The Osceola times., 1886-01-09
WOULD NOT PRAY.
How Jefferson Davis Rewarded . Persise-
ent Intruder.

ent Intruder.
While the two armies under General
Grant and General Lee were confront
ing each other below Petersburg, Presi-
dent Jefferson Davis became so ex-
hausted by overwork that he determin-
ed to rest for few days. His steward
was a worthy German named Egglng.
who before the war conducted -four
ishing nursery business near Richmond.
The President notified Eggling of his
purpose TO take rest, and directed
that all visitors be excluded until fur
ther orders. Mr. Eggling and his as.
sistants carried out their instructions,
and Mr.. Davis sereneS enjoyed his rest.
One night at about ten O'Clock there
was strong pull at the front door bell.
Mr.. Eggling answered the call, and on
opening the door found standing out
side venerable gentleman who gave
his name and said he wished to see the
President on business of great import
ance. Mr.. Eggling informed him that
the President had retired, and could not
possibly be seen until next morning.
"But. my dear SIR" said the caller,
who gave his name as Mr.. A.. sit will
be too late then. wish TO try to save
the lives of two German deserters from
the other side who are condemned to
be shot at sunrise as spies"
The menL,n of the nativity of the
doomed men touched sympathetic
chord in Mr.. Eggling's heart, and he
invited MIR. A. TO seal in the hall.
After hearing the main particulars OF
the arrest and sentence of the supposed
spies, Mr.. Eggling became interested
in their deliverance. He accordingly
left Mr.. A. in the hall, and went up
stairs to Mr.. Davis chamber. He
opened the door noiselessly, and moved
on tiptoes across the carpeted floor
toward the bed, fearing that Mr.. Davis
would be asleep. The gas was burning
dimly. Mr.. Davis happened to be
awake, and asked his chamberlain what
he wanted.
'Mr. President" 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.
81 have one to ask now," resumed
Egglng, land hope you will not re.
fuse it," He then requested that Mr..
A., who was waiting in the hall down
stairs, be allowed to come up to the
chamber to see him on urgent business,
involving the lives of two innocent sol.
diers.
The President consented, and in q
short time Mr.. A., accompanied by Egg.
Cling, presented himself before the Pres
ident, who remained in bed After .
short preliminary conversation, Mr.. A.
made known the object of his visit,
which was to secure reprieve Of the
two men until the change against them
could be further investigated.
President Davis asked various ques-
tons, and. when informed that the sen.
tence of the drum-head court MARTA
had been approved by General Lee, de.
clared that he could not and would moi
interfere Mr.. A. became impcrtunate,
and Mr.. Davis so far relented as to agree
to think over the matter for an hour, al
the end of which Mr.. A. would receive
his final decision. Mr.. A. then with
drew, and at the appointed time re.
turned to the chamber with Eggling.
The President courteously informed his
guest that he had considered the matter
fully. and could not change his decis.
ion.
The men must die, If General Lee
has approved the sentence" said the
President.
''ls that your irrevocable conclusionp'
Mr.. A. tremulously asked
ut is; | can not reverse it," Mr..
Davis replied.
Then" said Mr.. A., ''will 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 morning?'
President Davis agreed to do this, and
in minute the three persons in the room
were kneeling, and Mr.. A. was forvently
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, MIR. President, want you to
pray"
Mr.. Davis, however. insisted on rising,
and after doing so, said: "Mr. Eggling,
bring me some paper and pen and ink. "
They were speedily produced. and in a
few moments the desired reprieve was
handed to Mr.. A, who, after profusely
thanking the President. hastened back
70 the Confederate camp, arriving Just
in time TO avert the execution. "-Bdlh.
more Correspondent ~ y Sun.