The times., 1897-05-14
his LAST FOE WELCOMED
Veteran William Warner Calmly
Looks Forward to Death.
BATTLED ON MANY FIELDS
He Followed Scott at Vera Cruz and
Cherubu SEQ and at Fifty Enlisted
in the Army of the Union-Has
the Presentiment of Death Upon
Him.

Eyes, I've fought my last battle, and
| before morning / know / shall join the
great army; for 1 am going to die to-
night
| Then the old soldier rolled over in his
bed, and after a pitiful sigh of distress
lay peacefully and quietly awaiting she
end which at most cannot be far In the
future.
The man who uttered these words was
William j /, Warner, a veteran Of more tGan
200 battles, now nearly eighty-six years
of age. and during the Mexican war mem
ber of the personal staff or bodygUa ID OF
Gen Winfield $. Scott. After having fought
under the flag for fifteen years, foar months
and eight days, as the old man is very
particular to designate the exact time of
lns service, he has been rewarded with
$12 pension, which, not being sufficient
to support hiin, and hrs children having
neglected him, he is now on his way to
spend his few remaining days at the Sol
ciers' Home.
Last night he found his way into the Mu-
nicipal Lodging House. on Twelfth street,
where Lieut.. Boyle had sent him when lie
applied for nights lodging at the ThiTd
precinct station
Capt. Cutler. who has charge of the city'S
public lodging house. was quick to appreci-
ate the old man S infirmiUies, and provided
hiEn with better accommodations than are
ordinarily furnished to the homeless wan
derer.
Capt. Cutters heart was deeply touched
by the old mans story, and after provid-
ing the aged veteran with the best Tilnds
from his wn table he sought out the softest
cot IN the house and ordered an. attendant
to see that Mr.. Warner was made as com
Portable as possible.
II hope tne old man won't die before
morning." said Capt Cutler, but ne feels
pretty bad"
Few men have had the varied war ex-
pericace Of veteran Warner His father
was d soldier in the war of 49, 2 III which
year he was born, and an eagerness Tor
carnage seemed toshaye been his birth
right. When a young man twenty TWO
years old, he enlisted in the Army
at Albany, and joined in the Semi
mole war. OF which he is now one OF Une
few scattered survivors. Eight years lie
fought tile Indians aud drove them from
their hunting grounds.
shady spot under friendly tree in
the open field was then his hospital ward
when he was recovering from wounds from
Indian arrows and bullets.
When the Mexican War broke out Vet
eran Warner again went To the front, and,
on account OF his past experience in war
fare Gen Scott made him a member OF
his personal staff Behind the famous gen
eral he marched from Vera Cruz TO The City
Of Mexico, and took part in each Of the de-
cisive battles which Were won from Santa
Anna Warner was also one to pursue the
vanquished Mexican leader as he fled be
fore Gen Soott's troops, and in his haste
left behind his wooden leg
Again in 1861, when President lincoln
issued his fist call for volunteers, though
fifty years old, and past the age limit for
service, he again enlisted in the 15Sth
New York Regiment, and remained in ser
vice Until the fall of Richmond During a
portion OF the time he was under Gen.
Banks, and later followed Sherman n his
famous march from Atlanta to Tie sea.
The old man talked calmly of his eype-
rience, and told of thrilling scenes and
nair- breadth escapes as If they Were mere
common place incidents, until he spoke
ened, and he grew warm and enthusiastic
That he regarded as the graudest
achievement in which he had ever par
ticipated.
Strange to say, fifteen years of hard fight
ing had never broken tie oldmandown until
now, when he stands ready to answer the
last muster cali. Until now he has never
known an hour Of sickness or disease, even
when in Confederate prisons or undergoing
perilous exposures.
The old man has two sons living, but
neither cares to have the trouble Ofloodng
after the old father, and his only place of
refuge row is a the Soldiers Home.
At the dedica ton of the Grant Monument
in New York. recently, Veteran Warner
was accorded by Mayor Strong seat OF
honor, where he could witness the grand
pageant.
Warner was very much improved yes
terday morning, and was sent 10 Sold
iers' Home, where he viii remain