The Forrest City times., 1891-02-13
A FRIEND OF LINCOLN'S.
HE FELL ON THE FIELD OF
 CHlCAA M AUGA.
Young Kentuckian Who Thrust Honor end Glory Away from HimA Bond of Alice. tion Between Lincoln and the
 Young Man.

Young Man.
 Tho story Of President Lincoln's
 confederate brother-in-law is one of the most interesting and pathetic n
 all our war history, says the Louis
 vile Courier Journal. It is full of
 the pathos of friendships broken and divided lives. The two were devotedly
 attached to one another; their friend ship was like that of David and Jona-
 than. The story is worth telling now. Ben Hardin Helm was born in 1881.
 His father. Hon. John L. Helm, was n prominent lawyer and politician, once governor of the state. His son, named for his maternal grandfather. was sent to West Point He graduated in 1851. and was assigned to the Second dragons. He only remained in the service a year, and then resigned to enter upon the practice of law. Young
 Helm was known as a rising young lawyer all over the state. He was elected 10 tho legislature and made ' Miss Todd. and year thereafter m ade visit to Illinois, where he first met his brother-in-law, Abraham Lincoln. They formed then aud there friend ship which was more like the affection of brothers than an ordinary liking between men. Helm fully appreciated the kindly nature, the quaint wit and 1 force of expression of Abraham Lin 1 coln. while the other formed a deep I attachment for the thoughtful, schol- arly, handsome. and polished grand 1 son of old Ben Hardin, whose son had \ been the contemporary and friend of 1 Lincoln years before.
 When Mir. Lincoln became president
 ono of his first thoughts was. What ! can l do for Ben Hem?" It must have been about the middle ot April. l 1861, when, in response to cordial | personal letter of invitation, Helm came to Washington to visit his | brother in-law. He was strong southern rights Democrat. and l personal friend and follower of John C. Breekiaridge. He did not doubt
 the good intentions Of his brother-in- l law, Mir Lincoln. or his desire for I peace, but he read the signs of the
 time aright, and felt that events ana
 destiny would be too strong for any
 man. Helm fully appreciated the magnitude of the six before Mr
 Lincoln. While here he saw a good
 deal of his old army comrades, and
 they were nearly all going south. Mr.
 Lincoln called Helm into hs private
 office, and. handing him B sealed
 envelope, said: Ben. here Is soma-
 thing for you Think 1t over by your- sell, and lot me know what you will l do.' Going to his room. Helm opened
 the envelope. It contained his nomi-
 patton to be pay master in the United States army, with the rank Of Major,
 Nothing in his life ever touched Hoim like this. He knew the position was
 one of the most coveted in the service;
 that the rank Of major at his age l (thirtyl was very exceptional in any
 army; that he could exchange into the
 line with any old major. In commoa
 with all graduates of the military
 academy, some time in their lives
 Helm had a strong desire to get back
 into the military service. Here was
 his opportunity, chance brighter
 than he had ever dreamed ol What
 should he do3 He happened that very
 afternoon to meet Col Robert F. Lee. l just promoted to the command of the
 First cavalry, with whom he had some acquaintance.
 | Are you not we'll, Col. Lee" said 1 Holm, seeing he was under strong | emotion of some kind.
 Well in body. but not in mind"
 responded the stately Virginian. He looked the soldier and gentlemeo oi the long lineage that he was Fl have just resi2 ned my commission in the United States army" Lee continued.
 ''ln the prime Of life, quit a service wherein were all my expectations and | hopes in this world!"
 Helm handed tho letter offering him the position Of major and pay mas ter with rank from that date, to Col Lea who read 1t without word,
 Did you know that Mir Line oln was my brother-in-lawp" said Helm. ''No. did not" said Col. Lee, but let me say one word. 1 have no doubt of his Qincoln's) kindly intentions, but he can not control the elements There must be agreat war. can not strike at my own people, So to-day l wrote my resignation. and have asked Gen. Scott as favor for it's immediate acceptance. My mind is too much disturbed to give you any advice. But do what your conscience and honor bids. Good-oy."
 And so they parted. never to meet again on earth.
 It Is no wonder that Helm slept but little that night or the one following Mir. Lincoln said not word to him, nd hts rrfFa ~e