River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1883-10-25
THE DESERTER'S son.


bered by all who witnessed it. 1t is not
our purpose to describe it, but to speak
of very n7anly looking youth who on
that day was seen lhovering around the
white house.
He was first seen by the attendants of
the mansion as early as eight o'clock in
the morning, to one 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
of call made by 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 desk, en-
gagged in writing.
Several distinguished-lookin gentle
men were there; among them the sena-
tor to whose opportune visit he was IN
debted for the chance of having an in
tervIew 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 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 i'll with scar
let fever.
The president continued writing for
some moments, when suddenly raising
his ewes they encountered those of the
lad, who had quietly made his way to
the desk.
who 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
confus on was but momentary; Iemem-
bering 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 hasty glance, and
then a grave expression stole over his
face. In almost angry tones he said,-
"Here is another petition for the par
don of deserter. 1t is about time |
ceased showing clemency to runaways at
a crisis like this, when it is important
that every man should be at his post.
But how did you get in here, young
MAJ? 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 persistency is deserving of
some reward, but" and here frown
wrinkled his brow, 81 wish, youngster,
ii had been exhibited for a worthier
purpose than the pardon of a deserteri"
But he is my father" answered the
boy, ''and he mad an excuse for his de-
sertion"
There can be no excuse for desertion.
Had your father have asked for fur
Tough, it would, doubtless, have been
granted him."
He did ask, Mr.. President, but it was
refused him again and again. vii! you
please read the petitionY
"Not now. Come here. Immediately
after my return from the capitol, and
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
that he could not possibly have Il more
powerful ally than the ex-governor OF
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 its 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 bow the cheers
which greeted him on the line of march
through Pennsylvania Avenue. "Sure-
ly," he said to himself, $50 good a face
must be the inLex of kind heart" and
he felt encouraged to go on with his
task.
When Mr.. Lincoln alighted at the Ex-
ecutive Mansion. the crowd was so 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 Gear, and again
he applied for admittance, but, as be-
fore, it was denied him. He had neg
lected to get 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 *
the president, whom they found alone
well, Senator" said the president,
addressing the ex-governor, how were
YOU pleased with the Inauguration"
every m lch, Mr. 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
in the case of our young friend here,
and he pointed to Smith.
"What does your father propose to dc
after his restoration to good nameY
asked Mr.. Lincoln.
''To rejoin the army, and endeavor by
strict attention to his duties to redeem
himself" .
els your father a temperate mani
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 tht
recital of the virtues OF the youths
father, and Senator Morgan listened tC
it as attentively as the President
When all the story had been told, the
Senator added:
"Mr. President, the lads statement i
substantially correct. From what | have
heard from others, have no hesitation
in endorsing it. In my judgment thu
man should be pardoned.'
so Morgan, your heart is so tende.
that were YOU President, everybody
could be paTdoned"
Not so, Mr.. President; but when
youth like this pleads so strongly and Sc
inteligently for a fathers life-for hi
life is forfeited to the Government
caught cannot listen to him unmove d
You have pardoned a great many de
serters, Mr.. President, during you
term of office"
The Ex-Governor had gone too far il
making this last observation, aud h
saw it when too late, for Mr. Lincoln as
sumed his severest look, and rising from
his chair exclaimed in a loud voice:
That's just it, Mr.. Senator. J nav
pardoned too many. l can pardon NJ
more"
Maxwell Smiths face paled, and tear