belligerent nature. But this was only to give a lively turn to the
state of affairs around Fredericksburg. They were, I can assure you,
my son, not intended to harm any one.






CHAPTER IX.

CHANCELLORVILLE, AND THE CURIOUS FIGHT WE HAD THERE.





I AM sure my friends will all be anxious to see a portrait of the
great general who fought the great battle of Chancellorville. And my
artist has been particularly careful to present them with a good
one.

Chancellorville was a strangely fought battle, my son; I have
various good reasons for saying this, but, perhaps, it is best that
as little as possible be said concerning them.

When spring came, and the roads were dry, and the robins had begun
to sing in the trees, and the buds to put forth, General Hooker
began to feel strong, and full of battle. He said to his officers
that they must get their courage up, and be ready for a big fight,