As the morning wore on, the evidences of trouble outside increased.
Scattering contrabands, some with bundles on their backs, some with
chairs, buckets and wash-tubs on their heads, others with the family
table on their heads. There was an interesting group of three--two
male and one female member of the African family. One of the former
had brought his banjo, the other his fiddle. The female had a tub
well down on her head. These poor frightened people came trotting
into the city over the Tenallytown and Brightwood roads, seeking a
place of safety inside of the forts.
Then the roads became blocked with all manner of rickety vehicles,
many of them of the most primitive description, filled with the
families and furniture of peaceable farmers, who had left their
homes in fear of the approaching rebels. A more grotesque picture
than was presented by this anxious train it is impossible to
conceive.
CHAPTER XII.
THE GOVERNMENT GETS AGITATED, AND THE GREAT COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF TAKES
THE FIELD.
THIS, my son, is a portrait of General Auger, a dashing, handsome
officer, and a courteous gentleman.
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