Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-10-06
A TOUCHING TRIBUTE.
7. G. Henry Writes Of the Passing Of
Z Brave Soldier.

WAS que Vi Tue largest anu uloSt lu-
pressive ever held in Denver. He
was buried with military honors,
mourned by thousands. Herbert
was an Abilene boy; here he was born
! and spent his childhood. The many
friends Of the brave young soldier
will be pleased to read this tribute to
his memory from the pen Of our for
mer townsman, T. C.'Henry:
TO THE MEMORY OF LIEUT.. LAFFERTY.
Saturday afternoon at Paramount
was left all that is earthly Of one
whose brief life idealized the highest
and best Of young American man
hood. By one who has seen this
bright nature unfold year by year
and ripen into promise of noblest
fruition this tribute is offered.
Herbert Adams Lafferty was natur-
ally kindly and generous, genial but
earnest, modest although aspiring,
noble but unassuming.
None knew him but to love him."
Though favored by an indulgent
father and melted by a resolute, low
ing mother, he could and readily
would have won honor and achieve
ment self-reliant and alone. The
competitive success which gained
him entrance at West Point no kind
father or ambitious mother could
command. His worth and beauty OF
character quickly won the hearts of
his comrades there, while his con.
scientiousness and moral scruples
gained the regard of his instructors
and superors.
His progress never faltered. He
responded to every influence exerted
and every demand made upon him.
Aside from the regular courses pre-
scribed and pursued bis versatile and
artistic talents were especially SER
viceable. In all the wide variety Of
classmate literature his pen and pen
Gil are everywhere seen.
Such he was when last May all but
unthought Of came his country's call
"to arms" Graduate day was hasten
ed, the usual furlough shortened and
in one short month, before FL Caney,
grim visaged war confronted him. In
the midst Of awful carnage he took
his "baptism Of fire." Intrepid, un-
daunted, he led his company until,
shot through the neck, with char
acteristic composure he reluctantly
retired. The incident was inspiring
and the admiration Of the heroic and
"veteran Seventh" was bis forever.
The war stopped short. Exposure,
privation and deadly masma in few
weeks finally made an inroad and
fever gained a hold. When the trans
port Jamaica was ready Lieutenant
Lafferty was struggling with an
enemy far more dangerous than a
Spanish foe.
Eventually Montauk was reached,
but mishap, further exposure and
the great change of temperature and
climate were encountered II then
some word, any word, VI his anxious
parents had been sent the dire dis
aster might have been averted. Day
after day-one week-two weeks
and then only brief postal card
brought the first information Of an
illness as Of slight moment. But a
mothers instinct took fright, and de-
spite reassuring kilograms, she rush
ed to the rescue Of her boy. A glance,
a few inquiries and the. cruel truth
was known. Bravcly then began aud
frantically waged was the battle be
tween disease, and love and skill.
Who can put into words the alternat-
ing hope and despair which for ten
agonizing days surged back and forth
through that mothers heart!
At last the struggle ended and
death gained the victory. The sturdy
young soldier was strong enough at
first to hope, but gradually his
strength waned. Finally, conscious,
entirely resigned, he died in his
mothers arms, with words OF consol-
ton as his brave spirit took its flight.
Herbert Lafferty possessed every in.
stinct Of a trained soldier. He was
singularly patient and uncomplain-
ing He was one Of those Of whom
Tennyson said:
Theirs not 10 make reply
Ill. ..t 40. ..l.