The Dawson journal., 1886-01-21
JEFFERSON DAVIS.
Why He Changed His Mind and Saved
Two Deserters' Lives.

! tue NEW 1OrK GUN tells the toll
lowing little story of the war:
| While the two armies under
Gen. Grant and Gen. Lee were
confronting each other below Pc
tersburg, President Jefferson Da-
Wis became so exhausted by over
work that he Determined to rest
for few days. His stewart was
a worthy German named Eggling,
who, before tho war, conducted a
flourishing nursery business near
Richmond. The President noti-
fed Eggling of his purpose to
take rest, and directed that all
visitors be excluded until further
orders. Mr.. Esgling and his as
sistants carried out their instruc-
tions, and Mr.. Davis serenelv en-
joyed his rest.
One night about 10 o clock there
was strong pull at the front door
bell. Mr.. Eggllng answered the
call, aud opening the door found
standing outside venerable gem
tleman who gave his name and
said he wished to soc the Prosi-
dent on business OF great impor-
lance. Mr.. E ygling informed him
that the President had retired,
and 90 aid not possibly DO seen
until next morning.
"Bat, my DEAR" said tbs caller,
who gave his name as Mr.. A., 'it
will be too late, then. wish to
try to save the lives OF two Cor
man dssarters from tho other sils
who ara conlom1ol to be shot at
sunrise as',spiss.'
The mention of tho nativity OF
the doomed men touched sym
pathetic, chord in Mr., Eggllng's
heart, AMI he invited Mr.. A. to a
seat in the hill. After hearing
the main particulars OF tho arrest
and sentence of the Supposed spies,
Mr. Eggling became interested in
their deliverance. He according
ly left Mr.. A. in the hall and went
up stairs to NJ. Dlvis' chamber.
Hs opened the door noislessly and
moved OIL tip-toe across the car
peted floor toward the bed, fear
ing that Mr.. Dlvis would be
a-leep. The gas was burning
dimly. Mr.. Davis happened to
be awake, aud asked his chamber
lain what he wanted.
"Mr. President" said e ,gling,
II have been in your service a
long time, AMI b we never, as you
know, solicited any special favor
from you."
Mr.. Davis admitted that.
IL have one to ask now," resum-
ed Eggliny, "ani | hope you will
not refuse it," He then request
Ell that Mr.. A., who was waiting
in the hall down stair, be allowed
to come up to tho chamber to see
him on urgent business, involving
tle lives of two innocent 81 lllers.
The President consented, ami
in short time MI. A., accom- pa
MED by Eggling, presented him
self before the President, who re-
manned in bel. After a short pre-
ieminary conversation Mr.. A.
m lde known his visit, which was
to secure a reprieve for the two
men until the charge against them
cou d be further investigated.
President Davis asked various
questions, aud, when iaformal
that the sentence of the drum.hsad
court-martial had. been approved
by Gen. Los, declared that he
could not interfere. Mr.. A. be-
came importunate, and Mr.. Davis
so far relented as to agree to think
over the matter for an hour, at
the enl OF which tims Mr.. A..
would receive his final decision.
Mr.. A. then withdrew, and at the
appointed time returned to the
chamber with Eygling Tho Pres
ident courtsou sly informed his
guest that he hal considered thu
matter fully and could not change
his decision.
"The men must die If Gen. Lea
has approved the sentence" said
the President.
us that your irrevocable con-
clnsionY Mr.. A. TREMENDOUSLY ask
cd.