Page:Historical and biographical sketches.djvu/329

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SIX WEEKS IN UNIFORM.
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the grounds, not knowing what was the matter. We soon learned however. A rowdy from Philadelphia in one of the companies, getting into a quarrel, had killed a man with a butcher knife, and a big fat policeman of Wm. B. Mann's posse, who on account of his size was called “the infant,” endeavoring to arrest him, the fellow again made use of his knife, and by two or three wicked lunges, compelled the policeman to withdraw. The provost guard were sent for, and when we reached the scene of disturbance, he was shouting at the top of his voice “Co. C. — Leap, Frogs — Leap,” and had collected about him a number of his adherents, who expressed their determination of not permitting him to be arrested.

We were brought to a “charge bayonets, forward march,” and though they swore, hissed and jeered considerably, we succeeded in dispersing them without a great deal of difficulty. We then formed a hollow square, he was placed in the centre, and in this way we proceeded to Harrisburg, followed by about seventy-five roughs, cursing and hooting at us. He made a good bit of resistance, and swore that he would never be taken there alive. I was stationed right behind him, and several times he pushed with force enough against my bayonet to make it pierce his clothing, but that seemed to satisfy him. I must acknowledge that I felt exceedingly unpleasant, as I was continually afraid he would be fool enough to endeavor to break through, and we would be compelled to bayonet him, something which would have put me to a most severe trial. Our one-eyed sergeant kept calling out, “stick him, boys, stick him,” and I felt so provoked that I could have stuck him with quite as much satisfaction. After reaching Harrisburg, we gave him into the custody of the police, and I have not heard anything of “Smitty,” as his friends called him,