Colonel M. was the first one I spoke to on this delicate
subject. After inquiring about the condition of affairs in America, I asked him if he knew what had become of that female officer who figured so extensively during the greater part of the war.
"O," said the colonel, "I knew her very well. She was in my corps for a time, but afterwards she went West, and I do not know how she finished her career."
"What do you think of her?"
"She is a very fine woman, and made a good officer. She was very popular indeed."
"Do you think that it was proper for a woman to do as she did?"
"Well, no, not exactly; but she did so much good for the cause, that she can well be excused. If the men had all been as plucky, things would have turned out very different. She always bore an excellent name, and I would fight for her in a moment if I heard any one traducing her. I would like very much to see her again, and would be willing to travel all the way back to America to have that pleasure."
The reader may imagine the sensations of pleasure which this enthusiastic opinion of myself caused me. I was aching to tell him who I was, but there were others whom I desired to question, and so concluded to preserve my secret a little longer.
While I was talking with Colonel M., a servant in livery appeared, with a card on a silver waiter, from Colonel D. and Major C. I did not recognize the names, but said I would receive them, and so shook hands with Colonel M. giving him a hearty request to call on me again.
The two gentlemen appeared, and the colonel said, "You do not appear to remember me."
"No, sir," I replied. "I think I recollect your face, but I cannot recall where I have met you."
"Do you not recollect meeting me in Cuba, at So-and-so's house?"
"O, certainly, I do ; I must ask that you will excuse my forgetfulness."
"I was looking over the list of arrivals, and seeing your name, thought that I would take the liberty of calling to inquire after your health."
I asked whether he had met my brother's family; and on his saying that he had not, I conducted him and his friend to their
