Evidently a favorite here as in New York, in camp as at home; for in a moment he was surrounded by the men, who crowded about him, each with a question, or remark, to draw special attention to himself, and a word or smile from his commander.

Whatever complaint they had to enter, or petition to make, or favor to beg, or wish to urge, whatever help they wanted or information they desired, was brought to him to solve or to grant, and--never being repulsed by their officer--they speedily knew and loved their friend.

Thus it was that the two men standing at a little distance, watching the proceeding, were greatly amused at the motley drafts made upon his attention in the shape of tents, shoes, coats, letters to be sent or received, books borrowed and lent, a man sick, or a chicken captured.

They brought their interests and cares to him,--these big, brown fellows,--as though they were children, and he a parent well beloved.
"One might think him the father of the regiment," said Brooks, with a smile.
"The mother, more like: it must be the woman element in him these fellows feel and love so." "Perhaps; but it would have another effect on them, if, for instance, he didn't carry that sabre-slash on his hand.

They've seen him under steel and fire, and know where he's led them." "What is this you were joking about with him, a while ago ?" "What! about turning abolitionist ?" "Precisely." "O, you know he's rampant on the slavery question.