There were two great events in this remarkable siege, my son, and I
must tell you what they were. If I do not, you will not get a clear
idea of how the siege was carried on by the rebels. The generals
(rebel) had not tasted fresh beef for several days, and had a sharp
appetite which their commissaries were inclined to gratify. Now,
there was on the plantation of Mr. George Riggs, near where these
generals had their headquarters, a celebrated Alderney bull, much
valued by its owner. Here was a temptation not to be resisted by
these commissaries, who had the animal led to slaughter and served
up for their masters. Yes, my son, these generals and their staffs
banqueted on Mr. Riggs's bull, and were honest enough to confess
that they had rarely fared so sumptuously. This is one of the great
events. Now to the other. A number of general officers (choice
spirits), imitating the example set by their bold superiors, went
out on a forage of their own, and coming to the house of the Hon.
Montgomery Blair, put it under a close examination, especially the
cellar and larder, which was supposed to be well stored with the
choicest.
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