fertile in the art of rearing earthworks. In figure he is
Falstaffian, and when on his rounds among the fortifications wears
immense canvas-legged boots, and a hat with a high crown and
extremely broad brim. Indeed, his figure is what may be called
formidable, and there would be no mistaking him were you to meet him
on the road. And, notwithstanding his peaceable disposition, and his
scrupulous regard for the rights of others, the farmers round about
Washington regard him with fear and trembling. In short, my son, his
approach near a farm house is sure to send all the children
scampering with fear. And even the curs and other domestic animals,
seem to have an instinctive knowledge that his visits portend no
good to their master's domicil. It is curious to see those domestic
animals how they bark and snap, and then shrink away at his
approach, uttering signs of their dislike. In truth, my son, he has
a bad reputation among these worthy farmers, whose farms he quietly
takes possession of, and then indulges in his favorite amusement of
building forts on them. In this way many an honest farmer has
suddenly found himself dispossessed of his property, and his means
of getting an honest living; thereby bringing great distress on his
family. To remonstrate would be useless. He must submit to the fate
of war, and look to Heaven for redress. Now it is by no means
pleasant for a quietly-disposed farmer to have his home turned
suddenly into a fortress, and his acres made a camping ground for
soldiers, who are not the most desirable guests, even under the best
of circumstances. But the farmer lays all his sorrows at the door of
our distinguished engineer, forgetting that he is only carrying out
the orders of his superiors. Thus it was that he got a bad
reputation, just as General Gilmore got a bad reputation with the
people of Charleston, and South Carolina generally, for throwing
shells into their city.