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[286] incidents were the seizure of the ferry-boat at Havre de Grace, the capture of the Rebel Tilghman, and more especially the securing and bringing round from Annapolis to New York the old frigate Constitution. Our young heroes had their first taste of soldiers' hardships on board this ship, for she was, in the hurry, most inadequately provisioned for the voyage. The decision, energy, and generosity which made our young soldier so successful amid his later responsibilities were developed, as might have been expected, in directions slightly abnormal and amusing, at this stage of his career.

He was exceedingly popular in the company. ‘Johnny,’ as he was then called, always brought two sticks of wood when his turn came to help feed the camp-fire, thus sparing a comrade his share. Baked beans were for the company, as they frequently are, a cherished solace after the fatigues of picket. One morning Company I came in and found beans enough and to spare in a neighboring company, while for themselves there was displayed a barrel-cover of hard-tack only, Captain Devereux not approving of reciprocity in the matter of rations. A somewhat animated discussion ensued, which culminated in Johnny's kicking the hard-tack into the air, a feat which he immediately expiated in the guard-tent with sincere repentance. Such was his popularity, however, that the whole company laid down their arms at the news of his disgrace, and were with difficulty pacified and induced to return to duty.

The Fourth Wisconsin Regiment was stationed near the Eighth, and John, with others, was detailed to drill them. They gave him their company letters to wear, offered him a commission, and parted with him on the very warmest and pleasantest terms.

On the return of his regiment, at the expiration of its term of service, he was offered and accepted a position as First Lieutenant in the Nineteenth Massachusetts Volunteers, then organizing at Lynnfield. On the way to the capital, when he was prevented from reaching a certain railway train in season, his men demonstrated his popularity by unshackling a car from the train to keep the tardy officer from being left behind. For

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