Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1871-10-06
Little "Tndy and the MaImea Soldier

was in Washington the day President
Lincoln WAS shot. went to the White
House In the forenoon, with crowd of
persons who were anxious to see the
President. The large ante room was liz
erally crowded with officers and civilians
Judges, Sen ators and members OF Con-
cress. soldiers and citizens, waiting for an
interview. There were 10 seats in the
room. and men passed the weary hours in
standing ss best they could.
Those who passed up to the Presidents
room that morning, saw standing near the
stairs, MANNED soldier. He appeared
stricken with poverty and sorrow. His
uniform was soiled and torn. He had but
one leg, and looked friendless and for
saken; he said nothing; no one spoke to
hun, but even the young, vigorous and
hopeful cast a look on the tattered boy in
blue, evidently anxious, and yet afraid to
mount the stairs. He had some message
that Law heavy on his heart, some great
wrong to be redressed, or some great boon
to ask at the hsnds of the President.
Pushed aside, like the poor man at the
pool, he had no lends at court, and no
influential arm to lead him up. He maiO-
tained his position through most of the
forenoon, standing wearily on his crutches,
for there was no place to sit, and he eyed
the throng as they diff ed up and down
the Presidential st ,irs.
About eleven o'clock, "little Tad" the
| Presidents son, enteTe the crowded ante
room, leading the MANNED soldier, whom
he had picked up below. The soldier
paused on the threshold in dismay. He
seemed appalled, at the sight before him.
Gem rails, Judges, and Senators we're wait
ing for TN audience, and whist could he
n o al
mantle his face like veil when he looked
at his tattered, untidy garb among the
grand per .Ons that surrounded him. Not
so his little usher. Pulling his companion
| forward, vita words OF encouragement
and smiles, he becsoned him on till he
reached the door before which the grim
usher stood, saying to every new conner
"The President is engaged, sir; you must
wait" The privileged PCT of the White
House was disgusted with the check put
upon his freedom. He insisted upoh lead
lug the soldier directly into the presence
of his father. He attempted to force his
way through, but his puny strength could
not resist the man. alarms. The young
soldier desired to withdraw from thC
contest. He quailed under the eyes of {
hundred men, some of them the frat Gen
erals of the land he attempted TO re
| treat, DuJ uLJle laQ neIu Nun 10 MS posi-
ton. He resorted to tactics often tried
and said never to have failed. He screamed
at the top of his voice, Father, father
they won't let me come in" The well
known voice struck the ear of Mr.. Lin
coin in the midst OF his discussions. Ii,
arose, p, in hand, and went to the door
AS the well.known form appeared, littl
Tad pushed the SOLDIER in, and the dCo
closed Taking him aside, BIr Lincoh
learned the necessities of the case. TIL,
woundsd d man told his complaints to on
who, if he heard at all, heard the st r
through. At once he granted his request
and little T4d, with face radiant witt
smiles, led the soldier back to the .t4irway
gave loud whistle, threw up his heels
and disappeared through the doors Of tn
private library of the President. Short,
after, the private secretary appeared at tn
door of Mr.. Lincoln's room, and said:
Gentlemen, the President will receiv
no more to-day"
With that proclamation Mr.. Lincoln
public leyees ended. Almost his last off
cial act was to hesr the sad story, an
afford relief to a friendless boy. Tha
night he left the White House, never t
return l-Neao York Ledger.