I had been three years at West Point with Pope and had served with him a short time during the Mexican war, under General Taylor.

I saw a good deal of him during my service with the State.

On one occasion he said to me that I ought to go into the United States service.

I told him I intended to do so if there was a war.

He spoke of his acquaintance with the public men of the State, and said he could get them to recommend me for a position and that he would do all he could for me.