This accomplished soldier and gentleman met me as I was coming out of the war-office, on the morning after the visit to Mr. X-----, looking I suppose, like some descendant of the Knight of the Sorrowful Countenance, and stopped to inquire the cause of my dejection. I informed him of the whole affair, and he laughed heartily. “You have set about your affairs, my dear colonel, in a manner entirely wrong,” he said. “You should have gone to some general, discovered that your grandmother and his own were third cousins; expressed your admiration of his valor; denounced the brother-general with whom he was quarreling; written puffs to the papers about him; and then, one morning said, ‘By the by, general, you are entitled to another staff officer.’ The result would have been a glowing letter to the war department, requesting your assignment--you would have attained your object--you would have been torn from the horrors of Richmond, and once more enjoyed the great privilege of being shot at!” I echoed the colonel’s laugh. “Alas!” I said, “I have no genius for all that. I never yet could ‘crook the hinges of the knee that thrift might follow fawning,’ and I suppose I shall be compelled to resign, and enter the ranks. Why not? Better men are there, carrying musket or carbine, or pulling the lanyard.” “Still you gained your rank by your services--and I am going to make you an offer which will enable you to retain it. Come and be my assistant inspector-general--an officer is required to inspect the cavalry and horse artillery, which is so distant, often, that I have no time to visit them.” “A thousand thanks, colonel! You could not offer me a more pleasant duty.” “You will have to ride a great deal, but will have a great deal of freedom. If you consent to my proposition, I will have the matter arranged at once, and will request you to make a tour of inspection to General Early’s army, near Winchester.” He looked at me, laughing. “‘The Oaks’ is--a charming place,” he added, “and you are certain to be very tired when you reach the vicinity of Markham’s! If you find it convenient to stop there--say, for a day or more--present my regards to Colonel Beverly, and any of the family you find present!” With which words he laughed again, shook me by the hand, and then his tall form disappeared in the doorway of the war office. On the next day I found my assignment awaiting me. I was appointed assistant inspector-general of the cavalry and horse artillery of the army of Northern Virginia. Tremendous title! That evening I went by railway to Petersburg, to visit Colonel P-----, and receive his instructions. Returning the same night, the next day set out on horseback for the Valley of the Shenandoah, by way of Orange, Gaines’s Cross Roads, and Ashby’s Gap.