The Daily Dispatch: March 30, 1864., [Electronic resource]

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A good Joke.

--The following is an extract from a private letter. It is too good to keep private:

Houston, Feb. 11, 1864

I must tell a good thing that occurred here apropos of Gen. Kirby Smith. On his arrival here some days since he made his way to Gen. Magruder's office. But one staff officer happened to be in, and as young men sometimes will do, he was occupying a position more comfortable than elegant, with his back to the door, singing Dixie Gen. Smith interrupted him with, "Is this Gen. Magruder's office?" The young officer broke off his song only enough to reply, "Yes, sir"

Gen. S. "Is the General in?"

Officer. "No, sir."

Gen. S. "Will he be in soon?"

Officer. "Don't know, sir."

Gen. S. "How long has he been gone?"

Officer. "Don't know, sir."

Gen. S. "Where is he?"

Officer. "Don't know, sir. It is not my week to keep him."

Gen. S. "Ahem! My name is Smith."

Officer. "Yes; good many Smiths about — several been to see the General."

Gen. S. "They sometimes call me Lieut. Gen. Smith."

Officer. "The h — if you say!"

The officer turned a very rapid commerce and disappeared in a twinkling. It is said that be singe his wishes about Dixie with a spirit, since the occurrence, he never felt before. --Mobile Advertiser