Western Kansas World

REPORTING AT HEADQUARTERS.

Predicament of a Young Private Who Had Been Stealing Haversacks.

"If the cap fits, wear it," runs the old adage. Sometimes the knowledge that it might easily fit cannot be concealed by the conscious ill-doer, and he publicly puts on the cap. and thereby confesses his guilt.

Mr. Frank Wilkeson, the author of "Recollections of a Private Soldier." had an experience of this nature.

He was scarcely more than a lad, a young private in the civil war, when the incident occurred.

On the fourth day of the battle of Cold Harbor the captain delivered to me an order to repair at once to headquarters and report to Adjutant General Williams. My heart sank. I had been stealing.haversacks; I had been impudent to officers; I had been doing lots of things I ought not. Now for it!

"This ends my career," I thought.

The captain said, "Wash up. get a horse, and accompany the orderly." I ignored the first portion of the order, but obtained a horse, and rode off, slouch-hatted, blouseless and supremely dirty.

I had full belief I was to be severely punished. Certain sheep weighed heavily on my conscience. I ransacked my memory and dragged forth all my military misdeeds.

I knew I must at least be court-martialed. I concluded finally thatI should not escape with less than shooting.

I asked the orderly if General Williams was very savage-tempered. He replied that the general was the kindest man in the army. and I felt a little reassured. At last I burst out with:

"See here, what do you suppose he wants of me? I've been disobeying orders, stealing haversacks, and been impudent to some of the incompetent officers."

The orderly laughed loudly.

When we reached General Williams' tent I was really frightened half out of my senses, and I strode in, hat on my head. The handsome general smiled kindly at me, and asked me to be seated. How I wished I had washed and brushed the dirt off! He asked me many questions.

I grew confidential, and finally confessed my fright and my sins. The general tried to look severe, but he had to laugh. When I had finished he said, pleasantly:

"You are not going to be shot; your crimes hardly deserve that. I have sent for you to tell you you are appointed second lieutenant to the Fourth regiment of the United States artillery.

Get your discharge, and come to me if you need money to travel with, or for clothes.'"

He was so gracious to me, a dirty private, that my eyes filled with tears. I could not speak to thank him, and I came very near to crying outright.