The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-06-27
A HUMBLE HERO.
BY BELLE V. CHISHOLM.

Louis RAIDER was private in the Fifth
Michigan Cavalry, and good soldier he
was, too. He was among the first to
offer his services to his country after the
fall of Sumter. and though he had many
friends to bid him godspeed when he left
his native home, not one in whose veins
ran kindred blood remained to weep over
his loss when he marched away. His
brothers and sisters had all died in
infancy, and before he had grown to
mans estate he saw his father and
mother laid side by side in the fam
lily burying ground in the old-fash-
battle of Trevillian Station he was
taken prisoner, and before he was fin
ally released, he had been confined in
five different prison pens and two jails.
While he was in Millen Prison, half
dozen prisoners from Andersonville we're
crowded into the already overcrowded
quarters occupied by the suffering in
mates. They were in even more pitt
able condition than the Millen prison
ere, and Louis, always tender and kind,
did all in his power for their comfort.
Especially did his heart go out to one
Of the number, Allen Truaxe, a mere
boy from Ohio, who besides being ill was
80 homesick that his comrades said he
would either die or go mad if not soon
released.
One scorching August morning, the
officer of the day told off sixty names at
the door of the prison, names of that
number of fortunate prisoners who we're
to be exchanged Immediately. Among
this number the very last name on the list
was that of Louis RAIDER. 1t was a chance
of lifetime. like life for the dead; but
notwithstanding all this. Louis hesita-
ted, thinking of the poor homesick boy,
Allen Truaxe, doomed to days and
months of weary waiting for his turn to
come.
Jump into the ranks here, quick, il
you want trip North" said the officer,
impatiently. Come! what are you
waiting on?"
IF only one can go. take Allen said
Louis. HE is sick. and than he is piping
for his home and mother. Take him; l
have no friends to mourn for me if |
never go home"
you can do as you please about
that" said the officer, "but | warn you
it will be long time before you have
such another chance"
"I'll run the risk" replied Louis. cat
any rate. his pale face would haunt me
even in the enjoyment of freedom. He
is half dead already. Yes. take him."
Allen objected feebly at the sacrifice
Louis proposed to make. but he was too
glad to escape prison life to reject the
offer thus unseltishly made, and at once
prepared to go. The poor boy had
neither coat nor hat. but his generous
stranger friend came to his relief by
pulling off his own and putting them on
him. Then as Allen filed out of the
gate and once more breathed the air of
freedom. Louis. hatless and coatless.
took hold of the handles of his wheel
barrow and started for another load Of
wood.
Could mortal mind conceive of a more
more ennobling act? 1t cost him seven
months OF living death, and all for a
h. ~ 80
ately acquainted one whom he had
never met until pity drew them to-
gether in the prison.
Brave hearted Louis RAIDER never re-
GREETED the sacrifice he made on that
hot August day, and during the months
that he remained in the prison he en-
dured his sufferings in silence, and for
his comrades who still remained with
him in bonds he had always word of
cheer.
When at last through the tardy for
tunes of war he was exchanged. he re-
turned to his duy as a soldier, and
though scarcely able to carry gun. re-
fused the furlough rendered him. treat
so eagerly accepted by others. But. re
gardless of his bravery his wonted
strength did not return, and at the close
of the war he went back to his native
village broken down in health and
spirits, mere wreck of what had once
been stalwart Louis RAIDER. Misfortunes
come not alone. and soon his little inner
itance, entrusted to the hand of others,
slipped away, leaving him in his help
lessness without the means of support.
Alone and without kindred, life looked
verv dark and draarv indaed Then IL