The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1884-11-01
A "REMINISCENCES OF THE WAR.
How James G. Blame Saved the Life o.
Wounded Soldier,

At the charge before Petersburg, after
the firing of the mine, a young Lieuten-
ant in one OF the Maine regiments was
severely wounded, being shot through
the eye. He, with thousands Of others,
was sent around to Washington on a
government transport, and there placed
in hospital. The boy had Just strength
enough to direct that telegram be sent
to his father, who Immediately respond
ed to the summons. On his arrival in
Washington, he found his boy apparent
ly at deaths door. The sur icon in
charge told him that if he could get the
boy home alive he might possibly save
him, but the chances were he would die
on his way home but, verse than that,
it would take several days to get a per-
nit to send him home, and the poor fell
low was sure to die on their hands dur
ing that time.
Although the father had several ac-
quaintances in Washington, there was
but one man to whom he felt to turn in
his trouble. Telling his apparently dy
ing boy he would be back i'll short
time. he started for the house of James
G.. Blaine. On his arrival there early III
the evening, the servant at the door III
formed him that Mr.. Blaine was engag-
ed, that he was at dinner with company
and could not be disturbed. The old
gentleman in his agony, replied, Tell
Mr. Blaine that gentleman from Maine
wishes to see him. case OF life and
death"
The servant Immediately delivered the
message, aud in moment Mr.. Blaine
appeared. He listened attentiveiy to
the fathers brief recital of his trouble,
and in response to The anxious inquiry
Can you help me? replied, Il think
can. Come with me, and seizing his
hat he started out on the street.
Mr. Blaine 5 first inquiry was, when
does the next train start for New York;"
and when he was told that it would
leave in about three hours. he SAID, "yOa
90 to the hospital, tell the surgeon to
make any preparations that may be nee
essary for the removal of the boy, ard |
will attend to the rest
The surgeon was hardly inclined to ac-
cept the fathers statement that the boy
was going to start for New \ ork on the
next train, but was forced to do so when
in less than an hour, Mr.. Blaine appear
ed with permit for the boys removal
home, accompanied 10y a couple of sol
diers with stretcher to convey him to
the railroad station. On their arrival
there, the attendant at first refused to
receive the wounded soldier IN the sleep
ing car, saying that they did not carry
dead men there, that the place for them
was ahead IN the express car but a few
vigorous words from MI. Blame satisfied
them that they had better change their
minds. After the sufferer was latd In
his berth. Mr.. Blaine turned to the faith
er with the remark, trips Ike this al
ways cost IA man more than he realizes
they are going to when he leaves home.
Sham let you have some money?
The offer beng decilned' Mr. Blaine
journey home, aud lett the tram. 1t was
yet ahont an hour before 1t was time fer
the train to leave Washington.
About half an hour later, while the
father was sitting on the edge OF the
berth tanning the Young sufferer. he
heard the car door open. AMI some one
say, Porter, show me to lieutenant
g berth. he father at once
stepped forward and said, Il am Lieu
tenant 9 5 father, what can do
for you lie stranger introduced
himself rs surgeon, Stating tat he was
there ut the request OF MI blaine To ac-
company him and his son t" New York
city ana see them Saicty on the tralh i"r
Boston. During the long ted'nuS hours
OF the night tins surgeon cared for the
wounded officer, and Oh their arrival in