The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-09-21
A YOUNG DRUMMER.
A Relic on Which a Newark Man
Holds His War Record.

Dr. Il. p. Rcdenoue, one of the most sue
cessful PHYSICIANS of Newark, n. j., re-
Gently spoke of his war record, and it is
given in the doctors own language by cor
respon dent to the Philadelphia Times:
81 had enlisted as drummer-Doy in the
Seventh New Jersey, and in the fall of 1861
our regiment was stationed at Meridian
Hill, near Washington. | might have been
little Eomesick, for | had never been away
from my parents before. was boy under
16 years of age, small for my years, and
was anxious to get transferred to The Sec
ond Regiment. New Jersey Volunteers, in
which l rad an older brother.
Not knowing anything about the regu-
lations governing military matters, it oc-
Cured to me that If could only get the ear
of President Lincoln | could soon accomplish
that which l SO feryentiy desired
'The officers of the Seventh Regiment
were averse to my being transferred. Fin
ally | secured two days leave of absence
and pass for Washington aud bright and
early on the morning OF October IL, 1861,
started for Washington, buying pair OF
white canvas shoes on the way, with which
/ replaced my old shoes, carrying the latter
under my arm. Ovr new oveTcoats had just
been issued, and asT was not fully developed
my coat came down to my heels, but was
quite proud of my appearance.
Il walked boldly up to the White House
door, and finding that the President was
holding a reception asked the door-keeper
to take me in. He reluctantly consented
and j, laying my bundle in corner, boldly
entered the rece ption-ro0m. The President
was talking to Henry Wilson. the Senator
from Massachusetts. and prominent menu
Der OF tho committee on the conduct of the
war; l was the only soldier in the room,
and as soon as his kindly eyes lighted on me
he beckoned ME to him and put out his great
big hand, seized mine warmly and said:
"'You look very young to be a soldier"
81 answered: But am a drummer-boy
in the Seventh New jersey A good many
curious people gathered around to see what
was going on, but the President put me at
my ease by asking me about my father and
mother. saying he had stopped at Newark
on his way to Washington in the spring.
How well | remember that towering frame,
and that sad, gaunt but kindly face. Look
ing down, like giant on half-grOwn boy,
he said is there something you want, my
lad?
81 explained that wanted to get trans
ferred to the Second New Jersey, where my
brother was.
"'Well, young soldier said Mr.. Lincoln,
you look so young that | feel more like
sending you home than sending you to the
'front.'
d" But ! won't 60 home replied, standing
up straight. L came to be a soldier"
his vest pocket a blank card, he stepped over
to a marble-top table and wrote these Words
EXECUTIVE MANSION, Oct. IL. 1861
To uhom it may concern The bearer OF
tls, Hugh ROden, says he Is drummer in the
Seventh Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers, ana
wishes to be transferred to the Second Regiment
TO be with bis brother, who Is Ill the latter regi-
ment. II 1t Will not injurOusly Affect the ser.
vice, shall be glad for him to be obliged.
A. LINCOLN.
"'There,' he said, my boy, l think that
will do you some good The smile on his
countenance as he handed me the letter l
shall never forget. The careworn appear
ance he wore when l entered his presence
had vanished. He took both my hands In
his, and said with much feeling: God bless
you, my boy
II struck out for camp that very hour,
and that letter from Lincoln made lie tile
hero of the hour. The next day was with
my brother in the Second Regiment, where
remained till the war was over.
Il was permitted to keep the original let
ter of Mr.. Linc0ln's which to me is simply
priceless in value. If ever a great ruler
could be justly called the Father OF his
people, Abraham Lincoln of blessed mem
ory was that man."