This, they declared, was a distinctive characteristic of the pea family.

The contention began with our first instalment of the leguminous ration, and was still raging between the survivors who passed into our lines in 1865.

It waxed hot occasionally, and each side continually sought evidence to support its view of the case.

Once an old darky, sent into the prison on some errand, was summoned to decide a hot dispute that was raging in the crowd to which I belonged.

The champion of the pea side said, producing one of the objects of dispute: "Now, boys, keep still, till I put the question fairly.