Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1895-04-23

war. There were few whose place 1t
was 10 lad In whom constitutional
inabilityIrendered IL impossible for them
TO face sch a storm. They were ordered
back, thdir places filled by those made OF
sterner stuff. There were soldiers in the
ranks who skulked, but their officers
drove thim on. The main force Of that
reserve division Of Union troops showed
unitedlstrength Of purpose, which, II
it could be transformed to different
field. n teld Of moral heroism, would
make an army Of gods.
Mark Maynard climbed with the rest.
For q moment when that storm burst
the instincts Of a human being. acting
upon hirh suddenly, made him recoil. A
number lof quick recollections flashed
before him. His position, the chance
given hi h to redeem the past, the con-
sciousneis that men looked to him for
strengthen that trying moment-they
were all las nothing compared with one
other, ohe which prevented any fur
ther giving back II was not a desire
for deatlii. That was too near 1t was
not dejire TO show prowess at mo-
ment wien men were either quailing OF
making fecords as heroes. At that terri
bic mortent there came before him a
picture 30 sweet, so innocent, that one
NAV well wonder how it could have ap-
peared Amid such frightful scenes. II
81 l. xx,,fa an1 how
With ittfashed the thought: "All for
them. Fbr myself. nothing"
Whether he needed this to nerve him
to do his duty, certain it is that from
this morhent he forgot danger. One idea
absorbed his entire beiDg-that whether
he lived pr died word should go back to
those slowed better than himself that
he was d least not among the fiinchers.
Once thik idea possessed him he was a
machine! cog moving 500 wheels. II.
knew nothing Of the deafening sounds;
he was bblivious to bullets or shells.
Like the, picture Of the Sistine Madon'
ma was over present the gentle face and
figure of woman holding up child.
Mother Ind child, in the famous paint
ing. havs for centuries stood forth. q
divine light to lead tho world from sin.
Mother ind child, in the eyes Of Marx
Maynard, were divine light to lead
him out bf the depths into which he had
fallen bN violation Of principle.
The time Of probation was short, but
not too short for Maynard's bearing f
have itsI effect. Among the few whS
held theImen together during that briei
struggle flor the life Of the army he tool
an important part. The ridge was won,
and one bf the first regiments on it was
that con imanded by Colonel Mark May
nard.
The Ridge was not only won; it WIZ
held. Rht who can depict the holding
| It was liy q repetition Of struggles lik,
the one that took it, only the gray at
tackled, while the blue defended. Eigh
times the Confederates charged, ant
eight times they were driven back.
| Night c,lne; there was no light where
by to mike another. The ridge was II
Union kbeping; the Army OF the Cum
berland was saved.
Relin.iuishing his command. Maynard
| rode thr1ugh 1900 dead and wounded
| OF the 7,bOO men who climbed the hill
side a lew hours before to Genera
Thomas headquarters
"Hav1 you any further commands
general?P he asked.
'.Ah, Colonel MaynardI Let me thanl
you amchg others for your work. Yo'
men ovek there have saved Us. / wan
You to gb back to tho cavalry and com
mand ore of several forces intended Il
cover oct retreat. We must get back to
night to|a safer position.
''I awhit your orders, general.
"Colohel," I" added the general, turn
ing upol; him kindly, approving eye
there ske number to BE- rewarded TO
today's work, among them yourself. ]
we get ehfely out Of this, ! shall max
| suitable acknowledgment Of your serv
iooa"