broke loose as I passed and viciously seized the tail of my overcoat.
Instantly, to my dismay, the large dog left the men and dashed straight
for me; but, instead of rending me, knocked my assailant heels over head
and held him down until secured by the men and chained.

Before reaching the front, it was learned that we had been called out on
a false alarm. Our return to Frederick's Hall was by a more circuitous
route, near which was an establishment where apple-brandy was for sale.
The stock had been heavily watered, and the price of shares (in a
drink), even then, too far above par for eleven dollars a month to
afford scarcely more than a smell. However, after reaching camp, more
than ordinary wrestling and testing of strength were indulged in.

Two years had elapsed since any furloughs had been given, except to the
sick and wounded. The granting of them was now revived, and those who
had been longest from home were, of course, to be served first. My turn
came in March. I shall never forget the impression made on me as I sat
at the supper-table at home, on the evening of my arrival. My father,
mother, sisters, and little niece were present; and, after the noise,
loud talking, etc., in camp, the quiet was painful. It was just as it
had always been, except the vacant places of the boys at the front;
still, I felt that something was wrong. Equally as impressive was the
mild diet of cold bread, milk, and weak-looking tea. The effect was the
same as that produced by a sudden transition from a low to a high
altitude, or vice versa, requiring time for adaptation, as I soon
experienced. My fifteen days' leave of absence having expired, I
returned to camp.

To induce the boys who were under age, and still at home, to enlist, a
thirty-day furlough was offered to every soldier who would secure a
recruit for the service. By this means many boys of only fifteen or
sixteen years joined the army, to enable a long-absent kinsman to get
home. McClintic, of my mess, got this furlough by the enlistment of his
brother, and while at home drummed up the son of a neighbor, William
Barger, whom he brought back with him to repeat the operation. To
allowing this second furlough the authorities, right or wrong, objected.
The matter was compromised by McClintic very generously assigning the
young recruit to my credit, by which I got the furlough.

Before my return to the army, at the expiration of the thirty days, the
Grant campaign had open