Fooling with supposed empty shells, is sometimes disastrous. The
Banner Company of the Regiment were much given to old sledge and
poker, and often plied their avocation into the wee small hours of
night, contrary to express orders--lights out after taps. But these
injunctions were not always heeded, as the sequel will show. Some of
the boys had found a shell not exploded. They, as supposed, dug out
all the powder, and on the occasion of a night's occupation of their
favorite pastime, used the shell as a candlestick. They inserted their
short piece in the fuse hole, and proceeded with the game. The candle
burned low; the lighted wick dropped into the shell; a tremendous
explosion was the result. It totally demolished the tent, and nearly
severed the flag-staff near by--so much so it fell over. But, strange
to relate, nobody was hurt. They supposed they had got all the powder
out. Moral--do not play cards after taps, nor use a shell for a
candlestick, unless you are positive it is not loaded.