Page 391

CHAPTER X.
                   "IN THE LAST DITCH."
   The General informed me, after I had rested and
refreshed myself, that the campaign was at an end. He had
received orders from  Washington to confine himself to
patroling the Missouri river! This turn of affairs was
rather annoying. The soldiers sent by Major Wa]sh brought
despatches from that officer which hinted at a peaceful set-
tlement of the difficulty. Miles telegraphed Washington to
lknow what disposition he should make of the multitude of
lalf-breeds captured by Baker's command. Ile resolved,
however, to keep them near him until he received final
orders.
   Those picturesque people pitched their camp in a mighty
circle a mile or two away from  ours. The weather had
grown delightful, and the moon was at its best. Accord-
ingly, in the evening, the General, his staff, some other
officers and mvself mounted our horses and rode down to
the half-breed camp. The light-hearted creatures had had
supper, and, to the inspiring sound of dozens of violins and
other musical instruments, were dancing on the green, under
the Gracious beams of the ever-beautiful orb of ngiit, as
calmly as if they were beyond the line, and not under the
thumb of a very resolute American general.
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