Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1891-05-30
DECORATION DAY.
Dstyoi, Free Press.

20 that of Is.
After one regretful glance, the book
was closed aud laid aside, while Uncle
Charley said:
"Weu. if you must have a story, l
think il IS wise for ne to surrender at
once for l never could withstand such a
seige."
This decided, a group was formed ON
the head piazza of the Ortiz homestead,
OF which he was the center.
Little Mary climbed on his knee,
Harry sat on one arm of his chair AID
George on the other. while the three
elder children kept as near him as 1t
was possible TO be.
Tell Us about the war, Uncle Char
lie" said T-year-Old Harry.
But before the good uncle begins we
will learn something about him and his
family.
The Orth family had lived in the
State OF New York since long before
the war, ana at the time the war began
IL consisted Of father, mother and three
sons. Two of these were old enough to
enlist, but the third was only 10. 1t was
one OF the dear mothers few conSola-
tious that i'm that time of sadness she
could keep her youngest boy safe in her
home. This third son is the father OF
the children and Charles Orth'S brother.
And now for Uncle Charles story:
There were two brothers who lived
in the north at the time OF our civil
war.
cone was tall and slightly built. A
student, who next, perhaps, TO his
handsome young brother, cared most
for his books.
sThe other was sturdy lad with fine
form aud handsome face. Above all he
had a nature as sunny as day in May,
and he commanded rather than sought
love.
''HiS desire for adventure was strong,
As i'm most boys of his temperament,
aud the small rebelionS of school found
in him ready leader, aud those who
appeared 10 be wronged always received
his warmeSt sympathy. So it came to
pass that in the great struggle between
the two parts of our country he chose
70 join the rebels.
'One dark night when the moon re-
fused 70 appear, he left his fathers
house, without blessing or farewell.
"A note was found next day telling
whittier he was going.
"a few days later the North was in
urgent need of soldiers and the eldest
son had 20 leave home to defend his
cause.
There were many lonely homes dur
ing that dreadful time, but in none
could there have been more unhappi-
ness than in that where that old father
aud mother knew that their children
were fighting against each other.
"Wel, there was 4 terrible battle
fought and both sides fought earnestly
and well. Some of you have studied
about il in hiStOry-the battle of Bull
Run.
success seemed TO promise itself to
the southern army, in which there was
one boy always in the thickeSt of the
frht. who showed more energy and
bravery than many men twice his age.
1t was the lad " no had left his northern
home a few days before. AT one time
with baycnetS drawn tho brothers faced
each other aud each drew back. TWAS
no time for words, yet the elder said:
g Harry, Harry, what have you
done?'
%" I fight for the right, though against
my brother
"Once again they met that day. The
Young southern soldier, lost to all, save
the desire for victory, fired one wild
shot. aud a second after was himself
wounded. Before he fell, however, he
saw the face of the man at whom he had
fred aud recognized his brother.
when at last the war was over and
the soldSerS returned to their homes,
the boy who had gone to the southern
army did not return. His brother had
recovered from his wound, which was
but slight, and he had searched every
hospital of the south, but no trace
could be found further than that he
had left the hospital well.
In the Sorrowful belief that he must
have rejOined his regiment and been
among the unknown soldiers who were
afterwards killed, his parents died
within "A year, and no doubt in the bet
ter land they have met their much
loved child"
Here Mr.. Orth paused. Ills story
was ended, and though the children
were touched by the sadness of it, yet
INtN SOON AblSob 10 NAN ANA VIZ ANA -
froliC.
The next day, which was Decoration
Day. they went with their uncle to
Greenwood, taking many sweet flowers
TO place on the soldiers graves.
The cemetery, as usual on that day,
was crowded, and after spending an
hour there. Mr. Orth proposed that they
should visit the family burial plot and
then go home.
As they approach he'd it they saw that
A stranger was standing gazing sadly at
she little mounds therein and while they
descended from the carriage and with
loving reverence offered their tribute of
beautiful vi0letS and white roses TO the
memory OF the dear ones laid there, he
did not move. though the younger chill |
dren we're regarding him curiOHSly. AT
last their uncle turned 20 go, aud the /
stranger accoSted him.
Can you tell me where Charles Orth /
is buried?'
lam Charles Ortiz" was the reply, |
.'but perhaps YOU mean my brother |
Harry. II You do, l am sorry to tell