“'Yes,” said Peter; 'they will never be content except when they can control other people as well as the Government. But see here, Colonel, do you see this?' showing him a great rent in the breast of his coat and vest; 'a pretty close call, wasn't it?' “'By George! it was that!' “'Well, never mind; but was not this about as nice a little fight as you would wish to have for an appetiser?' “'Yes, you are quite right; and that reminds me that I have not had a bite to eat since four o'clock this morning. By the way, have you any cold coffee in your canteen?' “'O, yes, I have learned to keep that on hand. Here, help yourself.' “The Colonel took a good drink, and turned to Peter and said: “'What is the matter with that coffee? “'Nothing; it is only laced a little.' “'Laced? What is that?' “'Why, I put a little brandy in it, that's all.' “'That's all, is it? Well! that is something I have learned. Let me taste it again.' “Which he did, as Peter afterwards said, until there was none left. I tell you these poor fellows were excusable for occasionally warming up after a hard march or a battle. I have learned to look very leniently on the shortcomings in that direction of the poor old unfortunate fellows who are going through this hard world without a penny, after having served their country faithfully. I see them nearly every day, forgotten, neglected, no home, no friends to care for them; and to see them when they pass by the American flag always salute it. I hope their fate will be a better one in the next world. “I well remember that during the war every one who cared for his country would say, 'God bless the Union soldier and his family.' We all prayed for them then; the good women in church, at home, in the hospital, at the side of the sick, wounded or dying soldier, prayed fervently for their safety here and hereafter. We loved him then, and say we do yet; but we find the same men who reviled him then, complaining about the pension list, and some saying: 'The Confederates fought for what they believed to be right. We are all American citizens. Why not put all on the same footing? Let us be brothers.' I tell you, my friends, the people of this country are hard to understand. I heard the President of the Southern Confederacy applauded this year. I was saddened by this, and was glad that my time here could not be regarded as of great duration. Can such things be? Am I dreaming? Where am I? Is it possible that I am in Indiana and not in South Carolina? Am I under the Union flag, and not the Confederate?” Uncle Daniel here bowed his head, and in a whisper to himself, said: “Is it so? Is it so?” CHAPTER IV. BATTLE OF DOLINSBURG.--HEROIC CONDUCT OF COL. TOM ANDERSON --REPORTED DEAD.--HIS WIFE REFUSES TO BELIEVE THE REPORT.