"They already say I
reviewed the cavalry with a wreath of flowers around my horse's neck."
"Is it possible?"
"They say so everywhere; and I will tell you the foundation for the
charge. In passing through the Court-House on the morning of the
review, a young lady friend of mine ran out from her house and threw a
wreath over the neck of my horse. Well, I think it is something to be
courteous in this world. I did not throw it off. I thanked her, rode
on, and only removed it when I got out of sight. Meeting General Lee, I
told him of it, laughing, and he said, with a smile: 'Why did you not
wear it?'[1] I might as well have done so, Surry, for you see I have
the credit of it. Why try to be temperate, and pure, and soldierly? I
am a drunkard, a libertine, and a popinjay! But I care nothing. I
intend to do my duty, old fellow, and the next few days will probably
show if I can fight."
[Footnote 1: Fact.]
With which words Stuart broke into a song, cantered on more rapidly,
and passing without drawing rein through the Court-House, soon reached
General Lee's head-quarters on an eminence beyond.
Here he remained for an hour, in private interview with the
commander-in-chief. Finally, they came out together. General Lee in his
plain uniform, with that sedate dignity of bearing which made the gray
old cavalier so superb.
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