I was assigned to the command of a sub-district embracing the troops in the immediate neighborhood, some three regiments of infantry and a section of artillery.

There was one regiment encamped by the side of mine.

I assumed command of the whole and the first night sent the commander of the other regiment the parole and countersign.

Not wishing to be outdone in courtesy, he immediately sent me the countersign for his regiment for the night.

When he was informed that the countersign sent to him was for use with his regiment as well as mine, it was difficult to make him understand that this was not an unwarranted interference of one colonel over another.