George H. Gordon, From Brook Farm to Cedar Mountain

[51] towards us. In vain did their officers try to control them. For a few moments the aspect was threatening. Our guard was promptly turned out under arms; the officers and soldiers of the Second calmly awaited the issue. There was but a single exception,--a frisky Irishman, probably belonging to Company I, leaped once or twice in the air, howling with sympathy; he was promptly knocked down by an officer, and suppressed in the guard-tent. At length expostulations prevailed where orders were useless. The officers of the Twelfth urged their men to desist, and during the remainder of the hour they were quiet.

In the afternoon Colonel Webster informed me that if that man was to be tied up again in full view of his regiment, he would not be responsible for the consequences.

“Yes, he could control his men,” he replied, in answer to my question.

The man would be tied up in the same place, I assured him. “Then I shall take my men out to drill at that hour,” he answered. This assurance on the part of Colonel Webster was serious. A rush within our lines was possible. Seeing a ruse, suppose they should refuse to go to drill? It was very much like a mutiny in the division, and it was quite time for the General commanding to interfere. I laid the matter before him, in time for action before the next day's punishment. It was quite evident, I insisted, that Colonel Webster could not control his men; and it was equally clear these men must be controlled. The punishment I was inflicting was by sentence of a court; was not cruel. Upon the immediate and utter extinction of any such insubordination as had been shown by the Twelfth depended whether this division should be an army or a mob.

“You are quite right, sir,” replied General Banks.

“Then, sir, will you order to report to me to-morrow, at ”