Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1891-01-08

| such perilous work. where was the man
who could suppress the fervent admiration
with which he heard that there was one
soldier who lost 10 time in demanding re-
lief from duty here, that he might speed
| to the head of the gallant fellows already
in the field, who had followed him in
many a stirring charge and through all
the current of many a heady fight; whose
hearts would leap for joy at sight of their
beloved leaders, face-the man who never
yet had failed them, the man who never
yet had falteres in his duty, the man
whose sword was never drawn without
reason, never sheathed without honor
our soldier guest, Capt. Gordon Noely'
"Much affected, it was some minutes be-
fore the captain could respond The mod
esty of the true soldier restrained his elo-
auence. He knew not how to thank them
| for this most fattering testimony of their
confidence and regard; he far from deserved
the lavish praise of their honored chair
man. If in the past he had succeeded in
winning their esteem, all the more would
he try TO merit it now. No soldier could
remain in security when such desperate
deeds called his comrades to the fray; and
rs he had ever shared their dangers in the
old days, so must he share them now. His
heart, his home, his bride, TO part from
whom was bitter trial, he left with them
TO guard and cherish. Duty called him to
the front, and with to-morrow's sun he
would be on his way. But, if it pleased
God TO bear him safely through, he would
return to them. to greet and grasp each
friendly hand again. and meantime TO
prove himself worthy the high honor they
had done him.
"There was hardly dry eye at the table
when the gallant soldier finished his few
remarks and then took his seat.
Besides winning the heart and hand of
one of the loveliest OF the Queen City's
daughters, the captain has made hosts of
friends in our midst, and we predict that
when the records of the campaign are writ
ten no name win shine with brighter luster
than that of Gordon Noel.
This doubtless was delightful reading to
Noel aud TO Noel's relatives. Doubtless
too, it was some comfort TO poor Mabel as
she lay pale, anxious, sore at heart, on the
following day, while her husband and lover
-as he undoubtedly was-spcd westward
with the fast express. But there was a
great deal about The Chronicles account
that would have elected something more
than broad grin from officers who knew
Noel well
An entire week had elapsed from the
time that the first tidings were received to
The moment when he finally and most re-
luctantly left the Queen City. The first in
timation was enough TO start Capt Lane,
lespite the fact that his health was far
from restored and that he was yet by no
means strong lie felt confident that the
indians would be joined by some of the
Chircahuas, and that the campaign would
be fierce and stubborn. Telegraphing TO
the regimental adjdtant and the general
the dcpartmentt that be intend
ed Co start at once, aud asking to be notified
en- route where he could most speedily join
the troop, he was ON his way within six
hours
That very night, although no mention
was made OF this in The Chronicle account,
Capt Noel received dispatch from the
adjutant generals Office at Washington
briefly to this effect; You become captain
OF X company, vice Rlwlins, murdered by
Apaches. Hold yourself in readiness to
turn over the rendezvous and join your
regiment without delay" No news could
have been more unwelcome. Despite his
many faults there was no question that
Gordon Noel was very much in love with
his wife; but he never had been in love
with the active part of his profession. That
night he telegraphed TO relatives who had
stood by him in the past, and wrote urgent
and pleading letters informing them that
his wife's health was in so delicate a state
that If he were compelled at this moment
to leave her and go upon perilous duty in
the Apache country there was no telling
what might be the eject upon her. IL
possible thing, he urged that there should
be delay of fortnight. He calculated
That by that time the Indians would be
either safe across the Mexican border or
whipped back TO the reservation; then he
could 20 out and join with a flourish of
and no possible danger But a
new King reigned in the war department,
who knew Joseph rather than knew him
not
In some way the honorable secretary had
become acquainted with the previous his
tory of Capt. Noel's campaign services,
and, though the influential gentleman re
ferred to made prompt and eloquent ap-
peals they were met by courteous but pos
tive GENIAL Every man who was worth
his SALT" said the secretary, SHOULD be
with his regiment now" An officer was des- |
gnated TO proceed at once to the Queen City |
aud take over Noel's rendezvous and prop
erty. and peremptory orders were sent TO |
him TO start without delay and TO notify |
the department by telegraph of the date of |
his departure-a most unusual and strin- |
gent proceeding. This correspondence
Noel never mentioned to anybody at the |
time. and it was known only TO the official |
records for some time afterward As soon /
rs be found that go he must, he dictated to |
his clerk letter in which, gallant soldier |
hat he was, he informed the adjutant gen.
sral that the news from Arizona had now |
convinced him that an outbreak of alarm /
ing dimensions had taken place, and be |
begged that he might be relieved as at his |
own request and permitted to join his com
rades in the field. To this no reply was |
sent, rs the order directing him to proceed I
had already been issued. Perhaps grim
smile played about the mustached lips of /
hat functionary when he read this spirited /
spistle.
Noel left the Queen City hero in the
Eyes of the populace. He was Just six days
Sehind Lane, Of whose movements the
Queen City had no information whatever