The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1883-10-26
THE DEsERTER's SON.

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our purpose to describe it, but to speak
ola very manly-looking youth who on
that day was seen shovering around the
white house.
Els was first seen by the attendants of
the mansion as early as eight o'clock in
the morning, to n of whom he APP
pealed for an audience with the presi-
dent.
But his efforts proved futile. The in
variable answer he received was, that
the president was too much occupied
with matters connected with his %inaugu-
ration to receive visitors.
Still the youth did not quite despair
of accomplishing his object, and watch
ing for an opportunity to pass through
the door unnoticed, he took advantage
ofa call made by a U. S. senator, whom
he knew by sight, to slip in behind him
while the usher in charge was for an in
slant absent from his post.
Once in. he lost no time in finding his
way to the presidents room, in which
he saw Mr.. Lincoln seated at a desk, en-
gagged in writing.
Several MISUNDERSTANDING GENTLE
men were there; among them the sena-
tor to whose opportune visit he was in
debted for the chance of having an in
tervlew with the chief magistrate of the
nation.
The youths feelings may be imagined
as he waited to get the ear of the man
who had it in his power to make glad
not only his heart, but the hearts of five
others. Maxwell Smith held in his
hand a petition for the pardon of his
father, who had deserted his camp near
Washington to go to his home in New
York city, waere, at the time, his wife
and two of his children lay ill with scar
let fever.
The president continued writing for
some moments, when suddenly raising
his eyes they encountered those of the
lad, who had quietly made his way to
the desk.
.sWho are you?" was the first exclama-
ton that greeted the young petitioner,
as hat in one hand, and the petition in
the other, he stood irresolute. But his
confusion was but momentary; iemem-
boring the cause he had come to advo-
cate, he advanced closer to the desk,
and handed to Mr.. Lincoln his paper.
The latter gave it a hasty glance, and
then a grave expression stole owe his
face. In almost angry tones he said,-
"Here is another petition for the par
don ola deserter. 1t is about time |
ceased showing clemency to runaways at
a crisis like this, when it is important
that every la should be at his post.
But how did you get in here, young
maa? My orders were to ad nit this
morning none but my constitutional adj
visers."
Young Smith made the required ex-
PLANTATION in a modest but unhesitating
manner, and in doing so evidently made
an impression on the President, who
smiled and said,-
"Such persis,ency is deserving of
some reward, but" and here a frown
wrinkled his brow, 81 wish, youngster,
purpose than the pardon of a deserter!"
But he is my father" answered the
boy, s'and he mad an excuse for his de-
sertion."
There can be no excuse for desertion.
Had your father have asked for a fur
Tough, it would, doubtless, have been
granted him."
"He diI ask, Mr.. President. but it was
refused him again and again. Will you
please read the petition?"
mot now. Come here..immediately
after my return from the capitol, and 1
will see what can be done for your faith
er. Unless you have good grounds for
asking for his pardon, it will be time
thrown away"
Thus ended the first interview. 1t
happened that young Smith left the
white house In company with the SEN
ator whom he had followed into the ex-
ecutive chamber. He was pleased with
his looks, and ventured to ask his name
and solicit his aid in behalf of his father.
The gentleman gave his name as Ed
win d.. Morgan, and Smith knew at once
powerful ally than the ex-governor oil
New York.
The hour of the Inauguration arrived.
Mr.. Lincoln took the oath of office and
delivered his address. Then he resumed
his seat In the barouche which had con.
veyed him to the capitol, and the pro.
cession started on it's return to the white
house.
All the way there Smith kept his eyes
on Mr.. Lincoln, and noticed his care.
worn face would light up as he acknowl-
edged with a smile or a bow the cheers
which greeted him on the line of marcel,
through Pennsylvania Avenue. "Sure-
ly," he said to himself, $50 good a face
must be the mex of a kind heart" and
he felt encouraged to go on with bis
task.
When Mr.. Lincoln alighted at the Elk
ecutive Mansion, the crowd was 80 great
that Smith found it impossible to follow
after him, and SO he determined to wait
until the crowd had dispersed.
At last the path was Clear, and again
he applied for a%dmittance, but, as be.
f0rQ If Uoa Aopio1 him Ha hol rar
lected to get a card from Mr.. Lincoln,
and once more failure stared him in the
face.
At this moment Senator Morgan
came up, and remarking to the usher
that he would be responsible for the
youth, they both wended their way tc
the president, whom they found alone.
well, Senator said the president,
addressing the ex-governor, chow were
you pleased with the inauguration"
very lch, MIR. President, but be-
fore we discuss that subject, let me say
that since our interview this morning, |
have been at some pains to get the facts
III the case of u young friend here"
and he pointed to Smith.
"What does your father propose 10 do
after his restoration to agood name?'
asked Mr.. Lincoln.
L rejoln the army, and endeavor by
strict attention to his duties to redeem
himself"
els your father a temperate man?
Does be love his family, and did he be-
fore his desertion remit to them all the
money he could spare?"
This inquiry opened the door for the
recital of the virtues Of the youths
father, and Senator Morgan listened to
it as attentively as the President.
When all the story had been told, the
Senator added:
"Mr. President, the lads statement is
substantially correct. From what l have
heard from others, l have no hesitation
in endorsing it. In my, judgment the
man should be pardoned."