He accosted
a soldier thus:
"'Were you here before Smith was dismissed?'
"'Yes, sir; I've been here many years.'
"'Can you tell me why he was dismissed?'
"'Well, I believe he didn't pass in philosophy and some
other studies.'
"'What kind of a fellow was he?'
"'The soldiers thought well of him, but the cadets
didn't. They used to laugh and poke fun at him in
Riding Hall, and in the artillery drill all of them
refused to join hands with him when the cannoneers
were ordered to mount. This is dangerous once in a
while, for sometimes they mount when the horses are
on a fast trot. But he used to run on as plucky as
you please, and always got into his seat without help.
Some of the officers used to try to make them carry out
the drill, but it was no use. I never saw one of the
young fellows give him a hand to make a mount. He was
a proud negro, and had good pluck. I never heard him
complain, but his black eyes used to flash when he was
insulted, and you could see easy enough that he was in
a killin' humor. But after the first year he kept his
temper pretty well, though he fought hard to do it.'
"Captain Robert H. Hall, the post adjutant, said:
'Young Smith was a bad boy.'
NATURALLY BAD
His temper was hot, and his disposition not honorable. I
can assure you that the officers at this post did every
thing in their power to help him along in his studies,
as well as to improve his standing with his comrades.
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