The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1890-06-26
THE BRONZE BUTTON.
Eloquent Remarks by Hon. John NJ. Thurstou, o.
Nebraska.


Nebraska.
At the meeting of the Michigan Club at De-
troit, Hon. John NJ. Thurston. of Omaha, Neb,
a son Of gallant veteran, responded to the
toast, " The Man who Wears the Button" He
said
Sometimes in passing along the street I
meet a man who, in the LETT lapel of his coat
wears little, plain, modest unassuming bronze
button. The coat is often old and rusty; the
face above it scanned and furrowed by the toll
aud suffering of adverse years; perhaps beside
il hangs an empty sleeve, and below it stumps a
wooden peg. But when | meet the man who
wears that button. doll my hat and stand un-
covered in his presence-yeal to me the very
dust his weary foot mas pressed Is holy ground
for | know that man. in the dark hour of the
Nations peril, barred his breast to the hell of
battle to keep the flag Of our country in the
Union sky.
Maybe at Donelson he reached the inner
trench at Shiloh held the broken line; at
Chattanooga climbed the lame-swept hill, or
stOruned the clouds on Lookout nights. lie
was not born bred to soldier life. His
country's summons called him from the plow,
the bench. the forge, tho loom, the mine, the
store, the Office, the college, the sanctuary. lie
did not fight for greed of gold, to find adven-
ture, or to win renOwn. He loved the peace of
quiet ways. and yet he broke the clasp OF cling
ing arms, turned from the witehing glance of
tendor eyes, left gOod-by kisses upon tiny lips,
TO look death in the face on desperate fields.
And when the war was over, he quietly took
up the broken threads of love and life as best
lie could, better citizen for having been SO
good a soldier
What mighty men have worn this same
bronze buttoni Grant Sherman, Sheridan,
Logan, and hundred more, whose names are
written on the title page of deathiess fame
Their glorious victories are known of men; the
Of fh,fr
white light of publicity illuminates them for
every eye.
But there are thousands who in humber ways
no less deserve applause. How many knight
lest acts of chivalry were never seen beyond
the line or heard above the roar OF battle!
know man wearing the button whose modest
lips will not unclose upon his own heroic deeds.
Let me tell the story OF one. On the morning
of July /, 1862, 5000 Confederate cavalry add
yanced upon Bonneville, Mo, then held by Col.
Philip Sheridan with less than a thousand
troopers. The Federal line being strongly in
treuehed was able to hold its ground against
this greatly-supcrlor force. But Sheridan, fear
ful OF being outlauked, directed young Cap
tain TO take a portion of two companies, make
q rapid detour, charge the enemy IN the rear and
throw its line into confusion, thus making pos
sible q simultaneous and successful attack in
front. Sheridan said TO him: " expect Of your
command the quick and desperate work usually
imposed upon forlorn hope at the same time
bidding him what promised to be an eternal
farewell. Ninety two men rode calmly out,
knowing the supreme moment of their lives
had come. What was in their hearts during
that silent rider What lights and shadows
flashed across the cameras OF their sOulS2 To
one pa,o boy there came the vision of Il quaint
old house. u white. haired WOMAN on her knees
in prayer, an open Bible by her side, Gods
peace upon her face Another memory held q
h.,tf ,h.lH Id 1.
ing trees and clinging vines; stray bits of sun
shine round the open door; within a fair young
mother, grooming lHllabys above baby's crib.
And one old grizzlcd hero seemed to see in
mists of unshed tears, bush grown corner of
tho farmyard fence, and through tho rails
blended picture of faded calico, aud golden
curls, and laughing eyes. Aud then the little
column halted on bit of rising ground AID
taced-destiny.
Before them was brigade Of cavalry 5000
strong. That way lay death. Behind them
were the open fields, the sheItering woods, safety
and-dishonOr. Just for moment every cheek
was blanched. robin sang UNDECIDED from a
neighboring limb clusters OF purple daises
doomed unseen upon the grassy slope; the
sweet, fresh breath of early Summer filed the
air, unfelt by all. They only saw the dear old
flag of Union overhead; they only knew that
foes of country blocked the road in front they
only heard the ringing voice of gallant leader
ordering the charge, and with yell the little
troop swept on.
"Flashed every saber hare
Flashed rs they turned in air,
Charging army,
While ali the world wondered"
So sudden and unexpected was the attack; so
desperate and irresistible the charge that this |
handful of men cut their way through the
heart of whole brigade. Then, in prompt
obedience TO tho calm command of their Can |
tain, they wheeled, reformed and charged |
again. At this opportune moment, while the |
Confederates were ia confusion, Sheridan's |
whole line dashed forward with mighty cheers, |