that I went mad and was shut up in a mad-house for more
than three years?
"When I was released I discovered I was in one of the
Southern States without a penny. I found employment as a
tinsmith and I worked faithfully, hoarding up every cent,
denying myself everything but the necessities of life that I
might save enough to wreak out my vengeance on Wilson.
"In the meantime the war broke out and I, being a
Northerner, was forced to give up my position and hurry to
safety. When I reached Washington everything was tur
moil and excitement and I caught the fever of patriotism and
enlisted. l'or the next two months it, was drill, drill, drill,
until I became sick of my bargain. Then came the news of
the defeat at Bull Run and we were told to prepare for the
front. Our company, however, was not ordered out till the
beginning of October and we saw our first action at Ball's
Bluff. I well remember how we were led again and again to
the attack only to be repulsed with heavy loss. My company
went into action in full number and came out decimated.
In fact the remnant was placed in an entirely different regi
ment and in command of that particular battalion was—Joe
Wilson, Major Wilson.
"lt would be folly to attempt to describe my surprise.
I was in constant fear lest he shmild recognize me. Often
he would pass one but I never let him see my face any more
than was absolutely necessary. I was hoping for a chance
to square my account but I wanted to see him suffer! He had
caused me to lose my home and friends and I had suffered and
I reasoned that he should learn to know what suffering was.
"He was overbearing and quick to call to order the least
offence, continually making himself more and more unpopu
lar. Wherever he went sullen silence greeted him. Every
man in the regiment cordially hated him, even the officers,
yet not one thing could we find about which to complain.
"In the Spring we were ordered back to Washington