The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1886-09-02
BEN AND SPOT.
Interesting Sketch OF Gen. Kilpatriek's Servant
and His War Horse "Spot-"

anu War hOfse cpOb.
To THE EDITOR: Not the least interesting
among the attractions at the dedication of the
soldiers monument at Port Jervis, n. Y. July
., 1886, was the presence OF Gen. Fitzpatrick 8
horse "0ld Spot," led by Ben" the Generals
colored attendant at the close OF the war.
While the eyes of the veterans moistened and
their blood thrilled in their veins at the sight
OF the riderless charger, none the less interest
ing is the personal history of Ben.
Ben was born slave, the property OF
rich planter-Mr. 7Brown-Of Barneville, 5. Z.
In March, 1865, Ben was bright and intel
ligent lad of about 10 years of age, with all the
innate frolicsomeness Of his age and race, yet
not SO young as not to see and feel that the
world held brighter prospects than were afford
ed on the treadmill round of fslave existence. AT
this time the cavalry, led by Gen. Fitzpatrick,
appeared; the dreaded Yankee was no longer
a fiction, but a living. tangible reality. Like
all OF his race, Ben felt no fear; on tho con-
trary, he suddenly became possessed with
new purpose. lie sought out the General Tor
an interview" We can easily imagine the
scene. The General, bronzed with years OF
conflict and exposure, the dreaded leader ot
rough men, and the STRIPPING black boy, taught
10 crInge before those in authority. Nothing
daunted, however. Ben boldly made his way
TO the General and announced his desire to
trade masters" Whether pleased at the naiyete
OF the boy or attracted by his bright appear
ance, the General said yes, and Ben felt that
the trade" was concluded, without the for
mality of reporting the fact to his former mas
ter; nor were any cards or regrets left ut the
mansion when Ben departed
lie remained with the General till few days
alter Gen. JOhnstons surrender, when he again
traded masters connecting himself with an
officer who had been with Kilpatrick's force,
and also in Gen. Sherman's army, Capt. L.
The war having now virtually ceased, Capt
L.. determined to return on horseback, his des-
tinatiOn being Deckerstown, N. j., taking
Ben with him. As the war spirit was by no
means crushed by defeat, and the articles OF
cspitulation signed by Grant and Lee by nc
means could include a sudden return to an era
OF good feeling, Capt. l.. could not feel war
ranted in making his overland journey in the
character of a Yankee soldier, SO he assumed
the role of Confederate soldier returning
home from his regiment Ben WAS very
anxious 10 accompany him, and proved an apt
and willing pupil to the instructions he re-
ceived, that his master was Capt. -, return
ing TO his home in Maryland
They were 10 days on the trip, on every one
OF which they either met or were with Confed-
crates loud in their denunciations of the Yam
KEGS, but they reached their destination in
safety, though the history of the trip would be
an interesting chapter of personal experience
Since then Ben has been content TO remain
North, expressing no regret at his youthful
trading oT of masters
When Gen. Fitzpatrick went to Chilli as
American Minister Ben accompanied him
and remained there during the Generals tern
OF Office, giving the same satisfaction in the
paths of peace as in the more stirring scenes d
our civil war
Ben is now an honored citizen of Port
Jervis, n. y, where by his thrift and frugality
he has acquired moderate property, and by
his bearing won the confidence and esteem Of
all his fellow-citizens. Irrespective Of race.
Spot, however, entered the service at an earlier
date, having enlisted in the Army of the Potomac
In 1862, and may claim as grateful recognition
from his country for services rendered as were
awarded him by his rider, Gen. Fitzpatrick. Ole
Spot participated in nearly all the battles in
which the General took part, and although. afte
the nature of horses IN general, he is too modes
TO assert his dignity, have no doubt the bugl,
call would still warm his blood aud bring bach
some of the old war spirit in his aged frame
AT that time he was about six years old. To
day he is [ Old Spot nearly blind and deaf
but still tenderly cared for. and his every wan
supplied. Unlike many who shared with hin
the exciting scenes OF his war days, he is no
turned out on the commons of life to Craze OF
thistleS aud be forgotten, nor is his claim for
life pension cut down by soulless officials no
vetoed in the interest of cheese pairing eeono
my.-fETERAE, Port Jeryis, n. Y.