the movements that was mysterious.

"The papers were full of all the movements, and were discussing the
probabilities, etc. Seeing this Gen. Anderson was fired with a desire
to at once return to the front. On account of his very weak and feeble
condition we tried to detain him, but in vain.

"He said: 'No, I am going to the front, and I wish to go to the East.
Will you ask by telegraph for such an assignment for me?'

"I answered that I would, and did so immediately.

"The next day he received a telegram from the Secretary of War,
directing him to report to Gen. McGregor for assignment to duty.

"Gen. Anderson said to Capt. Jackson: 'Your invasion of Canada will be
postponed until later. You will be ready to start in the morning with me
to the Army of the East.'

"He called old Ham, and repeated the order to him to be in readiness.

"Ham said: 'Afore de Lord, Massa Tom, you isn't gwine to be fitin' agin,
is you?'

"'Yes! You get ready. Have your bedding and all your traps ready, if you
think you can stand to be shot at by the rebels.'

"'Shot at! Is you gwine to put me out to be snot at? Me done thought
thar war 'nuff white folks to get shotten at, widout de poor darkies
like me.'

"'Yes; but you want to be free, do you not, Ham?'

"'Yeas; Massa Tom, I wants dat--I wants it bad; but how is gwine to
come?'

"'Fight for it. You are no better than I am, are you? Had you not as
well be shot as for me to be?'

"'Yeas, sir; dat am so. 'Specks de darkies got to fight. I'll fight,
Massa Tom, if you say so. Yes, I do. I stay wid you, I will sho'.'

"Old Martha happened to hear this, and broke forth:

"'Well, well, Massa Tom, I's sorry you is gwine to de wah agin. But it
all right. I tells you dat de good Laud save you up for some good. I
jes' know he do it all right. I take care of Missus Mary and de little
gal; don't you hab no fears 'bout dem. But you isn't gwine to hab Ham
go, is you? If you doz, dat ole fool he git kill. I 'spect he got no mo'
sense dan jes' git rite in whar dey is fitin?'

"'No, no, Marfa; you is wrong dar. I tell you dat you is. I stay by
Massa Tom.'

"Peter and Jackson laughed, and said to the General:

"'Ham thinks you will be in a safe place during the fighting.'

"'Yes, he seems to be of that impression. I think I may, perhaps,
relieve his mind somewhat,' said the General, with a smile.

"The General telegraphed Capt. Day at Dolensburg to report at once to
him at Gen. McGregor