The Valley Virginian

A Contrast.

A correspondent of the Cincinnati Enquirer contributes the two following anecdotes:

Two little incidents in the history of General Pope, of the Federal army, and General Lee of the Confederate, very forcibly illustrate the difference in the character of the two men. One of the Army of the Potomac, and the other of the Army of Northern Virginia. The story of the former was related by an attache of General Pope, and that of the latter by a surgeon in the Confederate army.

While General Pope, attired in a gorgeous suit of uniform, and with hat in hand, was walking not far from his quarters, he was accosted by a small man dressed in plain suit of black:

"This is General Pope, I believe," said the

"Pope is my name, sir," and after casting a hasty and indignant glance at the stranger, whom he regarded as a country farmer come to ask some favor.

"I wish to see General Pope on business," continued the civilian.

"Go to my Adjutant," said General Pope, turning on his heel, and regarding the stranger with a haughty stare, continued his walk.

The stranger, somewhat abashed, but gathering now courage, he again addressed himself to General Pope:

"My business is private, and I wish to see General Pope alone."

"See my Adjutant, sir," exclaimed General Pope, in an authoritative tone, and turned indignantly away.

Twice thwarted, the stranger entered the Adjutant General's office, and addressed a peremptory order to General Pope, requiring his immediate presence. Signed Assistant Secretary of War.

Pope was thunderstruck, and sent word by the Adjutant General that he would see him in fifteen minutes.

The Assistant Secretary immediately sent another order, demanding his presence forthwith; and Pope soon presented himself, with hat under his arm, and made an apology to the Secretary, which was waived by the latter.

On the 30th of June, 1862, during the great battles around Richmond, and at the very moment the bloody and sanguinary assault was being made on General McClellan's position on Malvern Hill a solitary horseman, some distance from the scene of action, had dismounted under a cluster of trees, and was apparently listening to the roar of artillery.

This elevation had been selected by a surgeon of one of the corps for a field hospital, and so terrible was the conflict at Malvern Hill, that all the shade of the little promontory was required for the comfort of the wounded. One of the surgeons approached the stranger, whom he supposed to be only a citizen attracted to the spot to witness the battle, and requested him in rather a hasty manner to move out of the way.

"Certainly, gentlemen," replied the stranger "the wounded should be kindly cared for," and shifted his position.

In a very few minutes a courier dashed up and enquired for General Lee.

"Here he is, sir--move quickly!"

The surgeon was thunderstruck, and hastened to offer apologies, which General Lee readily accepted, mounted his horse and galloped to the front.