The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1893-08-03
A ROMANCEIN REAL LIFE.
A Story by "RecolIections" Founded
on Facts,

THE following article appeared in the
Washington EUening Star in November, 1891.
in a mntllated form, but is now given as it
was writien.-Edltor Republican.
CUMBERLAND, Nd, Nov. 1891.
t. the Editor of the Star.
Recently | read in the Washing
ton Star one of John K. Coyles' ar
ticles with considerable interest; in
deed they are of higher rate of
value than mere interest. Any pa
pers of remlnlstic character as to
persons and past events are not only
attractive to average readers, but
furnish intellectual stores fit for in
quirlng minds.
The article referred to had for its
subject Capt. Samuel IL. Walker,
one of the most intrepid cavaliers of
the Mexican war. He fell as he
fought, bravely at the battle of
Huamantla, before the middle of
the war had been reached. A list
of Walkers men was gwen, and
among the roll of honor appeared
the familiar name of Samuel Nc
Curdy. This at once suggested a
long train of romantic events of the
long ieathly past, in connection
with this rare survivor of so many
stirring and dangerous scenes. He
is now at the Soldiers Home,
Hampton, Va, at the age of ~,
upon a meagre pension of So per
month for services in the war re-
ferred to. Besides this he served
in the late war as one of PenEsyl-
vania's great hosts. from the first
gun to the great surrender.
The outbreak of the Mexican war
found .McCurdy a merchant in
Grantsville, Md. a beautiful noun
tain village, but with declining
buslness-too fond of the world and
its gayety. He had not only con-
tracted debts but something more
difficult in his case to cancel-love
not satisfactorily met, though he
was bright, intellectual, full of gay
ETY., and withal fine presence such
as the sex readily admired. His
adored did not disdain, but dis
trusted, and perhaps wisely. She
was decided and true to herself hut
still lady friend to him under all
circumstances. Such being the sit
uation of things, enlistment was
thought to be the remedy. Some
military exploit would make admir-
alton out of indifference.
He had many friends who were
ready to share his lot for "weal or
VICE." among them being Samuel
McCleary, a coach driver on the old
National Road. Persons of mis- vo-
cation for some unknown reason
have been favorites with the roman
tic portion of the fair sex. He too
had his love affair which did not
run smooth. HIS aspirations ran
in the direction of a fair daughter
of wealthy hotel keeper Great
pains and expense had been incurred
In her education and culture. She
was at once, on account of these ad-
vantages the first young lady among
the gay ones in that region, yet she
was scarcely conscious of her envi-
Gus situation. Her admirer moved
on lower plaln-looked up where
she posed, with warnings for en-
enlargement. True she did not
look down with dlsdain or even de-
cided negative looks, yet there was
no "reciprocity'' to his offering-no
repulse in the siege, vet it was in
the future to be conducted under
new policy. He adopted the Nc
Curdy tactics. TO "slay a Mex
lean" might win the heart of one
who yet kept it as her own. So off
went sthe twin Sans to far-away
Mexico to engage in a war which
each believed unnecessary: yet the
two gallant young Americans were
for their country right or wrong.
Tney sought the post of honor and
danger, not one of ease and safety,
whence no fattering or exciting re-
ports could come home. They found
such position in Capt. Samuel IL.
Walkers company of rangers. This
gallant officer wanted just such as
they were. 1t was not long until
they found what they sought
place OF danger and glory. 1t WAS
at the battle of Huamantla where
the daring Walker fell, and also
McCleary, pierced by many Mexican
lances, and was buried on the field.
McCurdy, though in touch with his
boon companion, escaped all danger
or injury, not only there, but in all
the subsequent battles. How few
there are now who remember this
gallant soldier whose hard lot it WAS
to take his permanent burial in the
far-otf country he gave his lie to
subdue.
McCurdy fell in with Scott army
IF 5,,-.es,., Il ,.-,r ., .r-.,..- -. . .. -