Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science, Vol. 26, November, 1880Various
History
Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science, Vol. 26, November, 1880
Various
Literature, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals; Science -- Periodicals
And so in a few days Governor Houston's fears were realized. Everything
was surrendered to the Confederacy. As Twiggs rode through the streets
of San Antonio with his disgraced army, many of them weeping as they
went, in such triumphal procession as Rome never knew in its worst
degradation, it was not for nothing that San Antonio had given a large
majority against Secession. An old watchmaker known by everybody
shouted as Twiggs went by, "Hurrah for General Hull!" But the people
did not recognize the name of the man who in other days had dishonored
America by his surrender. They should know what was meant. Mounting
upon a goods box, his white hair upon the breeze, and in a voice heard
by all, the aged patriot shouted, "Three cheers for Benedict Arnold!"
In due time, as we know, the name of Twiggs was struck from the Army
List as a coward and traitor, nor did he make a new name for himself
in the Confederate ranks. The paymaster did not hand over the military
chest to the new authorities. Was there not the half conviction as to
Secession in this also? He placed it upon the porch of his house, and
let them take it instead. I know not how true it is, but it is said
that Davis could not be induced afterward to give employment to this
man, whose name has slipped into oblivion from my memory also.
Somehow, there is always a flash of farce even in the agony of the
darkest tragedy. When Twiggs surrendered his stores he demanded that
somebody should receipt to him for the three millions of United
States property which he gave up. Three small politicians stepped
eagerly forward and signed the document. But Twiggs was not content.
"I must have a more responsible name," he said. And so a Mr. M----,
the wealthiest man in San Antonio, was brought in, and, "as a mere
matter of form" he was told, he attached his name beneath that of the
others. Afterward the possible import of what he had done began to
dawn upon Mr. M----. One day, as he walked the troubled streets of San
Antonio, he was observed to stop and soliloquize aloud. "A---- has
signed that paper," he said to himself. "A----? Yes, he is worth about
one thousand dollars. B----, he signed it, and he couldn't raise over
three thousand to save his life. C----? Heavens! he is not worth one
cent! Three millions of dollars! Good Lord! and _I_ am responsible for
it all!" and, slapping his hand upon his forehead, he rushed away to
digest the thing in private.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account