Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Poetry and Incidents., Volume 4.
Frank Moore, Ed.

[71] Recruiting Extraordinary.--At the time when Colonel Metcalf and his troops were quartered at Blue Licks, Ky., the monotony of camp-life was broken by a rather romantic little incident. Several recruits were coming in daily, and were immediately sworn into service, but one spruce little fellow arriving Sunday evening, refused to take the oath on the Lord's day, but wished to postpone it until next morning, which modest request was granted. The young recruit sauntered leisurely around among the men, apparently perfectly at home. When the time came to “turn in,” he was shown a bed with three or four soldiers in the same room, which he readily accepted. His fellow-lodgers attempted to converse, but found him quite silent, but observing him kneel for prayer before retiring, they concluded he was too pious for a soldier, but was perhaps to be chaplain. Next morning the surgeon was sent to have a conversation with the recruit before the oath was administered, and he being rather observing than otherwise, concluded, after a short “confab,” that the young soldier was a very pretty female. After considerable blushing, she acknowledged the fact, stating that her intended was in the ranks, and that she was determined to accompany him. It seems that “cruel patients,” as usual, were the cause, they having refused to let the young folks marry, and in the desperation of the moment the young swain sought the army, and a night or two following, the love-stricken maiden donned a suit of her brother's clothes, and joined her lover at Camp Blue Lick. The Colonel discharged the young Romeo next morning, and that evening the fortunates were made one. We understand since that neither of the parties have a desire to enlist again.