They kept very quiet about the matter, and no one suspected what was about to happen. The parade was formed the foragers were in the rear rank. After the usual manual of arms, the Colonel gave the command, "Rear rank, open order, March!" this movement being gracefully performed, the Colonel went to the head of the regiment, and accompanied by a citizen, they passed down the line, the farmer scanning the face of every soldier in the front rank; having reached the left of the line, they turned and gave the same attention to the rear rank. Just then, a movement took place in Co. K., two men quickly exchanged places in the rear rank with two others in the front rank, no one outside of the company, it seems, noticing the movement.
The sequel, to the whole proceeding was this. That lank looking farmer had followed the men into camp, and having reported to Colonel Roberts, he was told, that if he could point out the two men, he would have them punished; hence the inspection that took place.
Well, he did'nt find the men, but still he said that they belonged to the First regiment. Of course they did, but they outwited the farmer.
"SHUNKA-FLIESH."
appetite for smoked meat, was omnipresent among the men, and all the "salt horse and sow-belly" in the commissary, could not satisfy that appetite.
At Bristow station, it was necessary to make a special trip to army Head-quarters on the Rapidan, for a supply, but our "little dutchman" took another plan. Going down the rail-road to the next station, he jumped an open car loaded with barrels of ham, (he called it shunka-fliesh,) and as the train neared our camp, he tumbled a barrel off, into a clump of bushes by the road-side. Then quietly, assisted by others, it was brought into camp.
That was good ham, as we have reason to know, a fine slice having somehow found its way to our table.