“The consul stood abashed, and awkwardly bowed himself from his presence.
“Such is his treatment of rebels. He receives no apology nor has any circumlocution. He strikes with his battalions; he strikes with every word he utters, whether from pen or lips. The secessionists of Georgia and South Carolina believe he’ll do what he threatens.
“Said the rebel colonel who had placed the torpedoes in the Savannah River, when ordered to take them up, ‘No! I’ll be d——d if I do any such drudgery.’
“ ‘Then you’ll hang to-morrow morning; leave me,’ said the stern commander. The torpedoes were removed.
“In this way, by his words, his manner, his personal presence, his threats with their literal execution, and the swift and utter destruction in the track of his army on their late march, he has struck terror to all hearts. Though thoroughly secretive, he is strangely frank.
“ ‘Give me your pass, General?’ said I; ‘I’ll meet you again on your march.’
“ ‘You don’t know where I am going,’ said he, with emphasis.
“ ‘I think I do, General, if I can catch you.’
“ ‘Where?’
“ ‘At Charleston.’