[243]
General Grant was on a flying visit to Washington to-day.
I like to have him down here: first, he gives a general balance and steadiness; then, what is most important, he can order — just order what groceries he pleases, and no questions asked behind the counter!
October 10, 1864
General Humphreys deserted us to-night, for a brief leave — no, of course I mean he went early this morning, having taken his breakfast before us. The good General is fond of sitting awhile and talking after meals.
He discourses sometimes on the art military and said it was “a godlike occupation” ! “Ah,” he said, “war is a very bad thing in the sequel, but before and during a battle it is a fine thing!”
（Note by T. L.--I don't see it.) The Commander has been death on riding round lately on his jog-trotter, to inspect and mouse over works.
He is mighty smart at such things, and if a line is run fifty feet out of position, he sees it like a flash.
It is very creditable to our engineers, that, though a part of our works were laid out after dark, no corrections have been made in the general position.
I had the honor to follow George about, as he rode round the country.
In the camps, one sees the modes of punishment adopted.
One ingenious Colonel had erected a horizontal bar, about a dozen feet from the ground, and supported at each end by a post.
On this elevated perch he causes malefactors to sit all the day long, to their great discomfort and repentance.
In the 9th Corps, they had put some barrels on the breastworks, and, on these high pedestals, made the men stand.
They had run away in the fight and had great placards of “Coward” on them.
A pretty severe punishment if they had any shame left.
This is a grubby little letter, for my tent has been invaded by various silly, chattering, idle officers.