Waterbury evening Democrat., 1895-01-30

war There were a few whose place it
was TO lead in whom a constitutional
inability rendered it impossible for them
to face such n storm. They were ordered
bacl, their places filled by those made of
5 ,.ner stuff. There We're soldiers in the
ranks who skulked, but their officers
drove them on. The main force of that
reserve division of Union troops showed
n united strength Of purpose, which. if
it could be transformed TO different
field, field of moral heroism. would
make an army of gods.
Mark Maynard climbed with the rest.
For moment when that storm burst
the instincts of n human being, acting
upon him suddenly. made him recoil. \
number Of quick recollections flashed
before him. His position, the chance
given him TO redeem the past, the con-
seriousness that men looked to him for
strength in that trying moment-they
were all as nothing compared with ono
other, one which prevented any fur
Their giving hack. 1t was not desire
| for death. That was too near. 1t was
not q desire TO show proweSs at n mo-
ment when men were either Quailing or
making records rs heroes. At that terri
BILE moment there came before him a
! picture so sweet, so innocent, that ono
may we'll wonder how it could have ap-
peared amid such frightful scenes. 1t
was the photograph of his wife and boy
With it flashed the Thought: "All for
them. For myself, nothing"
Whether he needed this to nerve him
to do his duty, certain it is that from
this moment he forgot danger. One idea
absorbed his entire being-that whether
he lived or died word should 20 back to
those he loved better than himself that
he was at least not among the 6inchers
Once this iden possessed him he was q
machine, a cog moving 800 wheels. He
knew nothing of the deafening sounds;
he was ObliviOus to bullets or shells.
Like the picture Of the Sistine Madon,
ma was ever present the gentle face and
figure of q woman holding up child.
Mother and child, in the famous paint
ing, have for centuries stood forth, 8
divine light to lead tho world from sin.
Mother and child, in the eyes of MARI
Maynard, We're a divine light to lead
him out of the depths into which he haC
fallen by q violation of principle.
The time of probation was short, bu
not too short for Maynard's bearing t.
have its effect Among the few whC
held the men together during that brie
struggl sor the life Of the army he tool
an important part. The ridge was won
and one of the first regiments ON it wa
that commanded by Colonel Mark May
nard.
The ridge was not only won; it wa
held. But who can depict the holding
1t was by repetition of struggles ik
the one that took it, only the gray at
tackled, while the blue defended. Eigh
times the Confederates charged. an,
eight times they We're driven back
Night came; there was no light where
: by to make another The ridge was il
, Union keeping; the Army Of the Cum
berland was saved.
Relinquishing his command, Maynar
rode through .. 500 dead and wounde,
: Of the 1900 men who climbed the hill
5 side a few hours before TO Genera
e Thomas headquarters.
Have you any further commands
e general?" he asked.
: ''Ah, Colonel Maynard! Let me than
you among others for your work. 70
men over there have saved US wan
you to go back to the cavalry and com
mand one of several forces intended {
o cover our retreat. We must get back tC
night to a safer position.
/ Il await your orders, general -
Colonel, added the general, turn
= ing upon him n kindly. approving eys
= there are a number to be rewarded fC
d today's work, among them yourself.
/ we get safely ont of this, shall max
o q suitable acknowledgment Of your serV
Y | 100, -