CHAPTERXVI
Wewere often annoyed by the calls of officers who, having little to occupy their time, could not understand how it was possible for us to be too tired to entertain them. They frequently called on me when I had many letters to write, and I would say to them: “Well, gentlemen, if it’s any satisfaction to you to sit here while I write letters, I’ve no objection, but these home letters for the Boys are my first duty.” They thought I should feel complimented by the calls of headquarters’ officers, but I assured them I was quite aware that they had come to me only to kill time, when they had exhausted all other amusements.
It was really too much honor, and too much of a good thing when forty-five officers called on me in one week, some coming in from the front on short leave when all was quiet on the James, others from Grant’s Headquarters, and from our Hospital Headquarters.
One evening I was very tired and three of these officers, fine looking men in full uniform, but slightly under the influence of liquor, annoyed me greatly. At “taps” I said significantly—“It’s taps, gentlemen!”
“That does not concern us,” one replied, “we can stay as long as we wish.”
“General Grant himself could not stay in my tent after taps,” I retorted indignantly.
They made no move to go, however. I arose and simply pointed to the tent opening, declining any reply to their remarks. They at last passed out in great indignation, and immediately one of these doctors began a petty persecution. Knowing that I had lost my pass he tried to have me sent to Washington. This soon became known in camp, and my friends set themselves to work to circumvent his unmanly spite.
He obtained an order from the Provost Marshall, General Patrick, by which all persons in camp not having passes should report at once to Washington. It was necessary, however, that he should notify personally any one so unfortunate as to have no pass. When he called at my tent I was never to be found, for whenever the doctor approached some one would say “Here comes C!” and I began a system of remarkable evolutions from one tent to another in the row, gliding back and forth, until he had to give up the search for the day.
Fortunately my good friend, Mrs. Doctor Painter, had made such a favorable report of me to General Grant’s Headquarters that a pass was promised. The utmost diplomacy was necessary to gain time, but at last the pass was handed to me, secretly, on Thanksgiving eve, as we were decorating the mess hall for the coming feast.
The next day I was at home when Doctor C. called. I received him with much courtesy and said: “I hear, doctor, that you have called several times when I was not in. To what am I indebted for so much attention? Be seated.”
The florid face grew redder, but I gave him no chance to speak, and in my most agreeable manner I talked and talked of everything I could think of, despite his many efforts to get in a word. Finally I grew tired of the fun, as were also some friends and listeners in the adjoining tent. Then, as if just remembering his attempts to speak, I said, “O, doctor, had you something to say to me?”
Growing still redder, if possible, and sitting uncomfortably on the edge of the barrel chair that I had insisted on his taking, he said, “O, only that an order is received that all persons not having authority must report to Washington.Er—er—have you a pass?”
“Doctor, you know that my pass was stolen.” And I asked demurely what I should do.
With an air of exultation he sprang up and said—“Unfortunately, Miss Smith, you will have to report to Washington to-morrow.”
Then slowly taking the pass from my pocket, I said hesitatingly, “Well, Doctor, here is a paper that perhaps will help me,” and I handed him the Grant pass.
“Headquarters Armies United States,City Point, Virginia, March 16, 1865.Miss Smith will be afforded all facilities that Army Commanders afford to other State Agents.Free transportation will be given her on all Government steamers and Military Railroads. Guards and pickets will pass her accordingly.By command ofLIEUTENANT GENERAL GRANTT. S. Bowers, A. A. G.”
“Headquarters Armies United States,City Point, Virginia, March 16, 1865.
Miss Smith will be afforded all facilities that Army Commanders afford to other State Agents.
Free transportation will be given her on all Government steamers and Military Railroads. Guards and pickets will pass her accordingly.
By command ofLIEUTENANT GENERAL GRANTT. S. Bowers, A. A. G.”
I watched him in silence till he finished reading. His face was crimson and he said with a nervous giggle, “O, yes, er—I’ll fix you up at medical headquarters all right!”
“Will you, indeed?” I replied, “I think I have fixed you. Now you may go,” and he lost no time in going.
The laughter in the next tent must have reached him as he darted out and across the road to the hospital headquarters, where he exclaimed breathlessly:“D——that Miss Smith. When I thought I had her all right she kept me on nettles for an hour, and then showed me an order from General Grant ranking me.”
This soon became camp gossip, and he was jeered from one side to the other of the hospital.