'Lucy Long,' he is the only one that retained his vigour. The first
two expired under their onerous burden, and the last two failed. You
can, I am sure, from what I have said, paint his portrait."

The general had the strongest affection for Traveller, which he showed
on all occasions, and his allowing me to ride him on this long march
was a great compliment. Possibly he wanted to give me a good hammering
before he turned me over to the cavalry. During my soldier life, so
far, I had been on foot, having backed nothing more lively than a
tired artillery horse; so I mounted with some misgivings, though I
was very proud of my steed. My misgivings were fully realised, for
Traveller would not walk a step. He took a short, high trot--a buck-
trot, as compared with a buck-jump--and kept it up to Fredericksburg,
some thirty miles. Though young, strong, and tough, I was glad when
the journey ended. This was my first introduction to the cavalry
service. I think I am safe in saying that I could have walked the
distance with much less discomfort and fatigue. My father having thus
given me a horse and presented me with one of his swords, also supplied
my purse so that I could get myself an outfit suitable to my new
position, and he sent me on to join my command, stationed not far away
on the Rappahannock, southward from Fredericksburg.

As an officer in the cavalry on the staff, I had more frequent
opportunities of seeing my father than as a private in the artillery.
In the course of duty, I was sometimes sent to him to report the
condition of affairs at the front, or on the flank of the army, and
I also, occasionally, paid him a visit. At these times, he would
take me into his tent, talk to me about my mother and sisters, about
my horse and myself, or the people and the country where my command
happened to be stationed. I think my presence was very grateful to