THE UNION VS. A UNION
[J. L. Underwood.]
Early in the war a son of the Emerald Isle, but not himself green, was taken prisoner not far from Manassas Junction. In a word, Pat was taking a quiet nap in the shade; and was aroused from his slumber by a Confederate 249 scouting party. He wore no special uniform of either army, but looked more like a spy than an alligator and on this was arrested.
“Who are you?” “What is your name?” and “Where are you from?” were the first questions put to him by the armed party.
Pat rubbed his eyes, scratched his head, and answered: “Be me faith, gintlemen, them is ugly questions to answer, anyhow; and before I answer any of them, I be after axing yo, by yer lave, the same thing.”
“Well,” said the leader, “we are out of Scott’s army and belong to Washington.”
“All right,” said Pat. “I knowed ye was a gintleman, for I am that same. Long life to General Scott.”
“Ah ha!” replied the scout. “Now you rascal, you are our prisoner,” and seized him by the shoulder.
“How is that,” inquired Pat, “are we not friends?”