McClure of this greatest happiness imaginable, "going to the lines!" and was impatient for the chance to arrive that would send me there.
At last Gen.

McClure wrote to Gen.

Armstrong, to say that he was ready to obey any order that he might send him, and march to "the lines," if his services were needed; and, to _my_ inexpressible joy, marching orders were returned.

I nearly flew in search of Capt.

Helm, never once suspecting that he would object; because I knew that he did not then require my services himself, and the pay would be quite as good as he had been receiving for my time; besides I had so completely set my heart on going, that it was impossible for me to dream of a disappointment so bitter as that of being denied going "to the lines." Oh! how then were my high hopes fallen, and how much more hateful appeared that slavery which had blighted all my military prospects?
Nor was Capt.
Helm's heartless and mercenary reply to my humble pleading any antidote to my disappointed feelings and desire for freedom.