I followed the camp and took my place in the ranks at Ogdensburg.
We went immediately into barracks--a structure long and low and
weather-stained, overlooking the St. Lawrence. There was a fine
level field in front of it, and a flag waving at the top of a high
staff. The men cheered lustily that afternoon as they passed it,
where stood General Jacob Brown, his cocked hat in his hand--a
splendid figure of a man, My delight in the life of a soldier began
that hour, and has never left me.

There was a lot of horse-play that night, in which some of the
green boys were roughly handled. They told me, I remember, that
all new recruits had to fight a duel; but when they gave me the
choice of weapons I was well content. I had the sure eye of my
father, and the last time I had fenced with him, there at home, he
said my arm was stronger and quicker than his had ever been.
Indeed, I was no sooner tall enough to swing a sword than he began
teaching me how to use it. In the wood back of the barracks that
night, they learned I was not a man to be fooled with. The tall
sergeant who stood before me saw his sword go flying in the gloom
the second thrust he made at me, and ran for his life, amid roars
of laughter. I had no lack of friends after that day.

It was a year of surprises in the Northern army, and D'ri was the
greatest of all. That long, wiry, sober-faced Yankee conquered the
smartness of the new camp in one decisive and immortal victory. At
first they were disposed to poke fun at him.

"Looks a little tired," said the sergeant of the guard.

"Needs rest--that's what's matter o' him," said the captain.