s. The southern
riflemen, who were a long journey from their homes, had not the like
temptation to break away. Bitter rivalry arose between the boys of the
north and the south. The latter, especially the Virginia lads, were in
handsome uniforms. They looked down upon the awkward, homespun ranks
in the regiments of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. Then
came the famous snowball battle between the boys of Virginia and New
England. In the midst of it, Washington arrived and, leaping from his
white horse, was quickly in the thick of the fight. He seized a couple
of Virginia lads and gave them a shaking.

"No more of this," he commanded.

It was all over in a moment. The men were running toward their
quarters.

"There is a wholesome regard here for the Commander-in-Chief," Jack
wrote to his mother. "I look not upon his heroic figure without a
thought of the great burden which rests upon it and a thrill of
emotion. There are many who fear him. Most severely he will punish
the man who neglects his duty, but how gentle and indulgent he can be,
especially to a new recruit, until the latter has learned the game of
war! He is like a good father to these thousands of boys and young
men. No soldier can be flogged when he is near. If he sees a fellow
tied to the halberds, he will ask about his offense and order him to be
taken down. In camp his black servant, Bill, is always with him. Out
of camp he has an escort of light horse. Morning and evening he holds
divine service in his tent. When a man does a brave act, the Chief
summons him to headquarters and gives him a token of his appreciation.
I hope to be called one of these days."

Soon after this letter was written, the young man was sent for. He and
his company had captured a number of men in a skirmish.

"Captain, you have done well," said the General. "I want to make a
scout of you. In our present circumstances it's about the most
important, dangerous and difficult work there is to be done here,
especially the work which Solomon Binkus undertook to do. There is no
other in whom I should have so much confidence."

"You do me great honor," said Jack. "I shall make a poor showing
compared with that of my friend Major Binkus, but I have some knowledge
of his methods and will do my best."

"You will do well to imitate them with caution," said the General. "He
was a most intrepid and astute observer. In the bush they would not
have captured