the colonel. “I know it is raining, and the mud is deep, and the fare and the work have been hard; but you are in the midst of a great army, the commanding general’s quarters are near; what will be thought of such noise and confusion? You misrepresent yourselves; we will march quietly to camp. Forward, march!”
Not a passionate or profane word was spoken. We were all curious to know who the officer was who could command himself as well as his men.
The next day I was at General Grant’s quarters; and I inquired as to who the officer was, and told the story.
“I do not know him,” I said earnestly, “but I am sure he ought to be promoted. A man who can govern himself as he did last night ought to wear a general’s shoulder-straps.”
“That was Colonel Legget. He is a good man, and a very fine officer,” was the general’s reply.
“Do you know, General, that there is a great deal of profanity among the officers and men?”
“Yes, I know; I am sorry that it is so.”
“I am glad to hear you say that you are sorry.”
“I never swear.”