MONOTONOUS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XI, Issue 51, 23 December 1893, Page 551

MONOTONOUS.

Ax amusing instance of the frequent recurrence of the surname Smith among the soldiers ot the Civil War is given in Berdan s* I nited States Sharp-shooters/ A stranger lieu tenant, requiring a detail of ten men for special duty, called on a certain company and took their names. The men were in line at attention when the officer began at the end of the column. ‘ What's your name ?' he asked. • Smith.' ‘ And what is voars ! to the next man. ‘ Smith. They were put on the list as Smith 1, Smith 2. ‘ Well, what's yours I ■ Smith.' replied number three. The officer looked queer, and grumbled something about the peculiarity of the thing. • What may I call your name V to the next.* • Smith.' • Your name to the fifth. ■ Smith.' The lieutenant's face was getting red. He looked the men over, and said sternly : • What do you mean !' But it wa« no joke. The detail stood firm, like so many statues, and the officer proceeded. • Waa: on earth is your name !' he demanded. ■ Smith.' canie the monosyllabic answer from number six. The '.direr fairly jumped Then be stormed ani fumed, and wanted to know if every man io the company was named Smith. By this time a erow i had gathered, and the officer began to coil down. The list must be made, so he hurried through. • Yonr name !' to the next man. • Smith. • And yours !' • Smith.’ ‘ An-1 next ’. • Smith The offi rer was again becom ng furious, ani the crowd was laughing boisterously. ‘ Well, is you- name Smith! the lieutenant demanded of the tenth mao. • My name is Brown,' replied tbe soldier.