Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1891-02-19
a FRIEND OF LINCOLN'S.
he FELL ON THE FIELD OF
CHICAAMAUGA.
a Young Keutucklsn Who Thrust Honor and
Glory Away from Him-A Bond Of Aztec.
tiOu Between Lincoln and the
Young Mas.

The story OF President Lincoln's
brother-in-law is one OF
the most interesting and pathetic N
all our war history. says tho 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 a
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 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 to the legislature and made
a creditable member. He married
Miss Todd. and year thereafter made
n visit to Illinois, where he first met
his brother-in-law, Abraham Lincoln.
They formed then and 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
force Of expression Of Abraham Lin
.colu. while the other formed deep
attachment for the thoughtful, schol-
4rly. handsome, and polished grand
sou of old Ben Hardin, whose son had
been tho contemporary and friend OF
Lincoln years before.
When Mr.. Lincoln became president.
one Of his first thoughts was. what
can I do for Ben Heam" It must
have been about the middle OF April.
1861. when, in response to a cordial
personal letter OF invitation. Helm
came to Washington to visit his
brother- in-law. He was . strong
southern rights Democrat. and a
personal friend aud follower of John
c. Breckenridge. He did not doubt
the good intentions OF his brother-in-
,law. Mr.. Lincoln, or his desire for
peace, but he read tho signs OF the
time Alright, and felt that events and
destiny would be too strong for any
man.. Helm fully appreciated the
magnitude of the task before Mr..
Lincoln. While here he saw q good
deal of his old army comrades. and
they were nearly all going south. Mr..
lincoln called Helm into his private
Office. and. handing him a sealed
envelope, said: 'Ben, here is some
thing for you. Think it over by your.
self. and let me know what you will
do" Going to his room. Helm opened
tho envelope. 1t contained his nomi
nation to be pay-master in the United
States army, with the rank OF Major
Nothing in his life ever touched Helm
like this. He knew the position was
one OF tho most coveted in the service
that the rank OF major at his age
Ohirty) was very exceptional in any
army; that he could exchange into the
Sine with any old major. In common
with all graduates Of the militar,
academy, some time in their lives
Helm had strong desire to get bacl
Unto the military service. Here wa
his opportunity. a chance brighter
than he had ever dreamed Of! Wha
should he do? He happened that YER.
afternoon to meet Col. Robert +. Lee
Just promoted to the command of tn
First cavalry. with whom he had som
acquaintance.
..Are you not we'll. Col. Lee" sal
Helm. seeing he was under stronI
emotion OF some kind.
swell in body, but not in mind.
responded the stately Virginian. II
looked the soldier and gentlemen @
,the long lineage that he was. II hav
Just resigned my commission in tn
United States army" Lee continued
~.In the prime OF life. Iquit servic
wherein were all my expectations an
hopes in this world!'
Helm handed the letter Offering hii
tho position OF major and paymaste
with rank from that date, to Col. Let
xsho read IL without a word,
Ibid you know that Mr.. Line oln wa
my brother-in-law" said Helm.
mo, Ibid not" said Col. Lee, b,
let me say one word. l have no doul
of his Uincoln's) kindly intention
but he can not control the element
There must be great war. l can M
strike ut my own people. So to-day
wrote my resignation. and have aske
Gen. Scott as a favor for its immedia
acceptance. My mind is too muc
disturbed to give you any advice. b
do what your conscience and hon'