Give 'em Hell

[RSMorris]

Read this in a Civil War Times Illustrated magazine I have from 1970. Thought it was hilarious.

Shortly after the Confederate surrender, General Benjamin F. Butler was engaged in administering the oath of allegiance to former enemies. One of them stepped up to him and in a peculiar drawl said: "We gave you hell at Chickamauga General!" Butler, infuriated, threatened the Southron with all sorts of dire consequences, but the man nevertheless repeated the offending statement. Finally, the general told him to either take the oath or be shot. The Confederate gave in, and afterwards drew himself up before Butler and said: "General, I suppose I am a good Yankee and citizen of the United States now?" "I hope so" came the reply. "Well General, the rebels sure gave us hell at Chickamauga, didn't they?"

 

[redbob]

You've got to admit that the gentleman had spirit even in defeat.

 

[Fenwick1863]

Sounds just like Butler to not be able to appreciate some humor.

 

[Stony]

Read this in a Civil War Times Illustrated magazine I have from 1970. Thought it was hilarious.

Shortly after the Confederate surrender, General Benjamin F. Butler was engaged in administering the oath of allegiance to former enemies. One of them stepped up to him and in a peculiar drawl said: "We gave you hell at Chickamauga General!" Butler, infuriated, threatened the Southron with all sorts of dire consequences, but the man nevertheless repeated the offending statement. Finally, the general told him to either take the oath or be shot. The Confederate gave in, and afterwards drew himself up before Butler and said: "General, I suppose I am a good Yankee and citizen of the United States now?" "I hope so" came the reply. "Well General, the rebels sure gave us hell at Chickamauga, didn't they?"

Good one. Smart rebel.

 

[limestone1863]

Great story. Typical Sothern humor.

 

[Irishtom29]

I heard a couple of versions of that story.