51. CHAPTER LI.
RUFFLETON'S GENERALSHIP.
General Ruffleton, the Protector and Commander-in-Chief
of the Northern armies, surrounded by his staff, sat
upon his magnificent white steed on the Northern bank of
the Susquehanna. Recovered from his recent fit of passion,
he witnessed with satisfaction the now uninterrupted elongation
of his bridges. The idea of shielding the workmen by
a movable breastwork had originated in his own prolific
brain, and he now beheld its successful operation with an air
of triumph.
“General Mallery,” said he, addressing his newly-promoted
friend, “I think the world is destined, after all, to give
me the credit of possessing as much military genius as Randolph.
I have fought as many battles as he.”
“Yes, General,” said Maller, “and gained as many victories.
The only victory Randolph can claim, was the repulse
of Crook. Crook had some 1,200 men, and Randolph
4,000.”
“Generalship, however,” pursued Ruffleton, “does not
consist alone in fighting. Randolph with his pontoon train,
fifteen ships of war, and an immense flotilla, was for many
days cooped up in a contracted nook on the Delaware river.
Now I shall not be delayed six hours in crossing the Susquehanna.
What do you say, General?” he continued,
turning to Balatrum.
“If we are to meet with no further obstruction than the
few sharp-shooters over there,” said Balatrum, “we shall
not only cross without serious delay, but we will gain a decisive
victory. The orders you dispatched last night to
Emmitsburg, if obeyed with promptitude, will enable us to
interpose between the Ex-President and the main body of
his army.”
“Very true!” said Ruffleton, “such was the purpose—
and, by Jove! it will be accomplished! Do you not hear
the cannon of Hunt and Line? I knew they would be followed
by Blount. Now, —” His speech was cut short.
Fink's bullet perforated his white steed's forehead, and the
animal fell head-foremost to the earth, precipitating his
rider down the embankment into the impalpable quicksand.
Nothing but the General's heels was visible a moment
after; but he was immediately rescued, puffing and blowing
through the mud which plastered over his mouth and
nose. His eyes were closed, and his ears stopped. His fine
dress, of which he was ever punctiliously careful, was
utterly marred.
“Wash me! Wash me!” were his first words. “Give
me my pistols!” said he, when his face was washed; “I will
shoot the horse, and hang the swindling caitiff who cheated
me!”
“General,” said Balatrum, “the horse is dead.”
“Dead? Who killed him without my order?”
“One of the enemy, General. A Minié ball perforated
his head, and that caused him to fall.”
“That explains all! By Jove, I'm thankful it was no
worse! If the marksman had aimed a few inches higher,
he might have put an end to the war; and then some of
Ruffleton's friends might have been the sufferers! I cannot
stand with this load on my garments! Bear me to my
tent. I hear the artillery of Sir Charles and General Line!
Moments are precious! Push forward the bridges! Bring
another horse. If we can interpose between Blount and
Randolph, the South will be compelled to submit.”
The General was borne to his tent, where his albutions
were repeated, and a new suit substituted for the coat of
mud. During the process an express arrived from Sir
Charles, confirming the conjectures of Ruffleton. Blount
and Crook had followed the Western armies along the
Pennsylvania line. But in obedience to orders, Hunt and
Line had declined giving battle, and manœuvred to entice
their pursuers as far northward as possible.
“By Jove!” cried Ruffleton, his good-humor restored,
“everything has gone prosperously, with the exception of
that unlucky fall, which hurt nobody! Run out batteries
on the bridges, and sweep the opposite shore with a few
rounds of grape. The tide is ebbing. If the cannon should
be an obstruction to the passage of the cavalry, after a few
discharges, throw them overboard. We have abundance of
heavy metal—and if we gain a footing over there, we'll
soon have still more!” His order was promptly obeyed;
and soon after he was mounted on another steed of spotless
white, elegantly caparisoned.
