The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1886-01-06
DAVIS AND THE DESERTERS.
Praying with the Confederate Presi
dent-A Story Of the Wax.

Praying with the Confederate Presi
| dent-A Story OF the Wax.
A Baltimore letter to the New York
! Sun tells the following story of the War
While the two armies under General
; Grant and General Lee were confronting
each other below Petersburg, President
! Jefferson Davis became 80 exhausted by
overwork that he determined to rest for
few days. His steward was worthy
German named Eggling, who before the
war conducted aourishing nursery busi-
ness near Richmond. The president no.
titled Eggling of his purpose to take q
rest, and directed that all visitors be ex-
Guided until further orders. Mr.. Egg
ling and his assistants carried out their
Instructions, and Mr.. Davis serenely en-.
joyed his rest.
One night at about 10 o'clock there
was strong pull at the front door bell.
MIR. Eggling answered the call, and on
opening the door found standing outside
a venerable gentleman, who gave his
name, and said he wished to see the
pres dent on business of great import
ance Mr.. Eggiing informed him that
the president had retired, ind could not
| possibly be seen until next morning.
"'But, my dear ST." said the caller,
who gave his name as MIR. A., 'it will
be too late then. l wish to try to save
the lives of two German dcsertevs from
the other side who are condemned to be
shot at sunrise as spies"
The mention of the nativity of the
| doomed men touched a sympathetic
chord in Mr.. Eggling's heart, and he in
vited Mr.. a. to seat in the hall. After
hearing the main particulars of the arrest
and sentence of the supposed spies, Mr..
Eggling became interested in their de-
liverance. He accordingly left Mr.. A.
in the hall, and went up stairs to Mr..
Davis chamber. He opened the door
noiselessly and moved on tiptoe across
the carpcted floor toward the bed, fear
ing that MIR. Davis would be asleep. The
gas was burning dimly. Mr.. Davis hap
pencd to be awake and asked his cham.
berlain what he wanted.
"Mr. Presidcnt," said Eggling. 81
have been in your service long time,
and have never, as you know, solicited
any special favor from YOU"
Mr.. Davis admitted that.
II have one to ask now, resumed Egg
ling, land hope you will not refuse
it," He then requested that MIR. A..
who was waiting in the hall downstairs,
be allowed to come up to the chamber
to see him on urgent business, involving
the lives of two innocent soldiers.
The president consented, and in a
short time Mr.. A., accompanied by Egg
ling, presented himself before the presi'
dent, who remained in bed. After a
short preliminary conversation Mr.. A..
made known the object of his visit,
which was to secure repricvc for the
two men until the charge against them
could be further Investigated.
President Davis asked various ques-
tions, and, when informed that the SEN
tence of the drumhead court martial had
been approved by General Lee, declared
that ne could rot and would not inter
fere. Mr.. A. became importunate, and
Mr.. Davis 80 far relented as to agree to
think over the matter for an hour. at TIE
end of which Mr.. A. would receive his
final decision, Mr.. A. then withdrew,
and at the appointed time returned to
the chamber with Eggling. The presi'
dent courteously informed his guest that
he had considered the matter fully, and
could not change his decision.
''Thc men must die, if General Lee
has approved the sentence" said the
President.
'Is that your irrevocable conclusion9'
Mr.. A. tremulously asked.
"It is; l cannot reverse it," Mr.. Davis
replied.
"Then," said Mr.. A., twill you rise
from your bed and unite with me in
prayer to Almighty God for the souls OF
the poor unfortunates who are to be shot
to death in the morning2"
President Davis agreed to do this, and
in minute the three persons in the
room were knecling, and Mr.. A. was
fervently praying for the salvation of the
doomed Germans. When "Amen" was
said Mr.. Davis was about to rise, but he
was prevented by Mr.. A., who said:
"Now, Mr.. President, I want you to
pray"
Mr.. Davis. however, insisted on rising,
and after doing so, said: "Mr. Eggling.
bring me some paper and peu and ink. "
They were speedily produced, and in
few moments the desired reprieve was
handed to Mr.. A., who, after profuscly
thanking the President, hastened back
to the Confederate camp, arriving just
=, tinoa IN avart tha ayecution