The man who makes the assertion that our boys in the field, when called upon to vote on resolutions, are influenced by fear of officers, _is most grossly mistaken_. Why, your American soldier is the most independent "cuss" in the world; and if a regiment is in line, and asked to vote, you may rest assured they vote as they please, and are governed by the dictates of their own consciences. The great address that was sent from the army was voted upon in this way: The regiments were drawn up in line, the address read, and the color-bearers were asked, "Do you indorse the address to which you have listened?" From every one came the hearty "I do!" when the colors were ordered two paces front. The regiments then voted on the address, the "ayes" stepping out in line with the colors, and, if there had been any "noes," they were to stand fast; but I have yet to hear of the man who did so. They rallied on their colors to a man, and stood with an unbroken front. During the fight this side of Chapel Hill, Captain Kirk, one of the General's aids, seeing two rebels a little way off, on a by-road, put spurs to horse and gave chase. We all watched him very eagerly until he ascended the hill, when three more rebs joined the two, and made a stand. Kirk, thinking discretion the better part of valor, reined in his horse, when, to the infinite amusement of the staff, young Lu. Steadman (a son of the General, and, though but sixteen years of age, a gallant boy) exclaimed: "Father, father, look yonder; _Kirk has formed a line of battle!_" It is scarcely necessary to say that Kirk soon changed his base on a _double-quick_. CHAPTER VII. Comic Scenes -- Importation of Yankees -- Wouldn't Go Round -- Major Boynton and the Chicken -- Monotony of Camp Life -- Experience on a Scouting Expedition -- Larz Anderson, Esq., in Camp -- A Would-be Secessionist Caught in his Own Trap -- Guthrie Gray Bill of Fare for a Rebel "Reception" -- Pic Russell among the Snakes. Army of the Cumberland, Third Division, Camp near Triune, Tenn., _May 2, 1863_. "What will become of all of us women?" said an excited female to Colonel Vandeveer, one morning. "The States-rights men 'scripted all the young men, and you are drivin' all the old away. What will we ladies do?" "Import Yankees," was the gallant Colonel's reply. "We are raising a big stock especially for this market, and can spare any quantity." "O! but Yankees don't suit us; we'd rather have our own people," was Secesh's reply. "O! if that's the case, you women had better use your influence to get the traitors to lay down their arms and return to their homes, and behave themselves as honest men should, and that will end this little dispute, and you can have all the men you want."