202 F(»RT y-F() ij R YEARS or 



The Captain's letter contained a polite invitation for 

 rae to attend his parade that evening, and the sergeant 

 who brought it waited for me, and conducted me to the 

 barracks, whei*e I was so politely received that I felt out 

 of place. But the easy manners of the Captain made me 

 feel much more at ease myself, and I was soon quite re- 

 lieved from my first embarrassment. I was then shown 

 all the dififerent places and apartments, and everything 

 that was interesting. After I had seen all those accom- 

 modations for the comfort of the soldiers, the company 

 was called out, and drilled in the most orderly and officer 

 like manner by the First Lieutenant, whose name I am 

 sorry I have forgotten. 



When the drill was over, I took my leave of the Caj)- 

 tain, as well as all the others who were near me, and 

 returned to my lodging. Mr. Holland was a kind, good 

 man, and seemed desirous to make rae comfortable. He 

 had everything provided that I wished, yet he appeared 

 desirous to furnish me a treat that was entirely new to me. 

 He proposed a supper of oysters ; but I told him that I 

 had never tasted them except once, in Georgetown, when 

 I could not say that I was pleased with the taste. He 

 said he thought they had not been cooked properly, and 

 soon had some prepared as they should be. Supper being 

 ready, and all seated, I was abundantly helped to oysters. 

 All eyes fastened on me as I tried to make free with them, 

 swallowing down several mouthsfull, until my stomach be- 

 came so much offended that I could not conceal my dis 

 gust. Fearing that the company would notice my restive 

 situation, I took the opportunity to remark that I could 

 not say I admired oysters, although perhaps after eatinp' 

 them frequently I might become more partial to them. 



Things went on very well until next day, when, before 

 dinner was served, Mr. Holland asked me if I was foad 

 of crabs. I told him that I had never seen one. 



