The San Francisco call., 1897-06-27
Miss Agnes Ruth Lange and
Major Lewis Smith, u. S. A.

the residence of the brides father, or
Presidio Heights.
There is some disparity in the ages o.
the prospective bridegroom and bride.
The former is SO and the latter but 20 year,
of age.
Away back in the early ffties, before
the war and before the ominous rumors oil
war, the brides father. ex-Sergeart
Lange, and Major Lewis Smith were en-
listed men in the same battery of United
States artillery. They knew each other
intimately, as only old campaigners on
the field can know one another.
The years as they advanced deepened
and strengthened their old-time friend
ship. but the mighty events of the period
from 1861 to 1865 changed their conditions
of rank in the service.
Lewis Smith, who entered the service of
Uncle Sam az a private soldier in 1851
was promoted to corporal and to sergeant.
In 1864 he was made a commissioned Off
Ger OF the Third Artillery, and was steadi-
ly advanced in the regular order of pro-
motion until he became captain.
When the Fifth Artillery was transferred
from this coast to New York, and the
Third ordered from Florida to duty In
the harbor of San Francisco, the old-time
friendship between Smith and Lange was
newed. In due course of time Smith
was promoted 10 the grade of major, and
assigned to the Fourth Artillery stationed
at Washington Barracks.
Promotion in the army did not come to
Lange as it did TO Smith, because he was
not ordered to the scenes where promo
ton is gained. He served, however, with
credit and .honor-put by a store of his
savings for the autumn of life, and estab-
lished for himself a comfortable home
near the beautiful Presidio. Children
came TO bless him and brighten his life,
and one of the Sweetest things that ever
grew beside a human door" was his
daughter Agnes Ruth.
The recent revival of the old-time friend
ship between the veterans of ante bellum
days brought Major Smith to the charm
ing home of mis- old comrade, Ordnance
Sergeant Lange. There the major met
the beautiful and accomplished daughter
OF his old mpanion in arms, and per-
haps as Othello did told stories of strange
adventures and moving incidents by
food and field.
Whether the story was told in the home
or in the groves of the serene Presidio,
Agnes Ruth listened. and listening loved
the Majors discourse. In due season she
named the day in response to the Majors
wooing, end so on Wednesday ext the
wedding bells will chime.
The gallant soldier who won his ad-
vancement from the ranks to the position
of major of artillery will escort his bride
to home in the East. Next year he will
attain the age of "a. and then retire to
enjoy life free from the cares of camp and
garrison duty.
In fact, the Major will have nothing
else in the wide world to do but love his
worthy wife and dlaw his retired pay. 1t
is true that the Government only allows
three-fourths of the active duty paw 10
one retired. but there will remain for the
Major and his bride a full measure of
matrimonial bliss to offset the one-iourIh
deduction in pay.
The romance Is so sweet and gentle and
sim pie that all of the Majors brother Of
heers of high and ordinary degree will ex-
tend to him and his beautiful bride the
most sincere OF congratulations.