The Portland daily press., 1872-07-22
TIL b PR ESS.



Hon. Henry Wilson is man who never
forgets promise or friend. No better illus
tration of his character can be given than by
the narration of an incident well known IN
the little town of Natick, where he has long
resided, and where he is so deeply beloved.
Some time in 1888, when Mr.. Wilson was
engaged in the manufacture of shoes, ne was
accosted by bright little fellow perhaps
dozen years of age, who earnestly DESIRED
employment. The boy was poorly dressed,
and his whole appearance denoted extreme
poyerty. Mr.. Wilson made some inquiries of
him. and learned that his father was a man
of intemperate habits, who neglected to pro-
vide for and cruelty ill-treated his family, and
that the boy, whom we will call Rogers, de-
sired to do what little he could to aid in their
support. He was instantly engaged, and
worked faithfully and cheerfully for several
weeks, until he had earned what in those
days was thought a 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 disap-
pointed by his fathers entering the factory
and demanding his sons wages of Mr.. Will
son, to whom, of course, he was obliged to
accede The father then commanded his son
to return home that night, and left the fac
tory.
Completely crushed by this blow, the boy
wept bitterly, and began his preparations for
his departure. While thus engaged, Mr..
Wilson approached him and said, "Rogers,
you have been good, faithful boy, and am
sorryi to have you go. If ever you want a
friend, come to me-" Then placing in his
hand the full amount of the wages he had al
ready paid the father, he hurried away before
the boy could reply. The two did not meet
again for more than twenty years.
In 1863, while Sergeant Rogers of the
Massachusetts, was serving in the Army of
the Potomac, he became detached from his
regiment. While ploddng YEARLY 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 a
little ashamed of his forlorn plight, Rogers
hung his head to escape recognition. This
movement attracted the attention of the Sem
ator, who stopped the carriage, and calling
the sergeant to him. he inquired:
''What regiment do you belong to ?'
"--Massachuse
"Where is it stationed?" -
81 do not know, sir; have been deta ched,
and am trying to find it." r+r
For moment the Senator seemed to be
trying to recall his features, and then asked:
SIS your name Rogcrs?'
Receiving an affirmativefeply, he exclaimed
ed: MY friend, where have been these years ?'
anutne ndHuS Oh Lne senator ana the Sergeant
were cordially clasped. Mr.. Wilson's next
question was one which many poor soldier
has heard him ask: Rogers, do you need any
money!"
"No, Senator; kno that look a little
rough, but have few greenbacks left yet"
''Well, that is good. 1 will see you again."
and, with hearty good-by, the Senator
drove on. 80
The same day Rogers rejoined his regiment
About week later, he was summoned to the
tent of his colonel; repairing there, he once
more fonnd Senator Wilson. Sergeant Rog-
ers," he said, 81 have the pleasure of present.
ing to you your commission as lieutenant in
your regiment, and if your future record is as
honorable as in the past, shall never regret
the appointment" Utterly surprised at his
good fortune, so entirety unexpected, the
recruit could find no words to express his
thanks; but his brilliant after career was
sufficie 1T indication that the confidence placed
in him was well bestowed, and he will ever
remember with gratitude the kindness ex-
tended to him by one whose life has been
spent in aiding the poor, and in the service of
the down-trodden and oppressed.
ton Republican. ~ sfat