The National tribune., 1888-03-08
A CLOSE CALL.


How the Lives Of Two Desorters We're SaTed.
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: I notice in
your Personals in THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE
Of Feb. Is reference is made 10 Dick Abrams,
who, as the personal states, became celebrated
on account Of Gov. ParkeTs success IN saving
him from being shot. Something like the
above bas gone the rounds Of the newspapers,
and is ali wrong; and I know that ex-Gov
Parker, Of New jersey, now deceased, who
was ever the soldiers friend, If alive would
correct IT,
The following short letter, sent to fellow
townsman by Dick, as he was familiarity called,
speaks Tor itself The letter bore the postmark
Of Washington, D. C., and read as follows:
DEAR soUIEE: am to be shot tomorrow yFri-
day. morning. II you can save my life, for Gods
sake do 20. RICHARD ABRAMS.
This strong appeal, made 10 Geo. l. Britton,
esq, was al oDce needed. Mr.. Britton left his
home at once for the Countyseat to procure if
possi bic 5 letter from Gov Parker but the
Governor was IN Trenton. He did see Theo.
Frelinghugsen, who gave him letter Of intro
duction to Mr. Lincoln. Mr. Britton then rode
20 Allentown. y. j., a distance Of 20 miles and
called on EZ-Goy. Vim. A. Newell for a letter
Ex-Cioy. Newell seated himself 70 write the let
Ter. but after a moment Of thought he said
George, ] had better 60 TO Washington with
you, FOR you viii lot get 10 sec the President IN
time 10 save the boy" And, as the Squire says,
81 20 minutes they were on their way 70 Wash
5ngton, reaching the city al daylight on Tues
day morning. While waiting Al Wizards Ho-
tel young man by the name Of Smith called
70 sec Gov. Newell. his Smith's) brother was
70 be shot Promising 10 speak word for the
brother, EE-GOy. Newell aud tle Squire started
Tor the White House, Esaching there about 10
3. n. Mr. Britton says be vii never forget the
expression Of that grand man, Ar. Lincoln. as
he grasped the hand Of Newell. Every Inca
ment Of his face seemed freighted with the
CARES AND ANXIETIEs OF NATION.
For some time Newell stood in front Of the
kiRdhearted President pleading as only ht
could, for the lives Of Abrams and Smith 81
strong was his appeal tbatat one time the Pres
ldent said: Governor don't bring a corpse
here 10 make me feel worse God knows fee
bad enough already 4" and added, There Is Z
woman out in the ante-rO0m who has been
standing there three days, and ] dare not sec
her Meade sentences and j TeprieYe YoJ
can see, Governor, we can have no organize
ton" During the conversation, which LASTED
about TWO hours. Mr.. Lincoln sent telegram Il
Gen. Meade, and told Coy. Newell and Mr.
BrittOn 20 call again az .. m They did "a. aut
were informed that the sentences Of Abrams
and Smith had been c0mmuted TO that Of i'm
prisonment for one year at the Dry Tortugas
The boy OF the woman referred 10 before Will
two Others, paid the penalty Of desertion Will
their lives, and Abrams and Smith served or
their sentences. Death came so near to Abram
and Smith, that when the reprieye came thel
Were seated upon their respective collins by tn
side Of the three who were shot to death.
The above are the facts IN regard 10 sayin,
the LIE Of Dick Abrams and in justice to Ex
GOWN. 4 Newell and Geo. J. Britton shoulS
De SO pubiisEeo.-JoHE c. PATTERSON, Major
18th n j., Ocean Grove, N j.