An Incident of the late battle.
Among the many incidents of Saturday's battle on the
Chickahominy was a young naval officer named
H. E. McDuffie, a native of
Maryland, and recently from
Louisiana; his gay uniform contrasted conspicuously with the cartridge box and musket which he used effectively, the latter was soon exchanged for the
Minnie of a Yankee victim.
While loading he was attacked by a Captain and a private of the 96th New York, but promptly drawing his revolver, the
Captain said.
‘"I surrender,"’ and the other fled for safety.--‘"Give me your sword,"’ said the young son of
Neptune.
The
Captain offered it, but ‘"the reefer,"’ not liking the position, said, ‘"Take the point in your hand, and give me the handle, sir."’ This demand was complied with, and the
N. Y. S. M. Captain was led off a captive, and delivered over to the proper officers at the hospital, where the ‘ "salt"’ remained all night doing excellent service, with
Dr. Parke and the committee, consisting of
Messrs. Haxall,
Partsons, and others, by sending the wounded to town.
Bravery and self-sacrifice like this should not pass unnoticed, but should be emulated by many of our own citizens, who lay back like drones in the hive of industry, when all should be activity and life.