“'Stop, stop,' said the General; 'you must not commence that too soon. The taffy part must be left off if you are to be on my staff.'
“'My dear,' said his wife, 'he can say that about you to me; for it's the truth. Capt. Jackson, I will not get mad at you for speaking in a complimentary manner about my husband.'
“'Hereafter I will repeat all the good things which I may have to say about him to you; but you will tell him, and then he will get mad at me.'
“'No, he will not be mad; don't you know what peculiar animals men are?'
“'Well, yes; they are rather peculiar,' said Jackson. 'They like compliments when not deserving; but when deserving they then dislike them. Is that not about the way with most men? I notice women are somewhat differently constituted? Are they not?'
“'Yes, indeed; they always like compliments. Do they not, my dear?' addressing her husband.
“'I have usually found it so,' replied the General. His wife ran into the house, and laughingly said:
“'Well, I guess Tom has been trying his compliments on some one else. Has he not, aunty?' addressing Aunt Martha.
“'God lub you' sole, chile, dese men, you can't tell nuffin 'bout dem, sho'; but Massa Tom be all rite, I 'spect; I knows him; no fear 'bout him; de good Laud spar' him for good work, sho'.'
“I asked the General to write out a full statement of all he had reported to me. He did so that night, and the following day I mailed it to the President with a private note accompanying.