CHAPTER XII.
ACTING AS MILITARY CONDUCTOR.
At Memphis Again. Ending my first Campaign. My Friend the Cap tain and I exchange Notes. I reach Columbus, and report to General Leonidas Polk. Assigned to Duty as Military Conductor. Unavail ing Blandishments of the Women. A mean Piece of Malice. General Lucius M. Polk tries to play a Trick on Me. The Path of Duty. The General put under Arrest. An Explanation concerning a one-sided Joke. I become dissatisfied, and tender my Resignation. A Request to Return to Virginia and enter the Secret Service. Acceptance of my Resignation. The Lull before the Storm 145
CHAPTER XIII.
A MERRY-MAKING.
In Search of active Employment. On the Road to Bowling Green, Ken tucky. My travelling Companions. A Halt at Paris. A hog-killing and corn-shucking Frolic. Dancing all Night in the School-house. A Quilting- Party. My particular Attentions to a Lady. The other Girls Unhappy. The Reward of Gallantry. What General Hardee had to say to Me. The Woodsonville Fight. On the back Track for Fort Donelson 154
CHAPTER XIV.
THE FALL OF FORT DONELSON.
The Spirit of Partisanship. My Opinions with regard to the Invincibility of the Southern Soldiers. Unprepared to sustain the Humiliation of Defeat. The Beginning of the End. At Fort Donelson. The Federal Attack Expected. Preparations for the Defence. The Garrison confident of their Ability to hold the Fort. The Difference between Summer and Winter Campaigning. Enthusiasm supplanted by Hope and Determination. My Boy Bob and I go to Work in the Trenches. Too much of a Good Thing. Dirt-digging not exactly in my Line. The Federals make their Appearance. The Opening of the Battle. On Picket Duty in the Trenches at Night. Storm of Snow and Sleet. The^bitter Cold. Cries and Groans of the Wounded. My Clothing stiff with Ice. I find Myself giving Way, but manage to endure until the Relief Comes. Terrible Suffering. Singular Ideas. A Four Days' Battle. The Confederate Successes on the first and second Days. The Gunboats driven Off. Desperate Fighting on the third Day. A breathing Spell. The Confederates finally driven back into the Fort. It is resolved to Surrender. Generals Floyd and Pillow make their
