The Mineral argus., 1884-03-27
THE %DESERTER'S SON.

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our purpose to describe it, but to speak
of a very Tanly-looking youth who on
that day was seen ihovering 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 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 we're there; among them the sena-
tor to whose opportuDe visit he was in
debted for the chance of having an in
terylew 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, where, 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-
ton that greeted the young petitioner,
as hat in one hand, and the petition in
the other, be stood irresolute. But his
confusion 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
then q grave expression stole owe his
lace. In almost angry tones he sald,-
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
man? My ord RS were to admit this
morning none but my constitutional adj
Yisers."
Young Smith made the required ex-
-lnv,oNsa- -, ~AAll-A IL -I-sAA.-
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 a frown
wrinkled his brow, 81 wish, youngster,
it had been exhibited for a werthier
purpose than the pardon Of deserter!'
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 did 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 /
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 sem
ator whom he had followed into the ex-
ecutive chamber. He wa 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 Al 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 a bow the cheers
which greeted him on the line of march
through Pennsylvania Avenue. "Sure-
~" he said to himself, $50 good a face
must be the inCex of a 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 a card from Mr.. Lincoln,
and once more failure stared him in the
face.