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Maryland State Archives Adam Goodheart Collection MSA SC 5826 msa_sc5826_3_1-0044 Enlarge and print image (963K) |
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Maryland State Archives Adam Goodheart Collection MSA SC 5826 msa_sc5826_3_1-0044 Enlarge and print image (963K) |
| msa_sc5826_3_l-0044 ©Maryland State Archives - 44 - and by twelve o'clock had them formed and turned over to the Officer of the day. I was without tent or blanket, and ray bed for the night, consisted of wet leaves, and my cover of a small Jackall improvised from the twigs of trees by the faithful Henrici whom I found slumbering in the Jackall over a bed of coals. But for his presence and kindly offices, I should have perished. With no blanket and no fire, I could not sleep and was seized with a chill which made my whole body shake. I said to Henrici, "get me a drink of brandy, and I will give you a month's pay". It was reported that a Steamer had ascended the Chattahoochie to our place of crossing, and I thought he might obtain the precious medicine at that landing. The true old soldier said "I do not want the Lieutenant's money, but if he will ask no questions he shall have brandy"; and he was off before I could reply. It was not long before he returned with a tin cup which he placed on the coals, and adding brown sugar and water, told me to let it get warm and then drink some of it. as soon as it was warm, I drank it all, and was soon suffused in a generous glow, and falling asleep, I did not awaken until reveillee, and was then told by Henrici, that I had drunk a pint of brandy, part of which was intended for another. The experience of this sad night taught me a lesson never forgotten; That is, always to wear woolen clothes on a campaign and never to be without a blanket or overcoat, finding Henrici had not got his brandy at the Steam-boat, it was a matter of curiosity to Captain Monroe and myself where he obtained it. As the Campaign drew towards its close, a circumstance occurred, which, taken in connection with Henrici's intimacy with the Hospital Steward, threw a strong suspicion on the legality of his acquisition. The Regimental Surgeon, as was the custom in those days, invited the Colonel and his Staff to inspect the stores at a noon halt near the end of the campaign, to show how provident and economical he had been in their selection and use. |