The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1890-06-25
Soldiers 8uoeet.
A War StOry--.A Touch of the
Humane.


can we expect that stories relating to
the terrible conflict will cease to be
told aud read with interest. Although
the greater part of these, especially the
most exciting kind, are of the blood
and-thunder order, yet in thousands of
cases, mostly unreported and unknown,
the eXigencies of the long conflict dis
covered and brought into play the
purest and highest virtues that can
adorn humanity. These at the time
did much to " smooth the visage of the
horrid front of war, and they should
find a record and be remembered.
| In the autumn of the first year of the
war, while the " Army of the Border"
title given by President Lincoln to
the Kansas troops, was campaigning in
western Misso uri. an intelligent and
wealthy citizen by the name of Harris
was captured by Union scouts with
arms in his hands and carrying a con-
federate flag. The wretched work of
retaliation had commenced between
the contending forces, aud a number
of men had been shot in cold blood on
both sides. The chaplain of the Third
Kansas Regiment was well informed
in regard to the plans and purposes of
General Lane, the commander of this
army, and he knew that the life of the
prisoner, Harris, was in the greatest
danger. Anxious that the slaughter of
innocent men should go no further, he
determined to save Harris, and restore
him on parole as speedily as possible
to his family
Having ascertained where Mr.. Harris
lived, he rode up to the gate of his fine
residence, and requested to see Mrs.
Harris. Presenting herself, the follow
ing conversation took place:
"This is Mrs. Harris?"
1t is, sir"
Are you aware that your husband is
in the national camp-a prisoner of
war?n
&C am, sir.''
AS chaplain in the army l feel it
my duty to inform you that his life is
in peril, but l hope by your help that
further retaliation on either side may
be prevented"
"What can do, sir? Pray tell me-"
Remain calm, self-possessed and
absolutely silent till tomorrow; then
with lady friend start for West Point;
you will reach the place the next day
about noon. The Union army will be
in camp there at the time. Call first at
my quarters; this is my card. Nothing
more need now be said" Touching his
hat, the chaplain galloped away, and
this interview was mentioned to no one.
The chaplain on the march to West
Point was alert, and at no time did he
absent himself very long from either
General Lane or this prisoner. The
easy access he had to the general made
it practical for him to say anything he
thought proper, and this privilege was
most diligently improved.
The next day by evening the army
was in camp at West Point, watching
for the enemy and waiting for fresh
orders. The following day about eleven
O'Clock Mrs. Harris and her friend were
escorted by one of the guards to the
tent of the chaplain. AS good dinner
as the camp could afford was provided,
and in the presence of the guard Mrs.
Harris was permitted to dine and con-
suit with her husband. With her
friend she returned to the chaplain's
quarters. The situation was most
thoroughly canvassed, and the lady de-
cided upon the policy she would pur-
sue. She was by the chaplain escorted
to the headquarters of General Lane,
who, informed of her mission, was pres
ent waiting to receive her.
Mrs. Harris was Kentucky born, well
educated, of fine ability, easy in her
manners, and in all situations as far
from affectation as from embarrass-
ment. AS the piercing eyes of General
Lane met hers, he felt that he was in
the presence of queen.
General Lane, Mrs. Harris" said
the chaplain.
She was received very cordially and
with stately dignity by the general, and
asked to be seated. AS the chaplain
was about to leave he was requested to
remain during the interview.
In sympathetic and encouraging
tone the general said:
"The chaplain informs me that you,
madam, have come to our camp to see
your husband, who is a prisoner; the
hardships war inflicts are terrible, and
no class suffers more than women"
I" Yes, sir, and am delighted with
the courtesy | have received | have
been permitted to dine with my hus-
band, and l am very glad to find him
so comfortably situated but as the fate
of my husband is in the hands of the
general in command of this army,
come to you, sir, to ascertain what that
will be-"
" Madam, you must be aware of the
fact that the confederates have killed
some of my men in cold blood, after
they had surrendered themselves as
prisoners of war, and that business
must be stopped, even if | have to re-
taliate.'
eyes, general, regret to say l am
aware of that fact; but then, in retail
alton, five of our men have already
been killed, and is not that number
enough?"
The chaplain had instructed Mrs.
Harris to make all she could out OF the
part the federals had already taken in
the shedding of innocent blood. The
general stared and blushed, for he knew
she had stated the truth, and he quickly
said:
Z" But that was not done by my order,
,,or ala onnrova IL for | hod bonod