The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1894-02-14
TOM JAcKsoN's STOUT HEART.
How He Gained His Cadetship at West
Point-The Story OF . Plucky Boy.
From the PHILADELPHIA Times.7

Some twenty years before the break.
ing out of the civil war it became the
duty Of q certain Congressman from a
then Virgins district to recommend 10
the President some one for the position
of cadet at West Point.
Among other applicants the two
most favorably known to him were a
couple of youths named Glib Butcher
and Tom Jackson. The Congressman
submitted each of them to a personal
examination and tcld them he would
communicate bis decision in writing on
the following day. AS may be supposed,
the intervening time was not restfal
period for either of the lads.
Jackson thumped over an algebra he
had picked up in the sitting room of
the little tavern where they were stop
ping. Whatever anxiety be really felt
was yelled under an appearance Of
shrewd Indifference. Young Butcher,
however, was very nervous and fdgeted
about good deal. Toms quiet manner
was to him rather incomprehensible.
II hardly believe you care at ALL" he
exclaimed, after lettering about for
several hours in fretful way.
WELL" replied Tom, "what is the
use of worrying over what you cannot
help? Time enough to fret when
the appointment or disappointments
comes"
"Then you don't really hope to
win?''
81 haven't bothered my head about
it since saw Mr.. Hays. I did my best
before him. It is his affair now"
Early the next morning the landlord
opened the door OF the room occupied
by the young men.
Here is a letter for you, Gib," said
he, II reckon you must be in luck"
Butcher seized and tore open the
fsteful nissive. Tom, who had the alge-
bra again, inserted a finger between the
leaves before closing the book. Sudden
ly Glib began an impromptu war dance
over the floor.
ssTcm," he cried, "I've got it! I'm
sorry for you, but Mr.. Hays has decided
in my favor" ...... ..
Then he gave mild imitation of
what afterwards became famous as the
'srebel yell" Tom, still retaining bis
book, was the first to shake Butchers
hand and congratulate him upon his
:. success. Then he sat down and finished
problem he had been attempting to
solve when the interruption came.
Afterthat he paid bis bill, sadd!ed an
5 old gray mare that was his sole earthly
piece of property and rode quietly home.
The succeeding day he resumed his
duties as constable of his district as if
nothing had happened. To this posi-
ton he had been elected, notwithstand-
ing his youth, because of q general con-
fidence in his honesty and self-reli-
ance.
In due time Butcher went to West
Point, passed his examination there
and was admitted as cadet. Then
.twc months or 80 elapsed, during which
Tom rode the Cd mare here and there,
serving papers, posting notices and
otherwise attending to his official
duties. At night he could usually be
found poring over few dog-eared vol
umes in plodding, persistent way. One
day when riding by the house Of Gib's
father he was amazed to behold young
Butcher sitting in detected attitude
upon the front porch.
s.Hellom exclaimed Tom, refining up.
"I thought you were at West Point?
We all heard that you had passed in
great shape
81 passed the exams we'll enough
returned Glib, "but 1 Icouldn't stand the
after wear and tear. tell you, Tom.
It's terrible life. Nothing but orders,
drills, dress and discipline. Then there's
the bard studying and the bullying by
the seniors I swear I WON'T get the
roaring of those guns out of my ears in
month"
"Do you mean to say, Glib, that
you have thrown up your appoint
ment?"
sIt is dogs life, tell you. ]
wouldn't go through with it to be made
general at the end"
Toms establishment was great enough
to partially conceal his contempt FOL
Butchers irresolution. He rode home
ward in deep thought. Then he con
suited a copy of the war department
regulations concerning the appoint
ment of cadets. and saw that the privi'
lege of recommending one rested with
the Congressman only for specified
time. After that it reverted 10 the Sc
cretary of War. He also consulted 81
almanac and made brief calculations
Then he got up and walked to and fro
but presently paused with an air o.
resolution.
II haze just seven days grace" he
reflected, Then the appointment vii
90 out of the hands of Mr.. Hays. It Is
more than three hundred miles tx
Washington, and he may decline e
recommend ne after ali. But it is my
only chance. pvego to get there, anc
I will get there"
An hour later on Tom and the ole
mare were Oh the road. He stopped a
the house of the nearest Justice Of tht
peace to turn over his official papen
and resign his constableship. Aftel
settling up his accounts he had bu
two dollars and half left.
tsToro - said the 3scrire Hvou Will