an seems to be my evil genius. I hope I will not meet him again.
It seems hard that I am to continually meet my own kindred in combat.
Is it possible that these people are willing to spill the blood of their
own friends and kindred, merely because they have failed to retain power
longer, and for that reason will destroy the Government?'

"'Yes," said Peter; 'they will never be content except when they can
control other people as well as the Government. But see here, Colonel,
do you see this?' showing him a great rent in the breast of his coat and
vest; 'a pretty close call, wasn't it?'

"'By George! it was that!'

"'Well, never mind; but was not this about as nice a little fight as you
would wish to have for an appetiser?'

"'Yes, you are quite right; and that reminds me that I have not had a
bite to eat since four o'clock this morning. By the way, have you any
cold coffee in your canteen?'

"'O, yes, I have learned to keep that on hand. Here, help yourself.'

"The Colonel took a good drink, and turned to Peter and said:

"'What is the matter with that coffee?

"'Nothing; it is only laced a little.'

"'Laced? What is that?'

"'Why, I put a little brandy in it, that's all.'

"'That's all, is it? Well! that is something I have learned. Let me
taste it again.'

"Which he did, as Peter afterwards said, until there was none left. I
tell you these poor fellows were excusable for occasionally warming up
after a hard march or a battle. I have learned to look very leniently on
the shortcomings in that direction of the poor old unfortunate fellows
who are going through this hard world without a penny, after having
served their country faithfully. I see them nearly every day, forgotten,
neglected, no home, no friends to care for them; and to see them when
they pass by the American flag always salute it. I hope their fate will
be a better one in the next world.

"I well remember that during the war every one who cared for his country
would say, 'God bless the Union soldier and his family.' We all prayed
for them then; the good women in church, at home, in the hospital, at
the side of the sick, wounded or dying soldier, prayed fervently for
their safety here and hereafter. We loved him then, and say we do yet;
but we find the same men who reviled him then, complaining about the
pension list, and some saying: 'The Confederates fought for what they
believed to be right. We are all American citizens. Why not put all
on