Rensselaer Republican, Volume 17, Number 9, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 November 1884 — Gen. Dix Puts on His Uniform. [ARTICLE]

Gen. Dix Puts on His Uniform.

‘ The following anecddte from an illustrated article in the Century, by George F. Williams, the well-known war correspondent, on “Lights and Shadows of Army Life:” In some regiments the discipline was so strict that men on post as sentinels were on the alert to discover any delinquency of their superiors. At Federal Hill, Baltimore, Col. (afterward General) Warren gave orders to his Zouave Guards that only officers in uniform were to be admitted into camp. One bright Sunday morning in 1861, Gen. Dix, who commanded the troops guarding the city, walked over from Fort McHenry attired in an old linen duster, instead of the brass-but-toned and velvet-cuffed coat belonging to his rank. Attempting to pass the fine of sentries in company with an aid, the old General was amused at finding a musket barring his passage, while the aid, with his glittering shoulder-straps, was permitted to enter. “But don’t you Bee that this is Gen. Dix?” exclaimed the aid, angrily. “Well, between you and me, Major,” said the Zouave, his eyes twinkling with amusement, “I 'See very well who it is, but if Gen. Dix wonts to get into this camp, he had better go back and put on his uniform.” “You are quite right, sentry,” remarked the General, “I’ll go back and get my coat.” An hour afterward, the General, in full uniform, approached the camp, and, allowing the guard reserve to be called out, accepted the salute due lfis rank and position, and the incident increased his admiration for the entire command.