University of Virginia Library

THE GUN-BOATS

now anchored opposite Bemus Heights on the Stillwater, right in

the rear of Cornwallis' subsistence department. Mrs. Meyers
had supplied the British troops with black bass and stewed
potatoes. She said her patriotism must find vent some way.
When they wanted to pay her money, she said, “No, give it to
the poor, send it to President Grant.” She was a Perkins, and
the Perkins blood always tells. In after-years the patriotic
Meyers got a claim through Congress for $13,000 “damages
done to garden and liquors drank at bar by British officers.”
General Nye got it through. Nye afterward made a speech in
favor of “bridging the Potomac” with the carcasses of dead
Secessionists.” But the wiser counsels of General McClellan
prevailed. Lincoln told him it would be wrong.