The general pulls his side-whiskers, looks wise, and tells his adjutant to look over it, and, if correct, sign it.

The adjutant does not deign to condescend to notice you.
He seems to be full of gumbo or calf-tail soup, and does not wish his equanimity disturbed.

He takes hold of the document, and writes the lieutenant-general's name, and finishes his own name while looking in another direction--approved and forwarded.

Then you take it up to the general; the guard stops you in a very formal way, and asks, "What do you want ?" You tell him.

He calls for the orderly; the orderly gives it to the adjutant, and you are informed that it will be sent to your colonel tonight, and given to you at roll-call in the morning.