The Howard union. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1865-1866, 1865-09-07
From the waverley Magazine.
MARY BENTON.
by NETTIE NEAL.

shield her from the storms and odversites
of life, which is true; but when duty once
calls her TO action she will many times bear
more and suffer more without rspining,
than those Of the other sex.
This unnatural war has furnished us with
many very many instances where women
have endured privntions and hardships for
their country and friends which, before, we
would have thought 1t impossible for them
to live through. And | will give one
instance that came under my own observa-
ton. And l would say, kind reader, the
following narrative 10 true; the names only
ore changed.
Frank Benton was chief clerk in large
Wholesale establishment in one of our west
ern cities. He had purchased a pleasant
cottage on the suburbs of the city, and had
been married about year when the rebel
lion broke out. His wife, although an
orphan and pennless, had never known
want, nor had she ever toiled for her sup
port. At the death Of her parents, which
took place when she was quite small, a
, maiden aunt, her mothers sister. had taken
her and educated and provided good home
for her. When in her twentieth year she
married Mr.. Benton, and went to his
cottage homo happy bride, little thinking
that war, cruel and relentless, would soon
be upon us, calling those we loved better
than life, 10 10y down their lives for their
. country.
a Mr.. Benton's greatest desire from the
beginning of the war was TO serve his
country. But knowing the unprotected
. condition of his family, he forebore to men.
ton it. His wages as a clerk was all his
S dependence for support. To enter the army
. as a private his wages would scarcely pro
$ vide fuel at city rates, let alone other
8 expenses.
d Mrs. Benton was not ignorant Of her
husbands desires, although he had neve
!, said 10 her that he wished to GO; she knew
y his great love for her, and that the want o
), means to leave for her support was all tina
r kept him home.
r. Mrs. Benton loved her country and he
e husband, and she determined no longer tt
. stand in the way. One evening, afte
d praying TO God for strength to do her duty
be it ever SO hard, she asked him why h
did not enlist. He looked at her momen
10 see If she really meant it and then sale
Is "You, Mary, are the only obstacle;I can
- not think Of leaving you among strangers
especially without means for any emergen
mt cy. nave thought of every plan, but al
h. seem to fail. | see no way possible
I'd leave"
lie "Now, Frank" said the brave woman
er 'you know that love you better than m
re life, but your country calls you; go, an
s. may God bless you. All ask Of you is t
n come home, if spared, untarnished by til
r communicating influences of camp life. OF
6. promise me that you will be true 10 Goo
ht your country, and me-"
RS 81 will, God being my helper" said MI
L. Benton.
a One month from that time Mr.. Bento
- was wearing suit Of blue and had enis
e. ed to fight rebels. They rented the
II house for enough to keep Mrs. Benton CON
err fortabIy, she retaining one room, and board
We ing with the family.
lie The regiment in which he enlisted r,
Elk manned in the State during the winter, al
'st in the spring was sent to Arkansas. NJ
a Benton enjoyed good health until the follow
h ing August, when he was taken dow II wi
a. fever and sent to the hospital at Fort Smit
es Ho wrote Immediately to his wife to con
on to him. She received his letter on Monda
is aud by the assistance OF friends she g
in conveyance, in an ambulance, with SURGE
ste and his wife, who were going with Il
is next train to Fort Smith, and on the follol
ear ing Thursday started on her journey. s.
nd wrote Immediately telling him when s.
mol would start, and cheering him up 10 avn
her coming.
The train moved slowly on witho
trouble, until it arrived at Cabin Cree
,'' where it was attacked by the rebels, and
' ~" regular stampede ensued. Many escape
~ some were killed, and others taken pri
- oners. Among those taken prisoners W
~ Mrs. Benton. She was attempting to hi
w in some bushes when discovered. She w
" ordered 10 mount horse and 60 with the
She told them her business South. a
b. begged them to LET her go; but all h
appeals were in vain. She was made
3. keep up with them, often travelling
night, only stopping now and then
something to eat, and to let their hOrs
Craze.
yer "Many times" said Mrs. Benton, "a'
ate sank upon the ground to rest, have prG