October 7, 1864
There is a certain
General Benham, who commands the engineers at City Point, and was up about laying
out some works. Channing Clapp is on his Staff. You ought to see this “Ginral.”
He has the face and figure of Mr. Briggs and wears continually the expression
of Mr. B. when his horse sat down at the band of music. When he had got through
all the explanations, which were sufficient to have laid out a permanent work
of the first class, the Meade rose with weariness, and eased his spirit by
riding out and looking at my new camp-ground, and inspecting those everlasting
redoubts. Now that the camp is arranged, the Meade is dubious about moving:
that's like him! When we got to the extreme left, he thought he would go out
and take a peek at the picket line. First there was a little bunch of cavalry.
They were of a jocose turn; they had found an old pair of wheels whereon they
had mounted a keg, making a very good cannon, which pointed, in a threatening
manner, down the road. Its ensemble was completed by a figure, closely
resembling those that defend cornfields, and which was keeping steady guard
with a small pole. A hundred yards beyond was the picket reserve, behind a
barricade. Then, beyond, a couple of hundred yards more, the sentries, each
standing and looking sharply to the front. The one in the road was a half-breed
Indian, though he looked more like a Neapolitan. He had that taciturnity that
clings to the last drop of blood. “Are you a picket here?” asked the General. “Yes.”
“Is there anyone on your right and left?” “No.” “You are an Indian, are you
not?” “Part.” All of which the red warrior delivered, without turning his gaze
from the vista before him. Beyond this gentleman was a post of two cavalry
videttes. From this place we could get a very good view of one of the Rebel
lines of earthworks; but there seemed very few men behind it. I could only notice
one or two. And so we rode back again past the perils of the keg cannon.
General Warren has a short leave, and General Crawford commands the Corps, to
the indignation, I presume, of old cocks like Griffin and Ayres; for C. was
doctor in Fort Sumter, and thus got a star, and thus is an old brigadier, and
thus ranks the regulars G. and A. General Grant was on a flying visit to
Washington to-day. I like to have him down here: first, he gives a general
balance and steadiness; then, what is most important, he can order — just order
what groceries he pleases, and no questions asked behind the counter!
SOURCE: George R. Agassiz, Editor, Meade’s
Headquarters, 1863-1865: Letters of Colonel Theodore Lyman from the Wilderness
to Appomattox, p. 241-3
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