It was for this point that I had saved myself up, as the turning-point of my case. Shaking myself free of my guards,—who had no business to hold me, the stupids, unless I was found guilty,—I asked the colonel what he considered the first duty of a soldier? Ere he could reply, the President of the United States rose and informed the court, that my foe, the admiral, had suggested ‘Bravery,’ and that prompting a witness wasn’t fair. The president of the court immediately ordered the admiral’s mouth to be filled with leaves, and tied up with string. I had the satisfaction of seeing the sentence carried into effect before the proceedings went further.
I then took a paper from my trousers-pocket, and asked, ‘What do you consider, Col. Redford, the first duty of a soldier? Is it obedience?’
‘It is,’ said the colonel.
‘Is that paper—please to look at it—in your hand?’
‘It is,’ said the colonel.
‘Is it a military sketch?’
‘It is,’ said the colonel.
‘Of an engagement?’
‘Quite so,’ said the colonel.
‘Of the late engagement?’