24 CONFEDERATE PORTRAITS
somebody had extinguished the lamp, I tried to reason out to myself what a poltroon I was. We get hardened in time ; but I assure you, nothing would ever induce me to light or extinguish a kerosene lamp. I really envy you, madam, as possessing heroic traits, when you tell me you feel no alarm when in the presence of a kerosene lamp. But I am, by nature, an arrant coward. An enemy, armed with kerosene lamps, would drive me off the field. I should be panic personified." ^^
And Johnston was absolutely frank, outspoken, straight- forward, too much so for his own good ; but charmingly so. He gave his opinion of things and people, so that you knew where he stood, whether you agreed with him or not. How neatly does Colonel Anderson portray him with a touch. *' *I think the Scotch the best,' the General quickly rejoined, with that slight toss of the head, with which he sometimes emphasized the expression of an opinion he was ready to do battle for." ^^ There was no cant about him, no rhetoric. I would not say, or imply, that the abundance of religious language in Southern re- ports and orders is ever insincere. But I occasionally tire of it. Johnston is very sparing in this regard. What he does say is evidently solemn and heartfelt.
The general's honesty and uprightness are delightful, also. He was no politician, but his political convictions were as lofty and constant as they were simple. He fol- lowed Virginia. That was enough. ** Nothing earthly could afford me greater satisfaction than the fulfillment
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