82. CHAPTER LXXXII.
BALATRUM IN RANDOLPH'S CAMP.
It was after crossing Dan river, before its junction with
the Roanoke, and after the army of invasion had retired
more than one hundred miles from the scene of its last battle
in South Carolina, that General Balatrum appeared with a
flag of truce at the head-quarters of the Federal army.
“Well, General,” said Randolph, who had been feasting
sumptuously in the midst of his friends, “you find us in
good health and spirits. We are disposed to be lenient,
and if you will stipulate to lay down your arms and disperse
your rabble before the day of grace expires, we'll send you
physicians who know how to cure the ague and fever.”
“And,” said General Crook, with invincible gravity,
“provided Lord Slysir agrees to return my breeches.”
“Sit down, General,” said Blount, “and eat some peaches.
They were brought from beyond the mountain, where none
of your stragglers could get them.”
“We are not allowed to eat fruit,” said Balatrum, whose
cadaverous visage too plainly told that he, too, had been a
victim.
“Your doctors are fools,” said Crook. “Here are figs
and watermelons, and we eat them every day. Why don't
we suffer as you do?”
“It is your native climate,” said Balatrum.
“That's true,” said Crook. “And if you won't taste the
fruits, take some brandy; that is the very best defence
against the chills.” In that opinion Balatrum concurred;
and he frankly acknowledged that Ruffleton's store of
liquors was nearly exhausted. Then turning to the President,
he proceeded to deliver the proposals with which he
had been charged. And these were by no means of a submissive
character. They explained, however, the meaning
of Ruffleton's slight divergence from his former line of
march, and his inclination towards the mountain. A junction
with General Fell was anticipated at the James River,
where, Ruffleton's envoy intimated, offensive operations
might be resumed.
“Ruffleton knows better!” said Randolph. “He cannot
suppose the negroes will fight for him, after his Proclamation
at Richmond. But say to him, once for all, that I do not
recognise any decadence of the Constitution or overthrow
of the Confederacy. My oath must be fulfilled. The insurgents
must return to their homes and submit to the laws of
the Federal Government, else no alternative remains but to
deal with them as rebels and traitors. Balatrum, you must be
aware that but for my forbearance your retreat ere this would
have been a fatal rout. I might easily destroy three-fourths
of Ruffleton's followers on Southern soil; but wherefore
should I? Disease will punish them sufficiently. The best
thing the leaders of this rebellion can do, is to decamp in
the night, and fly to foreign countries. Their misguided
followers may be forgiven. But I doubt whether their
British allies will transport them from their native shores,
since that Proclamation at Richmond.”
“Such being the views of your excellency,” said Balatrum,
“of course there can be no agreement by which further
bloodshed may be averted!”
“And, General,” said Crook, as Balatrum rose to depart,
“if you sail away in the British fleet, be sure and remind his
Lordship of my breeches. I need them very much.”
