The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1886-10-21

upon each company roll. Young though they
were, children at the best, there is many a deed
Of heroism 10 the credit Of these boys that
would reflect honor upon grown men. One OF
this class the writer takes up in his sketch this
week-one who was with his company from its
entry into service until its iual muster out,
and one Of only four who at one period Of its
service. were able TO report for duty.
Comrade q. J. X. Miller, n charter member of
Encampment No. 2, Union Veteran Legion. is
the first name in the entry upon its register as
also its first Commander. He was born in
Courtalin, France, Nov. ], 1916, and with his
parents came 10 Watertown, n. Y, at about the
age of two years, afterward removing 10 Phila-
delphia. Pa, where he attended public schools
until the breaking out of the rebellion. He
enlisted as a drummer boy in Co. III. 5th CAL,
which was entirely recruited in Philadelphia,
and which. upon the death of Col Z. ID. Baker,
was accredited TO Pennsylvania as the l06th
regiment, until its muster out Of service at the
expiration of its term, Oct. 81, 1864
Comrade Miller was present with his COM
pany in every engagement that the regiment
was in, from Balls Bluff, Oct. 2l, 1861, TO its
last operations in front of Petersburg in 1864.
He has been a member Of Post 10 q. IA. H.. since
1873, and has served one term as its Com
mander nine years as its Quartermaster, and
three years rs its Surgeon; and il is worthy of
record that at one period of its existence, dur
ing financial difficulties, he advanced the Post
from his own personal means about 81 900. wait
ing until such times as his comrades were en-
abled TO reimburse him. He has three times
been elected by the Department of Pennsyl-
vania, GAR, representative 10 the National
Encampment, and has attended each one since
1883.
Comrade Miller, after his muster ont of the
service, took several courses in dentistry at the
Pennsylvania College, and in February, 1870.
graduated therefrom with the degree Of ID. ID.
s., and is now one of Philadelphia's most promi-
nent dentists.
At Fair Oaks. Va, during the series of en-
gagements known as the Peninsular campaign,
IL may interest Gen. o. o. Howard 10 know
that the little drummer boy there, the subject
Of the present sketch, was the one who assisted
Surg. Dwinell in the amputation Of his How
ards) arm after the action was over Standing
upon the crest of Cemetery Hill at Gettysburg
the writer, several years since, was much inter
ested i'm COmrade Millers description, as he
viewed il at the time of the action on July 3,
1863, when within 60 yards Of the enemy his
regiment advanced, firing several vOlleys driv-
ing them beyond the Emmittsburg road and
recapturing the guns Of Browns battery, which
they had attempted TO use upon our forces.
Who now but the survivors Of those terrible
days can recall the hopes and fears that gave
being 10 the impulse that brought so many of
the youth in the land 90 arms? Who now but
the generous, loyal people Of the Union then
should be ready 20 throw a shield Of protection
around those who are rapidly nearing the end
of their pilgrimage upon earth? There is no
charity they seek, no aid they ask but they are
willing 10 render fair service for, but they do
ask that when one Of their number comes TO his
Government in competition for place, with
equal ability 10 render service with the one
who did not, but who could have done equal or
better service then, that he shall not be set
aside and his claim be disregarded.
Then il was promise upon promise TO those
who should volunteer in the defense OF the
Union TO take care of those left behind depend
ont upon those who went; 10 care for him aud
his should he come home manned or broken
down with disease, the result of hard marches
exposure or imprisonment i'm the pens of the
South. Now IL rs, unless supported by influ-
ence, an almost entire forgetiulncss of the great
services he then rendered and the part he then
bore 10 give the civilized world the grandeur of
the United States of to-day. Many OF our num-
Der have by industry and frugality placed them
selves beyond the need OF assistance; but al -
there is a greater number so utterly broken
down by their service that they have lost all
| hope Of bctterment, utterly without any aid
except such as their comrades can extend by
their help aud influence.
III is this class, deserving of all that gener-
Gus people can extend, that the writer pleads
for. Then they were in the flush of opening
manhood; now their stepis faltering, their hair
is rapidly silvering, their condition in life a
mere existence
How grand a thing IL would be for the youth
Of to-day 20 be enabled 90 say truthfully, "This
is one Of our heroes when heroes were wanted
and rs long as We have influence or means we
will contribute TO render easier, il possible, the
few days yet remaining on earth of this sur
viVor Of the terrible conflict, that needed strong
arms and brave hearts 10 give 10 us a continued
/ government Of and for the entire people ire
| spective Of race and condition"
Beware Of the man or men who seek 10 de-
stroy the reputation Of AN old soldier No man
or boy gallant in action ever had a heart beat
that was traitorous 10 his comrade. They are
as true TO each other to-day as they were when
the canteen was held TO the lips Of a suffering
comrade The only partisan feeling then was
a love Of country IL is dearer to-day, if that
were possible, than then. and the proudest mo-
ment Of their lives is when they can show the
piece OF paper that gave 10 them an honorable
discharge for services hOnorably won. They
extend hearty welcome in their gatherings 60
every gallant soldier, aud they forget not 10
charitably pass over any peculiarities of dispo-
sitiOn lac may possess in the remembranccs of
his cOmradeship so grandly won. good SOL
der never lends aid, counsel or influence TO
detract in the estimation of the general public
from brave and gallant soldier. Ii is the act
OF those who hindered speedy prosecution of the
war, too cowardly 10 openly attack or place
themselves where they properly belonged.
| They, by inSinuation and abuse when permit
! ted. attempted then now the destruction of
the regulations Of brave and gallant men,
CoMRADE, Philadelphia, Pa.
Doubtful Compliment