spectful of Tad to sing such a song. Tad overheard
what he said, and kicked a chair, as he always did when displeased, and
said:

"Well, everybody in this world knows Pa _did_ use to split rails!" But
when Mrs. Taft explained to him why she thought he ought not to say or
sing this, Tad said with equal decision:

"Well, I'll sing John Brown's body then." However headstrong he seemed,
he was really very affectionate, and willing to be convinced that he
was wrong, if any one approached him in the right way.

There was much to occupy the boys' attention in Washington, and they
were especially interested in the models of locomotives and steamboats
in the Patent Office, where they spent much time, and they were also
sometimes to be found making a survey of the White House grounds under
the guidance of a good-natured engineer. At other times they invaded
the McClellans' house, where they were allowed to play with the baby
and where General and Mrs. McClellan were very kind to them, and of
course they never missed a review, even riding in the staff, when the
bridle of Willie's horse was held by the Duc de Chartres and Budd's by
the Comte de Paris, while Hally and Tad rode in front of the aides,
sitting as erect and stiff as if they were the chief features in the
parade.

On another day, Tad was not allowed to go to the review, as he had not
been well the day before. The review took place across the Long Bridge,
and after the President's carriage had passed down the line, a rickety
cart came clattering by, drawn by a shambling old horse, and driven by
a grinning negro boy. In it were Tad, Willie, Budd and Hally in new
Zouave uniforms, their swords at a salute! Many a soldier sighed and
smiled as that cart passed by, but there was never a smile on the faces
of the Zouaves, who had paid the darkey a quarter from their precious
circus money to drive that load of glory!

Having the uniform ready they formed themselves into a military company
called "Mrs. Lincoln's Zouaves." Much amused by their military
enthusiasm she presented them with a flag, and the President formally
reviewed them. Willie was colonel, Budd, major, and Hally, captain,
while Tad insisted on having the rank of drum-major or nothing, and all
of them had old-fashioned swords which were given to them by General
McClellan, who greatly enjoyed their pranks and sometimes suggested new
ones. When other amusements failed, the quartet spent their time on the
flat roo