Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1900-04-12

ments the more | became convinced
that little men can be great soldiers
as we'll as big ones.
| Thirtyfour years from that time
there came the close Of another war,
but ! am thankful to say that this
time it was with foreign Power.
| stood on Chestnut street, in Phil
adelphia, and witnessed the passing
Of many Of the heroes of that war,
amid the wild cheering of assem-
bled thousands. Among others
who passed WAS one upon whom
every eye was centered, and as be
arose in his carriage and gracefully
bowed bis Acknowledgements for the
greeting extended him, recogniz.
ed the little general | had seen at
Fort Delaware at the close OF the
civil war but, oh, under what diff.
ferent circumstances He rode in
no carriage then, and there we're no
shouting men nor beautiful women
with waving handkerchief to re.
ceive him.
Thirty -four years had brought
some changes, but except that bis
head and beard had grown gray
General Joe Wheeler, soldier and
statesman, statesman and soldier,
was not a day older. The same
dauntless spirit still famed within
the small compass OF bis body as
vigorously as ever, aud the restless
eye was as piercing as then, and his
movements as quick and nervous.
FREE At LAST.
But to return TO Fort Delaware.
To1ard the G.st OF June many
prisoners we're released daily, but
their release had been effected
through the influence OF friends.
About the 10Th Of June was sum.
moned before General Schoepf, who
informed me that an order for my
release had arrived, aud, after TAX
ing the oath Of allegiance, was
handed some papers and then hns-
tied aboard the water boat, and |
10 due time found myself 10 vii
mington. Del. made straight
for the depot, as | wished to take
the drst train for my home in Bal
timore; but alas when | presented
my papers to the ticket man he in
formed me that my transportation
paper had been forgotten, and,
therefore. he could not issue me
ticket
vas in a strange city, and did
not know soul Disheartenod, !
wandered aimlessly through the
streets, sometimes receiving a
friendly nod, but oftener hearing
remarks anything but compliment
tary, aud for the first time in four
years wished could change my
uniform for citizens dress.
remember stopping in front Of
an imposing building, from which
hung a large sign, on which was
painted the figure Of on Indian
maiden, A tall, fine looking man
stood on the steps, and he observed
my interest in tho sign, and he
observed something more--that
was weak and emaciated and faint,
and be came and took me by the
arm and led me into the house. aud
into his dining room aud sat me
down to a table filled with good
things. Aud how | did eat, for it
was my first dinner in more than
two years And.when l arose from
the table | felt that | was a man
again.
And when the kind friend heard
my story he took me to the depot
and handed me the ticket that
would take me to my home.
The man was Ben Pierce, pro-
prietor of the Indian Queen Hotel.
| made many pilgrimages to Will
mington in after years to see him,
and when he died, not many years
ago, none OF his hosts of friends
mourned his death more than did
the poor rebel whom he had assist
ed in his hour of need.
W. w. GoLDsBoRoUGH.
MI pa.3 "a khn UuaniS