“You are right, Louis. I would rather be a private in the ranks.” “If I was President I would soon end this war,” blustered Jerry Rowe, who had heard the remarks. “Would you, indeed, Jerry?” answered Louis, curiously. “How could you do it?” “Never mind--I’d do it, and that’s enough for you to know,” and Jerry stalked off, fearful of being pinned down to some plan of campaign. “Jerry is a cooler,” murmured Harry. “He is a coward at heart, yet how he does love to brag!” “Benny Bruce was complaining to me about him,” said Louis. “He says Jerry is picking at him whenever the chance offers. Jerry always did love to tease the little fellows.” “He ought to have his head punched for it,” concluded Harry. Having taken possession of Arlington Heights, the Union troops at once began to build fortifications there and soon the danger that had threatened Washington was past. Close at hand were the beautiful grounds of Mount Vernon, where Washington had lived, but these were not touched during the entire war, both North and South considering the ground as sacred. The Goreville Volunteers were not left in Washington long. More troops from New York, New Jersey and Down East had arrived, and on one bright day in May the brigade moved across the river and went into camp in an orchard near Arlington Heights. Not far away was Arlington House, the homestead of the Lee family. The Lees had deserted the beautiful abode, and it was now the headquarters of General Sanford, commander of the Army in Virginia. “It seems a shame to destroy all these beautiful places,” remarked Louis one day, when he and Harry Bingham were off duty and were strolling around in the confines of the camp. “Just look at this orchard. It looks as if a cyclone had struck it.” “This is bad enough,” replied Harry. “But supposing the rebs had come up and shelled Washington, wouldn’t it have been worse to have the Capitol and the White House and other buildings laid in ruins?” “Oh, I’m not comparing the two, Harry. But think how long it took to get this orchard growing like this. If we stay here another month every tree will be ruined--if not cut up for firewood.” “We won’t stay here much longer. The authorities in Washington are growing too impatient to do something,” concluded Harry Bingham. Late in May, Brigadier-General Irwin McDowell, of the regular army, took command, General Sanford being transferred. The coming of this hero of the Mexican War was an event, and the inspection and drill which followed was not soon forgotten by the boys in blue. From henceforth strict military discipline prevailed, and every soldier had to “toe the mark” in earnest. Yet week after week went by and the army did not move. It was known the Confederates were growing stronger and stronger in their position at Manassas Junction and along Bull Run, and many of the soldiers wondered why something was not done.