River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1895-05-23

older boys hurried off to the nearest
town To- enlist in the defense of the
country which was 30 dear to them.
Ben, the youngest son. scarcely four
teen years old. with his heart filed
with genuine patriotism. ran away
from home. and, Guiding pursuit, made
his way unassisted to the camp on The
Potomac.
He'll he back when he finds out that
boys of fourteen are not wanted in the
ranks" said his father, when he
learned what had become of him But
he was mistaken. for when the little
fellow discovered that ne could not en-
list as a soldier, he determined 10 re-
main at the front and earn his bread
by selling papers to the soldiers. Ills
pluck won him unexpected success, and
he was very proud u be able 10 send
back substantial help to the needy
ones At home
About November 10. 1862, he left
camp between New Baltimore and
WarrentOn. and made his way to
Washington for a supply of papers
Having accomplished his object. he set
out ON horseback for the thirty-mile
ride that lay between the capital ami
the camp. During his absence the
union forces had changed position,
and, unaware of the proximity of the
enemy. he ran into the confederate
picket-liue. and ne was at once con-
viewed ~ the headquarters of Gen Stu
art, and from that point he was hur-
ried off tn Libby prison in Richmond.
Mai Warner was in command of the
prison at the tine, aud when the boy
prisoner was brought into his presence
he spoke kindly TO him, and tried To
make HIM a. comfortable as possible
under the circumstances After en-
rolling his name the major asked him
the customary questions concerning his
business. and inquired il he had any
money or valuables concealed about
his person. Poor. frightened Ben had
managed to hide his money, about three
hundred and fifty dollars. IN his boots.
but. not being used To evading the
truth. he answered frankly that he
had. Let me have everything in your
possession returned the major, eX-
tending his hand as though he had no
intention of being .rifled with.
With Quiyeriag lips and fearful eyes
Ben pat his hand down into his boot
leg and drew out the roll of green
backs and handed il 10 the major.
Then. trying To choke back his sObs,
he told OF his invalid father. his over
worked mother, and the helpless little
ones at hone. and explained that the
money he carried was his soldier
brothers wages that they had intrusted
20 him while in Washington. together
with his own earnings. and that it Was
all 70 have been sent that very day to
the desOlate family away off in Penn
syIvania- The major listened quietly
20 the sad story an6 when it WAS fin
ished he folded the ooy's passes around
the money and sal L: When the time
comes for You to ,eave this place, come
TO me aud you shall have your money
again.
Six weeks later Ben was paroled.
and. repairing 10 the majors Office to
bid him gOod-by. the kiI hearted Off
Ger put the package into his hands
saying: Here is your money, my
boy, and am glad that you will soon
have chance TO send it TO your moth
er. GOOd-by. and may God bless and
take care of you"
The little fellow took the package
gratefully, and was soon on his way To
his northern home. His Imprisonment
had not crushed his ambition. how
ever. and after a weeks rest he re-
turned TO his old stamping ground. aud
was soon going his rounds as usual
Two of his brothers were sent home
In pine boxes before the war closed