Still the company commander did not seem to be deeply impressed with the sergeant’s plea.
He asked, of no member of the committee in particular:
“Does Barriscale know anything about this?”
Manning and Boyle replied with one accord, in the same words:
“Not a word!” And Manning added: “We have not taken him into our confidence for fear he might disapprove and put a stop to it.”
Again Lieutenant McCormack looked into the faces of his visitors for a moment without speaking. Then he said quietly:
“I do not think that, under the circumstances, you have been guilty of any breach of military etiquette. I will accept your petition, consider it, and consult with my lieutenants concerning it.”
They saluted him, he returned the salute, and then they turned on their heels and left the commander’s tent.
Three days later orders were posted announcing the appointment of Private Benjamin Barriscale to the office of First Sergeant.