"'I was ordered to report to you in person, sir, for special duty.'
"'Special duty, sir! Has it come to this? Must I assign the duty to be performed by each individual man, sir, in the Division, sir!'
"The disheveled hair, flashing eyes, and fierce look of the General, startled this new Detail, and he commenced explaining. The General broke in abruptly, however, as if suddenly recollecting; and rubbing his hands, while his countenance assumed a bland smile:
"'Oh, yes; you are right, sir, right; special duty, sir; yes, sir; follow me, sir.'
"And the General arose and with somewhat uncertain strides left his marquee, and, followed by the man, entered a Sibley partly in its rear.
"'There, sir,' said the General, pointing, with rather a pleased countenance; 'do you see that barrel, sir?'
"'Yes, sir,' replied the Detail, saluting.
"'That barrel holds whisky, sir—whisky;'—rising
upon his toes and emphasizing the word; 'and I want you to guard it G—d d——d well. Don't let a d—n man have a drop, sir. Do you understand, sir?'
"'Yes, sir,' rejoined the Detail, saluting, and commencing his beat around the barrel.