An amusing story from--
REMINISCENCES
of the First Company
Richmond Howitzers
By T. J.MACON,
It was at Mead's Farm that a piece of fun occurred.
At the battle of Manassas, an ambulance with a horse
was captured. The ambulance was a clumsy affair,
shaped like a large box poised up on two wheels, with
a seat in front, and doors in the rear, with shafts
attached to it. At Fairfax Court House two recruits,
brothers, joined the Company, Benjamin and John
Grover. Benjamin was the youngest, not over sixteen
or seventeen years old. He was as wild and unlettered
as a Comanche Indian. Ben was detailed as driver of
the ambulance. He used it to sleep in. One night,
when he was sleeping soundly, a cannoneer tied his
feet to the seat, and threw the shafts up. His feet
were up and his head down, He bellowed like a good
fellow. His brother came to his assistance, and cut
him down. Ben complained to Captain Shields of the
treatment he had received. The Captain took the situ-
ation in at once and told Ben that he should have re-
dress for the ill treatment. The Captain said that he
would hold the guard that Avas on duty the night it
occurred responsible. The guard consisted of six can-
noneers. They were court-martialed. Everything was
conducted in accordance with army regulations, charges,
specifications, and finding of the court. Lieutenant
Henry Williams was judge-advocate; Taylor Martin was
prosecuting attorney; Robert Styles was Benjamin's
counsel. The finding of the court was, that the
guard was guilty, and the punishment named was that
each member of the guard was to be bumped three times,
kneeling on all fours, using Benjamin as a battering
ram. I was appointed sheriff, to execute the sentence.
I appointed James Ellett my deputy. Several of the
guards were staid and dignified fellows, and they did
not relish the procedure, yet there was no evading it.
The speeches made were of the highest order, and
abounded with wit, humor and pathos.
