Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1875-12-03
3fliscellnuu.
An Anecdote of Mr., Wilson,

! lhe New York Tribune OF recent
date publishes the following pleasant
sketch
Hon. Henry Wilson is a man who
never forgets promise or a friend. No
better illustration eff his character can
be given than by the narration of an in
cident, well known in the little town Of
Natick, where he so long resided, and
where he is so deeply beloved. Some
time in the year 1888, when Mr.. Wilson
was engaged in business, he was one day
accosted by bright little fellow of per-
haps dozen years of age, who earnestly
desired employment. The boy was poor
| ly dressed, and his whole appearance
denoted extreme poverty. Mr. Wilson
made some inquiries of him, and learned
that his father was man ofintemperate
habits, who neglected to provide for and
cruelty i'll treated his family, and the
boy, whom we call Rogers, desired to do
what 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 neat little sum of
money, which to his poor mother would
be of the greatest assistance.
When, however, the fondly anticipated
J
=" pay day came, Rogers was cruelty
disappointed by his father entering the
factory and demanding his sons wages
of Mr.. Wilson, to which of course he
was obliged to accede. The father then
commanded his son to return home that
night, and leave the factory.
Completely crushed by this blow the
boy wept bitterly, and began his prepar-
ations for departing. While thus en-
gagged Mr.. Wilson approached him and
said, Rogers, you have been good,
faithful boy, and l am sorry to have you
go. If ever you want friend come to
me-" Then placing in his hand the full
amount of the wages he had already
paid the father be hurried away before
the boy could reply. The two did not
meet again for more than twenty years.
In 1868, while Sergeant Rogers Of the
Massachusetts, wss serving in the Ar.
my of the Potomac, he became detached
from his regiment. While plodding
YEARLY along in the effort to regain it,
he was passed by carriage in which
were two gentlemen one of them he
recognized as Senator Wilson. A little
ashamed of his forlorn plight, Rogers
hung his head to escape recognition this
movement attracted the attention of the
Senator, who stopped the carriage and
called the Sergeant to his side, and in.
quired-
What regiment do you belong to ?"
"- Massachusetts"
"Where is it stationed ?"
Il do not know, sir; have been de.
tached, and am trying to find it."
For a moment the Senator seemed to
be trying to recall his features and then
he asked
:" Is not your name Rogers?" Receiv.
ing an affirmative reply, he exclaimed,
My friend, where have you been these
years?" and the hands of the 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 any
money ?" No, Senator, / know l look
a little rough, but have few green
backs left yet" Well, that is good. l
will see you again; and with hearty
| good by the Senator drove on.
The same day Rogers rejoined his reg.
iment. About week later he was sum.
moned to the tent of his Colonel re-
pairing there he once more found Sena.
tor Wilson. " Sergeant Rogers" he said
q have the pleasure of presenting to
you your commission as lieutenant in
your regiment, and if your future record
is as honorable as in the past, l shall
never regret the appointment" Utterly
surprised at his good fortune, SO entirely
unexpected, the recruit could find nc
words to express his thanks, but his bril-.
liant after career was a sufficient proof
that the confidence placed in him was
we'll bestowed, and he will ever remem.
Der with gratitude the kindness extended
to him by one whose whole life has been
spent in aiding the poor, and in the ser.
vice of the down-trodden and oppressed