15

15
I told Captain Lyon that I was interested in
his work and would enjoy making a
finished drawing of the map he was engaged
upon if he would permit me to make
another for myself. He readilly acquiesed
after labouring assiduously for two days and
a [night?] the work was accomplished

In the meantime General McClemand and
his chief of staff in search of better quarters
visited the house and casually examined
the work I was engaged upon, my name
rank and regiment were inquired and
the circumstance incident passed out of
my mind.

The map was taken to General Smith and
delivered, (without allusion to the formative
circumstances,) He was profuse in his
compliments and hoped I would be available
for future work of the same character, but
said nothing about permanent staff
duty at which I was greatly disappointed

As it transpired the ^my^ chagrin was of short
duration. A few days later I received an
order from Corps Head Quarters to report as
Acting Topographcal Engineer and the balance
of my service in the Vicksburg campaign
was performed in that capacity.