An Impractical Joke

Just prior to the Battle of Nashville during the American Civil War, three Union officers, Broadwell, Livermore, and Bluntly, discover a collection of fine women’s clothing in an occupied Southern mansion. They then come up with the idea of enlisting a young soldier, Armand—who is somewhat effeminate—to dress up as a woman and fool a notorious ladies’ man named Haberless. Broadwell, Livermore, and Bluntly set up a situation in which Lieutenant Haberless must encounter Private Armand, posing as a woman, and are quite amused by the interaction between the Union officer and what appears to be a Southern belle. During the interaction, a Confederate shell crashes into the mansion; the terrified Armand strips away his female clothing so that he may escape faster; and the surprised Haberless—who pretends he wasn’t fooled—is struck dead by a piece of shrapnel. As Broadwell, Livermore, and Bluntly look on, their ringing laughter finally turns to grim horror.