Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1889-05-30

see-I haven't mentioned it yet, but all
through my army life l was keeping track
of a young soldier whose fiery zeal in the
great cause kept him at the front and in the
thickest OF the fight. 1t was ny own boy
and all l had in the world-Lord, how l
loved him." His lower jaw dropped, and
he gazed blankly FOR moment at spot on
the ground then he went on:
Il couldn't nor wouldn't tell my boy he
should not fight for the old flag. He was
Just turned of twenty-one, and was old
enough TO enlist, but 1 had no end of
maneuvering trying to keep in the same
line of action he did. His mother was gone
years before, so she never worried over the
| risks he run.
well, the last battle he ever was in, or 1
either, was the terrible one of Cold Harbor
early in the summer of "a We were under
Hancock, and did all any of our men could
do-that was, obeyed orders. When you
consider, lads, that our loss in killed,
wounded and missing after the battle was
over thirteen thousand men, you'll never
doubt again that some of US knew what an
engagement means.
We'll 1 saw my boy fall during the
battle, and they all told me he was killed,
and for long time-yes, for years-I be-
L
very seriously whether such was really the
| fact. As | said before, came with an OBJ
ject to-day; knew there would be a great
many soldiers about, and 1 more thanhalf
expect to see tall young fellow, with an
eye as keen as an eagles fine features, and
a military air"
Just then a middle-aged gentleman
sauntered into the arbor, and the old soldier
ut once accosted him:
"Ah, good-morning, Mr. Fosdick, Glad
TO see you" His voice took on the half
beseeching tone they had noticed before as
| he continued: You know I'm an old U. S.
V, one of the rank and file merely, but
| am here to-day with an object, as usual;
shouldn't be surprised if at any moment /
was to see fine, manly young fellow, with
an eagle eye and a military carriage, come
striding along -ahl there's our minister
from Crofton; must go interview him. !
bid you good-day good-day, my sons,'
With martial air the old man gathered
himself up and departed, while Frank and
Eugene looked inquiringly at the gentle
man addressed as Mr. Fosdick"
Excuse me-" said Frank, but do you
know that old soldiers"
''Oh, yesi" replied Mr. Fosdick, look of
pity succeeding the smile with which he be-
gan to make reply; 'he was one of our
fighters during the war, but he lost an only
son whom for years he knew and realized
had been killed-at Cold Harbor, l think.
But within the last year or two his mind
has failed, and he imagines that it was a
mistake as to his sons having fallen, and SO
he is continu lily searching and inqulring
for him It's awfully sad" he added, look
ing away beyond the arbor. but he always
fancies him still young man just as he
saw him last, but doesn't realize he would
be getting grizzly" like the rest of us OF
his age, were he still living
Captain Simms, as every body calls him
although he disowns all titles belongs at
the Soldiers Home in Crofton, but is al
| lowed more liberty than is usual He
doubtless walked the six miles between
there and here this morning, but was SO
filled with his object of finding his SON as
hardly to notice the long tramp. Well
wish you good morning"
HE strong man left the arboi, and the
young fellows remaining In it looked quiet
~ into each others faces Frank was the
first to speak
u tell you, Gene, that's warl colo, cruel
warl Isn't it mournful, thought Ifeel as
though I'd like to go and implore that old
veteran to forgive my senseless words OF
an hour ago"
On, You didn't realize any thing of the
facts said Eugene, kindly, ''and I'm sure
didn't either; it seemed only hike forgot
ten tragedy of the long past; but now
we've been brought face to face with the
real thing, and it's good lesson for Us; we
ought TO feel that that struggle has left its
! scars and wounds"
"Ah. that's the worst of It." replied
Frank sadly; 1T has left scars and bruises
that never VIII heal while certain lives last