Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-08-03
NO. ls4.
A WAR REMlyIsCENCE OF HENRY VIII.
son.

Hon. Henry Wilson is a man who never
forgets Il promise or a friend. No better
Illustration of his character can be given
than by the narration OF an incident well
known in the little town of Natick, where
be has long resided, and where he is so
deeply beloved. Some time in the year
1888. when Mr.. Wilson was engaged in
The manufacture of shoes, he was accost-
ed by bright little fellow perhaps a doz-
EN- Years of age. who earnestly desired
employment. The boy was poorly
dressed. and his whole appearance denot.
ed extreme poverty. Mr.. Wilson made
some inquiries of him, and learned that
his father was man Of Incorporate habits
who neglected TO provide for and cruellv
ll-treated his family, and that the bov.
whom we will call Rogers, desired to do
what little he could to aid In their support.
He was instantly engaged, and worked
faithfully and checrtully for several weeks,
until he had earned what Ia those days
was thought q neat little sum Of money.
which to his poor mother would be Of the
greatest assistance.
When, however, the fondly anticipated
pay day" came, Rogers was cruelty dis
appointed by his fathers entering the fac.
tory and demanding his sons wages of
Mr. Wilson, to whom. of course, he was
obliged to ace. de. The father then COM
mandt his son 10 return home that night.
and left the factory.
Completely crushed by this blow, the
boy wept bitterly, and began his prepara-
tions for his departure. While thus en-.
gagged. Mr.. Wilson approached him and
said, "Rogers. you have been a good,
faithful boy, and | am sorry TO have you
60. Ii ever you want a friend. come to
me Then placing in his hand the full
amount of the wages he had already paid
the father. he hurried away before the boy
could reply. The two did not meet again
Tor more than twenty years.
In 1868. while Sergeant Rogers of the
- MASSACHUSETTS, was serving in the
Army Ut the Potomac, he became deiatch-
ed from his regiment. While piodding
wearily along in the effort to regain It, he
passed by carriage in which were two
gentlemen, one OF whom he recognized
as Senator Wilson. Being little asham-
I'd OF his iorlorn plight, Rogers hung his
head to escape recognition. This move
ment attracted the attention of the Sena-
tor, who stopped the carriage, and calling
the sergeant to him, he inquired:
What regiment do you belong in Pr
- Massachusetts"
Where Is it stationed9"
Il do not know, sir; | have been de-
tached, and am .rying to find it,"
For II moment the Senator seemed to
h" irving TO recall his features, and then
asked:
as your name Rogers?"
Receiving an affirmative reply, he ex-
claimed: my friend. where have you
| h. tbns. III, l. A.
Senator and Sergeant were cordially
clasped. Mr.. Wilson's next question was
one which many poor soldier has heard
him ask: Rogers. do you need money pr
NO, Senator; | know that look lit
tie rough. but l have a few greenbacks
left yet"
"We ell, that is good. will see you
again." and with hearty good-by, the
Senator drove on.
The same day Rogers found his regi.
ment. About week later he was sum-
moned to the tent Of his colonel; repair
ing there, he once more found Senator
Wilson. Sergeant Rogers" he said, II
have the pleasure of presenting to you
your commission as Lieutenant In your
regiment, and ii your future record Is as
honorable as Your past, shall never re-
gret the appointment" Utterly surprised
at his good fortune, so entirely unexpect-
ed. the recruit could find no words to ex-
press his thanks; but his brilliant career
was u sufficient indication that the conf
tence placed in him was well bestowed
and he will ever remember with gratitude
The kindness extended TO him by one
whose whole life has been spent in aiding
The poor and in the service of the down
trvdden and oppressed.
-Washington Republican.