I also met Cousin Alice, another beautiful woman, at my father's front gate, and told her that she must pray for me, because I knew I would be court-martialed as soon as I got back; that I had no idea of deserting the army and only wanted to see the maid I loved.

It took me one day to go to Columbia and one day to return, and I stayed at home only one day, and went back of my own accord.
When I got back to Shelbyville, I was arrested and carried to the guard-house, and when court-martialed was sentenced to thirty days' fatigue duty and to forfeit four months' pay at eleven dollars per month, making forty-four dollars.

Now, you see how dearly I paid for that trip.
But, fortunately for me, General Leonidas Polk has issued an order that very day promising pardon to all soldiers absent without leave if they would return.

I got the guard to march me up to his headquarters and told him of my predicament, and he ordered my release, but said nothing of remitting the fine.

So when we were paid off at Chattanooga I was left out.