The Northern Pacific farmer., 1883-10-25
THE DESERTER'S SON. !.

THE DESERTER'S SON.
Abraham Lincoln's second inaugura-
ton March 4, 1869 will long be remem-
bered by all who witnessed it. It is not
our purpose to describe it, but to soeak
of a very u:anly-looking youth who on
that day was seen khovering 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 ap-
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 a 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
stant absent from his post.
Once in. he lost no time in finding his
way to the presidents room, in which
gagged in writing.
Several distinguished-look gentle
men were there; among them the sena-
tor to whose opportupe 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 petition for the pardon Of his
father, who had deserted his camp near
Washington to 20 to his home in New
York city, Were, 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 eyes they encountered those of the
lad, who had quietly made his way to
the desk.
''Who are you?" was the first exclama-
I'ou t"'' RIootou CIAo young potttloAo!'
as hat in one hand, and the petition in
the other, he stood irresoslte. 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 a hasty glance, and
thea grave expression stole owe r his
face. In almost angry tones he said,-
"He1e is another petition for the par
don ia deserter. 1t is about time
ceased showing ciemency to runaways at
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 ord RS were to ad NIT this
morning none but my constitutional ad-
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 frown
wrinkled his brow, 81 wish. youngster,
purpose than the pardon ola deserterw
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 a fur
Tough, it would, doubtless, have been
granted him."
''He di ask, Mr.. President, but it was
refused him again and again. Will! you
please read the petition?"
"Not now. Come here,immediately
after my return from the capitol, and I
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. It
happened that young Smith left the
white house in company with the sem
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.
win D. Morgan, and Smith knew at once
that he could not possibly have 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 smile or bow the cheers
which greeted him on the line of march
through Pennsylvania Avenue. 'Sure-
ly," he said to himself, $50 good face
must be the inCex of a kind heart" and
he felt encouraged to 60 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 50 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.
face.
At this moment Senator Morgan
came up. and remarking to the usher
that he would be responsible for the
youth, they both wend, d their way to
the president, whom they found alone.
swell, Senator" eaid the president,
addressing the ex-governor, "hOw were
you pleased with the inauguration"
voIy Ill lCu, MTs 1IcSluC1lU, Dub OCs
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 do
after his restoration to good name?"
asked Mr.. Lincoln.
''To rejoin the army, and endeavor by
strict attention to his duties to redeem
himself"
sis 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 rs the President.
When all the story had been told, the
Senator added:
"Mr. President, the Lads statement is
substantially correct. From W hat have
heard from others, have no hesitation
in endorsing it. In my judgment the
man should be pardoned."
20 Morgan, your heart is 90 tender
that were you President, everybody
could be pardoned."
mot so, Mr.. President; but when a
youth like this pleads so strongly and so
intelligently tor a fathers life-tor his
life is forfeited to the Government it
caught cannot listen to him unmove d.
You have pardoned great many de-
eerters, Mr.. President, during your
term nf OtficaD