Our society is uprooted, and there
is no hope for the country. Blockade-runners, forestallers, stragglers
from the army--Good morning, Colonel Desperade; I was just speaking to
our friend, Colonel Surry."
And leaving me in the hands of the tall, smiling, and imposing Colonel
Desperade, who was clad in a magnificent uniform, Mr. Croker,
forestaller and extortioner, continued his way with dignity toward his
counting house.
"This is a very great pleasure, colonel!" exclaimed Colonel Desperade,
squeezing my hand with ardor. "Just from the lines, colonel? Any news?
We are still keeping Grant off! He will find himself checkmated by our
boys in gray! The country was never in better trim for a good hard
fight. The immortal Lee is in fine spirits--the government steadily at
work--and do you know, my dear Colonel, I am in luck to-day? I am
certain to receive my appointment at last, as brigadier-general--"
"Look out, or you'll be mistaken!" said a sarcastic voice behind us.
And Mr. Torpedo, smoking a short and fiery cigar, stalked up and shook
hands with me.
"Desperade depends on the war department, and is a ninny for doing so!"
said Mr. Torpedo, member of Congress. "The man that depends on Jeff
Davis, or his war secretary, is a double-distilled dolt. Jeff thinks
he's a soldier, and apes Napoleon.
Pages:
543
544
545
546
547
548
549
550
551
552
553
554
555
556
557
558
559
560
561
562
563
564
565
566
567