The national Republican. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1866-1870, 1867-06-22
Uoior Tom r. Ochiitrec.-A story
with A severe Moral.

Our readers will no doubt he amused by
the following story which was told us the
other day Of the well known gentleman
whose name heads this article, which, IL is
said, he tells on himself:
While was on Gen. MaXey's staff in
Arkansas, after my return from Rich.
mond, in the glorious battles around
which place participated, the general and
his staff we're invited one evening to par
take Of the hospitality, and make his head
quarters at the house of rich widow lady,
who lived in a splendid mansion, and had
lost, or was reported to have lost, son at
Gaines' Mill.
The General accepted the invitation, and
several rooms in the elegant building were
assigned to himself and staff.
1t somehow happened that ] was very
busy writing orders and attended to the
necessary duties of my position until
about 10 o'clock at night; but while en-
gagged at my work could hear the gentle.
men and ladies' talking and laughing in the
parlor. Having finished my labors at the
lime specified lighted a cigar and walked
ont on the gallery to enjoy its fragrance,
and to indulge in pleasing "reminiscences
of past and by gone days. ] found prom.
enading alone an the gallery, dressed in
mourning, the beautiful and accomplished
daughter of our hostess, TO whom / nd.
vanced, and with whom, while promenad,
ing, the following dialogue cnsued:
r. 7. O.-"lt is n very beautiful night,
miss
Young Lndy-"Yes, sir 1t is very
beautiful night"
+. p. O.-"lt reminds Inc very forCi.
hly of a very extraordinary incident dur.
ing the seven days fight around Richmond,
when, on Just such n night as this, as was
fastening with orders from General Lee
to l.ongstreet, the appealing, but weak and
plaintive cries for water from poor
wounded, dying soldier reached my ears.
| Immediately fastened to the spot, dis
mounted and gave to the young man the
water from my own canteen. 1t revived
him hut for moment, which he used in
telling me his name and regiment, as well
as asking Inc, If | ever should meet his
dear sister and beloved mother who lived
in Arkansas, to tell them that he died in
defence Of Southern honors, and praying
that God would be father and brother to
his mother and sister; then his bosom
heaved as with long drawn sigh, his eyes
closed in death, and his spirit fled to the
tod who gave it."
Young Lady-"Pray, sir, what was his
name, his regiment, and his company, for
my only brother has not been heard from
since that time? My mother and myself,
however, INDUCED the hope that he may be
Il prisoner and not dead"
r. p. Ole gave Inc as his name
1870, as his regiment ---, as his company
Young Lady-"Oh, Lord! Lord my
poor brother is dead. You gave exactly
his name, regiment and company. Tt
whom, sir, have / the honor OF speaking2
7. =. O.-"My name, miss, is Ochiltre,
am Major 0chiltree."
Young Lady-"What, Tom? Are yor
Tom Ochiltree?"
+. p. O.-"My friends, miss, call INT
Tom-Tom Ochiltree, and let me assure
You, miss, my name is known in the court
of st. James and st. Cloud, as well as ii
Washington, Richmond and Throughout
America"
Young Lady-"Well, if you are Ton
Ochiltree, | don't believe my brotheri
dead, nor a word you say, for your reputa
ion has even reached Arkansas"