Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-01-28
A Modest Soldier.


To the Editor of The Evening Star:
Probably the most modest veteran OF
the Grand Army is a member of Kit Car
son Post. So quietly and unostentatiously
does he wear his honors and his scars
that, like myself, no other member of
the post ever knew he had any record
above that which would entite him to
membership. 1 have known him intimate
ly for thirty years, and l knew as little
as the others Of his service, until last
week while partaking OF lunch a portion
of his military history was drawn out by
a friendly cross-examination. This quiet
n an had been personally honored by Gov
ernor E. D. Morgan Of New York because
his strong right arm was the first one
raised in the empire state in answer to
the Presidents call for help in April, 1851
His name is registered as the first vOlun-
teer from that state. and for thirty years
he has been the undisputed first volunteer
in the United States in the war of the re-
bellion.
He was also honored by Governor Hora-
ito Seymour for his bravery and patriotism
He was twice honored by President Lin
coin. once personally, when he sent for him
and presented him commission, and some
time later, by a special messenger from
the White House. he sent him promotion.
President Andrew Johnson also honored
him with promotion. assigning the rea-
son tnat II was lOr gallant ana mefltOr1OuS
services ir. the field. Later he received that
" hich is most dear to a soldiers heart. He
received by direction Of President Mckin-
ley the highest military honor that can be
conferred by any government. 1t was the
Victoria Cross of America, known as the
congressional medal of honor. granted for
most distinguished galantry in action"
He was the first enlisted man in the great
rebellion to win the honor medal, and he
Won it in his first battle, July Is, 1861. He
seemed to be first in everything.
He modestly related an incident that in
terested me greatly, which was never pub
lished, in relation to the assassination Of
President Lincoln and the attempt on Sec
rotary Stewards life. He explained to me
that two enlisted men from his station
were detailed as attendants on the Secre-
tary of State, he having been thrown from
his carriage and being confined to his bed
on account of injuries received. One of
the men was named Woke from one of his
companies the other man named Robin
son. who was at the time a cOnvaleScent
from Maine regiment at Douglas Hos
pital. 1t was the man Robinson who ap-
peared on the scene at the moment when
Payne. the assassin, who was giant in
strength, rushed up to the bedside of the
PROSTATE Secretary, with dagger raised
high in air ready to make the fatal plunge,
and jumped upon the back OF the muir
derer, which gave the Secretary moment
of time In which to change his position In
the bed before the blow descended. 1t
was a large feather bolster that he had
sent to prop up Mr.. Seward that received
the descending blow as he drew 1T between
himself and the assassin, and which saved
the Secretary's life. He stated that Robin
son received many testimonials for his
brave act and was made a paymaster in
the army, where he is today.
1 asked permission to make a note of
this for publication, as thought it would
be of interest to Others but he perernp-
torily refused unless / promised not to
mention his name.
COMRADE KIT CARSON POST
January q, 1898.