One man blonched, and one only. The general trod upon many a growling sleepor. He was too was startled from his sleep by the cry of, "Man anxious upon the still unsettled point of the capoverboard!" The train was stopped. A soldier | tain's fidelity to sleep; so he went prowling about was seen running across the fields as though among the prostrato inen, exchanging notes with pursued by a mad dog. Panic had seized him, those who had an eye upon the compass, and and he had jumped from a car, incurring ten with those who were observing the movements times the danger from which he strove to escape. of the engineers. There were moments when The general started a group of country people in suspicion was strong in some minds; but cappursuit, offering them the lawful thirty dollars if tain and engineers did their duty, and at midthey brought the deserter to Havre de Grace in night the boat was off the ancient city of Annatime. The train moved again: the incident polis. broke the spell, and the cars were filled with laughter. The man was brought in. His sergeant's stripe was torn from his arm, and he was glad to compound his punishment by serving the regiment in the capacity of a menial.

The United States quartermaster had requested, the town, where he was soon conducted to the him to add from Lieutenant-General Scott, that presence of the governor and the mayor, to there were no means of transportation at Annapolis.

General Butler was still uncommunicative. Both gentlemen were in a distrustful state of mind.

The truth was that Captain Blake had been, for forty-eight hours, in momentary expectation of an irruption of "Plug Uglies," from Baltimore, either by sea or land. He was surrounded by a population stolidly hostile to the United States. The school-ship Constitution, which lay at the academy wharf was aground, and weakly manned. He had her guns shotted, and was prepared to fight her to the last man; but she was an alluring prize to traitors, and he was in dread of an overpowering force. "Large parties of secessionists," as the officers of the ship afterwards testified, were round the ship every day, noting her assailable points. The militia of the county were drilled in sight of the ship during the day time; during the night signals were exchanged along the banks and across the river, but the! character of the preparation, and the danger to the town in case of an attack, as one of the batteries of the ship was pointed directly upon it, deterred them from carrying out their plans. During this time the Constitution had a crew of about twenty-five men, and seventy-six of the youngest class of midshipmen, on board. The ship drawing more water than there was on the bar, the secessionists thought she would be in their power, whenever they would be in sufficient force to take her." In these circumstances, Captain Blake, a native of Massachusetts, who had grown gray in his country's service, as loyal and stedfast a heart as ever beat, was tortured with anxiety for the safety of the trust which his country had committed to him. Upon seeing the steamer, he had concluded that here, at last, were the Baltimore ruffians, come to seize his ship, and lay waste the academy. Secessionists in the town were prepared to sympathize, if not to aid in the fell business. All Annapolis, for one reason or another, was in an agony of desire to know who and what these portentous midnight voyagers were. Captain Blake, his ship all ready to open fire, had sent the lieutenant to make certain that the new-comers were enemies, before beginning the congenial work of blowing them out of the water.

whom he gave the requisite explanations, and declared General Butler's intention to land. Those dignitaries finding it necessary to confer together, Captain Haggerty was shown into an adjoining room, where he was discovered an hour or two later, fast asleep on a lounge. Lieutenant Matthews was charged by the governor with two short notes to General Butler, one from himself, and another from the aforesaid quartermaster. The document signed by the governor, read as follows:

"I would most earnestly advise, that you do not land your men at Annapolis. The excitement here is very great, and I think it prudent that you should take your men elsewhere. I have telegraphed to the secretary of war against your landing your men here."

This was addressed to the "Commander of the Volunteer troops on Board the Steamer." The quartermaster, Captain Morris J. Miller, wrote thus:

"Having been intrusted by General Scott with the arrangements for transporting your regiments hence to Washington, and it being impracticable to procure cars, I recommend, that the troops remain on board the steamer until further orders can be received from General Scott."

This appears to have been a mere freak of the captain's imagination, since no troops were expected at Annapolis by General Scott.

Captain Haggerty returned on board "the steamer," and the notes were delivered to the general commanding.

What had befallen Colonel Butler, meanwhile? Upon leaving the steamer, he rowed towards the most prominent object in view, and soon found himself alongside of what proved to be a wharf of the Naval Academy. He had no sooner fastened his boat and stopped ashore, than he was seized by a sentinel, who asked him what he wanted.

"I want to see the commander of the post." To Captain Blake he was, accordingly, taken. Colonel Butler is a tall, fully developed, imposing man, devoid of the slightest resemblance to the ideal "Plug Ugly." Captain Blake, venerable with years and faithful service on many seas, in many lands, was not a person likely to be mistaken for a rebel. Yet these two gentlemen

General Butler and the lieutenant contin-eyed one another with intense distrust. The ued for some time to question one another, navy had not then been sifted of all its traitors; without either of them arriving at a satisfactory and upon the mind of Captain Blake, the appreconclusion as to the loyalty of the other. The hension of violent men from Baltimore had been general, at length, announced his name, and de- working for painful days and nights. He reclared his intention of marching by way of ceived the stranger with reticent civility, and Annapolis to the relief of Washington. The invited him to be seated. Probing questions lieutenant informed him that the rails were torn were asked by both, eliciting vague replies, or up, the cars removed, and the people unanimous none. These two men were Yankees, and each against the marching of any more troops over was resolved that the other should declare himthe soil of Maryland. The general intimated self first. After long fencing and "beating that the men of his command could dispense about the bush," Colonel Butler expressed himwith rails, cars, and the consent of the people. self thus: They were bound to the city of Washington, and "Captain Blake, we may as well end this now expected to make their port. Meanwhile, he as at any other time. They are Yankee troops would send an officer with him on shoro, to confer with the governor of the state, and the authorities of the city.

Captain P. Haggerty, aid-de-camp, was dispatched upon this errand. He was conveyed to

on board that boat, and if I don't get back pretty soon, they will open fire upon you."

The worthy Captain drew a long breath of relief. Full explanations on both sides followed, and Captain Blake said he would visit General

Butler at daybreak. Colonel Butler returned on | disaffection on the part of the gentleman in the board the Maryland.

The general was soon ready with his reply to the note of Governor Hicks.

To the governor: "I had the honor to receive your note by the hands of Lieutenant Matthews, of the United States Naval School at Annapolis. I am sorry that your excellency should advise against my landing here. I am not provisioned for a long voyage. Finding the ordinary means of communication cut off by the burning of railroad bridges by a mob, I have been obliged to make this detour, and hope that your excellency will see, from the very necessity of the case, that there is no cause of excitement in the mind of any good citizen because of our being driven here by an extraordinary casualty. I should, at once, obey, however, an order from the secretary of war."

Captain Blake came off to the steamer at dawn of day, and soon found himself at home among his countrymen.

pilot-house.

All seemed to be going well. The general dozed in his chair. He woke to find the Maryland fast in the mud. Believing the captain's protestations, and the navigation being really difficult, he did not molest his brains, which were already sufficiently discomposed, but ordered him into confinement. The frigate was still afloat, and was, soon after, towed to a safe distance by a tug. The Eighth Massachusetts could boast that it had rendered an important service. But there the regiment was upon a bank of mud; provisions nearly consumed; water casks dry; and the sun doing its duty. There was nothing to be done but wait for the rising of the tide, and, in the mean time, to replenish the water casks from the shore. The men were tired and hungry, black with coal dust, and tormented with thirst, but still cheerful, and even merry; and in the twilight of the Sunday evening, the strains of religious hymns rose from groups who, on the Sunday before sang them in the choirs of village churches at home. The officers, as they champed their biscuit, and cut their pork with pocket knives, laughingly alluded to the superb breakfast given them on the morning of their departure from Philadelphia How the regiment now went to work with a by Paran Stephens at the Continental. Mr. will to save the Constitution; how the Maryland Stephens, a son of Massachusetts, had employed moved up along side, and put on board the all the resources of his house in giving his Salem Zouaves for a guard, and a hundred Mar- countrymen a parting meal. The sudden plunge bleheaders for sailors; how they tugged, and from luxury brought to the perfection of one of tramped, and lightened, and heaved, and tugged, the fine arts, to army rations, scant in quantity, and tugged again; how groups of sulky seceshill-cooked, and a short allowance of warm water, stood scowling around, muttering execrations: how the old frigate was started from her bed of mud at length, amid such cheers as Annapolis had never heard before, and has not heard since. Captain Blake bursting into tears of joy after the long strain upon his nerves; these things have been told, and have not been forgotten.

"Can you help me off with the Constitution? Will your orders permit you?"

"I have got no orders," replied the general. "I am making war on my own hook. But we can't be wrong in saving the Constitution. That is, certainly, what we came to do."

But the ship was not yet safe, though she was moving slowly toward safety. General Butler had now been positively assured that the captain of his ferry boat was a traitor at heart, and would like nothing better than run both steamer and frigate on a mud bank. ~ Te doubted the statement, which indeed was false. The man was half paralyzed with terror, and was thinking of nothing but how to get safely out of the hands of these terrible men. Nevertheless, the general deemed it best to make a remark or two by way of fortifying his virtuous resolutions, and neutralizing any hints he may have received from people on the shore. The engine-room he knew was conducted in the interest of the United States, for he had given it in charge to four of his own soldiers. He had no man in his command who happened to be personally acquainted with the shallows of the river Sev

was the constant theme of jocular comparison on board the Maryland. It was a well-worn joke to call for delicate and ludicrously impossible dishes, which were remembered as figuring in the Continental's bill of fare; the demand being gravely answered by the allowance of a biscuit, an inch of salt pork, and a tin cup half full of water.

General Butler improved the opportunity of going on shore. He met Governor Hicks and the mayor of Annapolis, who again urged him not to think of landing. All Maryland, they said, was on the point of rushing to arms; the railroad was impassable, and guarded by armed men; terrible things could not fail to happen, if the troops attempted to reach Washington.

"I must land," said the general; "my men are hungry. I could not even leave without getting a supply of provisions."

They declared that no one in Annapolis would sell him anything. To which the general replied that he hoped better things of the people of Annapolis; but, in any case, a regiment of hungry soldiers were not limited to the single method of procuring supplies usually practiced in time of peace. There were modes of getting food other than the simple plan of purchase. Go to Washington he must and should, with or without the assistance of the people of Aunapolis. The governor still refused his consent, and, the next day, put his refusal into writing; "protesting against the movement, which, in the excited condition of the people of this state, I can not but consider an unwise step on the part of the government. But," he added, "I must earnestly urge upon you, that there shall be no

From the moment when the Seventh had entered the grounds of the naval school, systematic attempts appear to have been made to alarm Colonel Lefferts for the safety of his command. Messengers came in with reports that the acad

halt made by the troops in this city." No halt? Seven hundred and twenty-four famishing men, with a march of thirty miles before them, were expected to pass by a city abounding in provisions, and not halt! Great is Buncombe! Another night was passed on board the Mary-emy was surrounded with rebel troops; and land. The dawn of Monday morning brought with it a strange apparition—a steamer approaching from the sea, crammed with troops, their arms soon glittering in the rays of the rising sun. Who could they be? They cheered the stars and stripes waving from the mast of the rescued Constitution; so they were not enemies, at least. The steamer proved to be the Boston, with the New York Seventh on board, thirty-six hours from Philadelphia. They had steamed toward the mouth of the Potomac, but, on speaking the light-ships, were repeatedly told that the secessionists had stationed batteries of artillery on the banks of the river, for the purpose of preventing the ascent of troops. There was no truth in the story, but it seemed probable enough at that mad time; and, therefore, Colonel Lefferts, after the usual consultation, deemed it most prudent to change his course, and try General Butler's road to the capital; the regiment by no means relishing the change. The two regiments exchanged vigorous volleys of cheers, and preparations were soon made for getting the Maryland afloat.

General Butler, counting now upon Colonel Leffert's hearty co-operation, issued to his own troops a cheering order of tho day.

The Maryland could not be floated. The men threw overboard coal and crates, and all heavy articles that could be spared. The Boston

tugged her strongest. The Eighth ran in masses from side to side, and from end to end. After many hours of strenuous exertion, the men suffering extremely from thirst and hunger, the general himself not tasting a drop of liquid for twelve hours, the attempt was given up, and it was resolved that the Boston should land the Seventh at the grounds of the Naval Academy, and then convey to the same place the Massachusetts Eighth.

Desirous not to seem wanting in courtesy to a sovereign state, General Butler now sent to Governor Hicks, a formal written request for permission to land. The answer being delayed and his men almost fainting for water, he then dispatched a respectful note announcing his intention to land forthwith. It was to these notes that Governor Hicks sent the reply, already quoted, protesting against the landing, and urging that no halt be made at Annapolis.

In the course of the afternoon, both regiments were safely landed at the academy grounds, and and the Seventh hastened to share all they had of provender and drink with their new friends. The men of the two regiments fraternized immediaicly and completely; nothing occurred, during the laborious days and nights that followed, to disturb, for an instant, the perfect harmony that reigned between them. The only contest was, which should do most to help, and cheer, and relieve the other.

I regret to be obliged to state that this pleasant state of affairs did not extend at all times, to the powers controlling the two regiments. An obstacle, little expected, now arose in General Butler's path.

even the loyal middies could testify, that during that very day, a force of Maryland militia had been drilling in the town itself. True, this force consisted of only one company of infantry and one of cavalry; but probably the exact truth was not known to Colonel Leffert's informants. Certain it is, that he was made to believe that formidable bodies of armed men only waited the issue of the regiments from the gates of the walled inclosuro in which they were, to give them battle, if, indeed, the inclosure itself was safe from attack. Accordingly he posted strong guards at the gates, and ordered that no soldier should be allowed to pass out. Nor were his apprehensions allayed whon a Tribune reporter, who, accompanied by two friends, had strolled all over the town unmolested, brought back word that no enemy was in sight, and that the storekeepers of Annapolis were perfectly civil and willing to sell their goods to Union soldiers. Colonel Lefferts was assured that the hostile troops were purposely keeping out of sight, to fall upon the regiment where it could fight only at a fatal disadvantage.

Consequently, he determined not to march with General Butler. He placed his refusal in writing, in the following words:

"ANNAPOLIS ACADEMY, "Monday Night, April 22d, 1861. "General B. F. BUTLER, Commanding Massachusetts Volunteers.

"Sir:-Upon consultation with my officers, I do not deem it proper, under the circumstances, to co-operate in the proposed march by railroad, laying track as we go along-particularly in view of a large force hourly expected, and with so little ammunition as we possess. I must be governed by my officers in a matter of so much importance. I have directed this to be handed to you upon your return from the transport ship. "I am, sir, yours respectfully,

MARSHALL LEFFERTS."

It was handed to the general on his return from the transport ship. He sought an interview with Colonel Lefferts, and endeavoured to change his resolve. Vain were arguments; vain remonstrance; vain the biting taunt. Colonel Lefferts still refused to go. General Butler then said he would go alone, he and his regiment, and proceeded forthwith to prepare for their departure. He instantly ordered two companies of the Massachusetts Eighth to march out of the walled grounds of the academy, and seize the railroad dépot and storehouse. With the two companies, he marched himself to the dépôt, and took possession of it without opposition. At the storehouse, one man opposed them, the keeper in charge.

"What is inside this building ?" asked the general.

แ

"Nothing," replied the man.
"Give me the key."

"I hav'nt got it."

"Where is it?"

"I don't know."

Boys, can you force those gates?

The boy's expressed an abundant willingness for his excessive prudence. He really believod to try.