The St. Johns herald., 1898-05-07
Drummer agoy of Shiloh.
Dallas NeWs. 1

Drummer Hoy of Shiloh
 Dallas News
 There is a small photograph, yellow with age, on Major O'Leary's desk at Republican headquarters. The picture is that of small. bright-pyed little hoy. about 13 years old. He IS dressed in the uniform of the United States army, and has strapped to his belt a sword about five sIzes too large for him. In the background can be seen broken guns and swords, dismounted cannon and overturned wagons-in fact, all the debris of battlefield.
 The lad in the picture is the "irum- mer boy of Shiloh" According to Major O'Leary, he is ''the bravest lad that ever stepped in shoe leather" and all though the story of his bravery has off, ten been told, it so well illustrates the pluck and intelligence of the soldiers who will doubtless take leading part in the fight against Spain should war be declared that it wlll bear telling agan.
 The boys real name is John F. Clem. When the battle of Shiloh was fought he was just l3 years old. He had stood by his regiment all day long. The tide of battle turned against the Federal troops, and they began to flee from the field. The little fellow threw down his drum and began to beg the soldiers to turn back. but they were panic strick- en, and his pleadings fell on deafened ears.
 "You're q pack ot towards, all of you!' he exclaimed bitterly, as the big tears welled from his eyes and rolled down his cheeks. "Look here, I'n show you how to fight" And he picked up a gun which was thrown sway by one of the soldiers in his flight. It was dis charged and killed the Colonel of the pursuing Confederate regiment.
 That single act saved the day for the Union. The fleeing host saw it, paused for a moment, and then, with a wild cheer for the brave boy, turned on their pursuers and made one of the ffercest cnarges of the war. The Confederates were driven back. In the midst of tie Federals the boy resumed his drum, and every time the beats rose above the din of battle the cheers went up from thou sands of throats in blue He was tie hero of the day.
 After the war President Grant, in re- co milton of his bravery, made him his special ward. He had him appointed postmaster of the House of Represent ta- tives and undertook to teach him math- ematlcs and otherwise prepare him for West Point. When he thought the boy ought to pass Grant sent him to West Point, but rigid old officer there sub jected hIm to very fine examination and he was rejected. The following day Grant commissioned the drummer boy to the regular army with the rank of lieutenant. After being commissioned he resumed his studies under Gener Il Doubleday, who, it will be remembered was in Fort Sumter serving under Ma | jor Anderson when that officer surrend, | cred 10 the Confectionery.
 Major Glenn is as brave as Iion," said Major OLeary, as he concluded 1 this story yesterday, "and although he ] is best known because of his conduct at Shiloh, he performed one act after he became an officer which of itself is sui l icient to command admiration He was | on board a United States frigate when | the soldiers mutinied The situation of | the others on board was critical in the | The days of pirates were not yet gone. and it was feared that the | mutineers would kill those on the ship | and turn the man. of-war into a ma- rauder. While the bravest on board | were discussing the situation Clem drew | his sword and walked into the midst of the mutineers.
 "'I'll give you five minutes to lay ! town your arms, he said as he brand | shed his sword. and if there is man | of you at the end of that tune who has | not complied I'll kill h:m!' Overawed | oy his threatening words. the men laid ! Town heir arms. Then Glenn had them placed in irons and brought to the near sst port for trial"
 Major Glenn IS now stationed at one of the army posts in Oregon, and should war be declared against Spain he will be likely to cover himself with glory The picture which Major OLeary has was presented to him by Major Clem shortly after the close of the late war.
 Highly Indignant.