Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-04-13
Sentenced to BE Shot.

Farmer Owens son had been found asleep
when doing sentinel duty, and he was SEN
fenced to be shot. A telegram had been
received by his father, saying that the SEN
tence would be carried out in twenty-four
hours. Mr. Allan, the minister, called to do
what he could to comfort the sorrowing fam
lily. During his visit letter arrived Bios
som, the farmers little daughter, opened the
door and received it. at is from him." was
all she said.
1t was like a message from the dead. Mr..
Owen took the letter, but could not break
| the envelope, on account of his trembling
fingers, and held it toward Mr.. Allan with
the helplessness of child.
| The minister opened it, and read as fol-
lows: Dear Father When this reaches you
hall--be-in-eternity At first it
seemed awful to me but have thought so
much about it now, that it has no terror.
They say they will not bind me nor blind
me, but that | may meet my death like a
man. thought, father, that it might have
been on the battlefield for my country, and
that when | fell it would be fighting glori-
| ously; but to be shot down like dog for
nearly betraying ito die for neglect of
duty-O father, wonder the very thought
does not kill me But / shall not disgrace
you. | am going to tell you all about it,
and when l am gone you may tell my COM
rades. You know promised Jimmie Cars
mother l would look after her boy; and
when he fell sick l did all could for him.
He was not strong when ordered back into
the ranks, and the day'before that night
| carried all his luggage, besides by own, on
our march. Toward night we went in on
double quick, and though the luggage began
IN fool baou bnJx oil
too. And as for Jimmie if had not lent
him an arm now and then, he would have
dropped by the way. was all tired out
| when we went into camp, and then it was
Jimmies turn to be sentry, and l would take
his place; but | was too tired, father. /
could not have kept awake though gun
had been pointed at my head but did not
know it well-until it was too late"
"God be thanked |" said Mr.. Owen. al
knew Bonnie was not the boy to sleep care
lessly at his post
"They tell me to-day, that have short
reprieve-'time to write to you,' our good
colonel says. Forgive him, father; he only
does his duty he would gladly save me if
he could. And do not lay my life against
Jimmie. The poor boy is broken-hearted,
and does nothing but beg and entreat them
to let him die in my stead.
Cal DEAR W lHluk OI nOtneT ana
Blossom. Comfort them, father. Tell them
die as brave boy should, and that when
the war is over, they will not be ashamed of
me as they must be now. God help me; it
is very hard to bear. Goodbye, father.
God seems near and dear to me, as if he felt
sorry for his poor, broken-hearted child, and
would take me to be with HMM better
better life.
"To-night'I shall see the COWS coming
home from pasture, and precious little Bios
som standing on the stoop, waiting for me
shall-never--nev God
bless you all. Forgive your poor Bennie"
Late that night little figure gided down
the foot-path towards the railway station.
The guard, as he reached down to lift her
into the carriage, wondered at the tear
stained face that was upturned toward the
dim lantern he held in his hand.
A few questions and ready answers told
him all, and no father could have cared
more tenderly for his only child than he for
our little Blossom. She was on her way to
Washington TO ask President Lincoln for
her brothers life. She had brought Ben
MES letter with her no good, kind heart
like the presidents, could refuse to be melted
by it.
The next morning they reached New York,
and the guard hurried her on to Washing
ton. Every minute now might be the saw
ing OF her brothers life.
The president had just seated himself to
his evenings task, when the door softly
opened, and Blossom, with downcast ewes
and folded hands, stood before him.
swell, my child" he said in his pleas
ant, cheerful tones, "what do you want 2"
"Bennie's life, please sir" faltered Bios.
som.
"Bennie who is Bonnie 2"
"My brother, sir. They are going to
shoot him for sleeping at his post"
son, yes; l remember 1t was a fatal
sleep. You see, child, it was a time of spe-
cial danger Thousands of lives might
have been lost by his negligence"
$50 my father said" replied Blossom
grayely. But poor Bonnie was so tired,
sir, and Jimmie was so weak. lie did the |
work OF two, sir, and it was Jimmie's night
not his but Jimmie was too tired, and
Bonnie never thought about himself, that he
was tired too"
"What is this you say, child2 Come
here, do not understand" And the kind
man, as ever, caught eagerly at what seemed
10 be Justification of an offence.
Blossom went to him. lie put his hand
tsnderly on her shoulder, and turned up the
pale, anxious face towards hers. How tall he
seemed. And he was president of the
United States, too. A dim thought of this
kind passed through little Blossoms mind
but she told her simple, straightforward
story, and handed Bennie's letter to Mr..
Lincoln to read.
lie read it carefully then, taking up his
pen, wrote few hasty lines and rang his
bell. Blossom heard this order given
Send this dispatch at once"
The president then turned to the girl and
said, $50 home, my child, and tell that
father OF yours, who could approve his
country's sentence, even when it took the
life of child like that that Abraham Lin
coin thinks the life far too precious TO be
lost. Go back, or-wait until tomorrow
Bonnie will need a change after he has so
bravely faced death he shall go with YOU"
"God bless you, sir " said Blossom.
Two days after this interview, the young
soldier came TO the white house with his lit
tie sister lie was called into the presidents
private room, and a strap was fastened on
his shoulder Mr.. Lincoln then said "The
soldier that could carry sick comrades
baggage, and die for the act so uncomplain-
ingly, deserves well of his country"
linen Bonnie and Blossom took their way
10 Their green mountain home. A crowd
gathered at the railway station to welcome
Them back and, as Farmer Owens hand
grasPed that OF his boy, tears flowed down
hisoheeks, and he was heard TO say, fer
Venty' "Ihe Lord be praised. --Erchange.