I was in better spirits after this pleasant incident, and calling to Alick, I bade him arm himself with the largest basket he could find and take my order to the commissary.
"We are going to have all sorts of good things," I told him, "fresh meat, fruit, vegetables, and everything."
When the boy returned, he presented a drooping figure and a woebegone face. My first unworthy suspicion suggested his possible confiscation of my stores for drink,—for which my poor Alick had a weakness,—but he soon explained.
"I buried that ole stinkin' fish! I wouldn't bring it in your presence. An' here's the meal they give me."
Hairy caterpillars were jumping through the meal! I turned to my table and wrote:—
"Is the commanding general aware of the nature of the ration issued this day to the destitute women of Petersburg?
[Signing myself] "Mrs. Roger A. Pryor."
This I gave to Alick, with instructions to present it, with the meal, to General Hartsuff.
Alick returned with no answer; but in a few minutes a tall orderly stood before me, touched his cap, and handed me a note.
"Major-General Hartsuff is sorry he cannot make right all that seems so wrong. He sends the enclosed. Some day General Pryor will repay.