een feeding many of our
soldiers and could give us only some milk, which they served, as seemed
to be the custom of the country, in large bowls. They said they did not
dislike rebels, and if we would go on to Washington and kill Lincoln,
and end the war, they would rejoice. Proceeding farther, we stopped at
a substantial brick house and were silently ushered into a large room,
in the far end of which sat the head of the house, in clean white
shirt-sleeves but otherwise dressed for company, his hat on and his feet
as high as his head against the wall, smoking a cigar. At the other end
of the room the rest of the family were at supper, of which we were
perfunctorily asked by the mistress to partake. A very aged lady, at a
corner of the table, without speaking or raising her eyes, chewed
apparently the same mouthful during our stay--one of our party
suggested, "perhaps her tongue." The table was thickly covered with
saucers of preserves, pickles, radishes, onions, cheese, etc. The man of
the house did not turn his head nor speak a word during our stay, which
was naturally over with the meal.

We returned to the battalion about sunset, encamped in a clean, grassy
enclosure, the horses enjoying their bountiful food, the men in gay
spirits, and the regimental bands playing lively airs. Shortly after our
return, there occurred an incident which lent additional interest to the
occasion.

No one at all familiar with the Rockbridge Artillery will fail to
remember Merrick. A lawyer and native of Hagerstown, Maryland, having
been educated abroad, he was an accomplished scholar and a fine
musician, with a stock of Irish and other songs which he sang admirably.
In person he was very slender, over six feet in height, with a long
neck, prominent nose, and very thin hair and whiskers. Cut off from
home and being utterly improvident, he was entirely dependent on
quartermaster's goods for his apparel, and when clothing was issued his
forlorn and ragged appearance hushed every claim by others who might
have had precedence. This Confederate clothing, like the rations, was
very short, so that Merrick's pantaloons and jacket failed to meet, by
several inches, the intervening space showing a very soiled cotton
shirt. With the garments mentioned--a gray cap, rusty shoes and socks,
and, in winter, half the tail of his overcoat burnt off--his costume is
described.

Indifference to his appearance extended also to danger, and when a
battle was