p.

parlor and I could perceive the deepest anxiety
depicted upon their countenance and eager were
their questions as to what we saw and whether any one
was hurt I ased them "why this anxiety have you
friends with this force" when they frankly told me
they had three brothers in the rebel army and they
believed they were near by - After this the Colonel
was more restless than before but as dinner would
soon be served and they urged us hard to stay +
dine with them they pursuaded us to remain
but after they had pronounced it ready to serve it was
two hours before it was ready to eat and the meal
was undoubtingly as good as they had but I could have
made a better dinner off from army rations - with
the exception of a cup of millk they gave me which
was realy a treat as that article and my palate have
long been strangers - After a decent lapse of time
so as not to show a too hasty retreat we ---- rose
to bid them adieu but before I left the toom the
widow sepped in front of me looking me square
in the eye in her keen penetrating way and
in such an abrupt way as to throw me entirely off
my quarel asked me "how long I had been married"
- Well did I disown you then - think you ?- no Sir E I did
not but answered promptly that I had been in that
interesting condition twelve years- I am glad that
I acknowledged it and you? for she might have fallen
in love with me if I had not and then how bad I
would have felt and you too