The Savannah morning news., 1901-05-27

needed. The Confederates gave way and
fell back, and the contest passed on out
of view.
The battle was finally won, but 1t
nearly cost young Rand his life. As
he was attempting to help himself back
to the tent, a second hemorrhage set
in, and he was unconscious before it
was arrested. Before he could be re-
moved from the spot Stonewall Jackson
and his men had taken him prisoner in
company with others. He was taken on
a gravel train to Richmond and sent to
Libby Prison. His trousers and shirt were
so saturated with his blood that he had
to throw them away He sold his shoes
to a guard for SO in Confederate money,
and purchasing sixteen loaves of bread,
divided them with those arCH nd him who
were less fortunate than himself. Later
he sold his socks for 81. and gave that
for an extra allowance of soup, taking
the last cup for his portion. He had but
one garment left. In this condition he
remained while a prisoner, and was car
ried through Richmond in daylight in an
old Rlrnfure cart to the train, and
thence to City Point. In due time he was
exchanged and sent to the hospital in
Philadelphia, where he rapidly recover
ed, and was soon able to walk. The
Sister of Charity who nursed him there
afterward became his wife.
AS soon as he was able to travel he
was discharged with a pension for to-
tai disability and sent to his home in
Batavia, N. Y. For many weary months
he suffered, his wounds refusing to heal.
Finally he became tired of waiting, and,
while his wounds yet needed care sur
rendered his pension certificate, secured
a commission and reported for duty with
his new regiment in the field But the
medical officers of the regiment refused
to pass him as his sword arm was power
less. Instead they ordered him to re-
port to the hospital for treatment. He
respectfully declined to go He then APP
peaed to the colonel and the general In
command, but in vain. There was now
but one chance left him. He would APP
peal to the Commander-in-Chief of the
armies-the President of the United
States.
He returned to Washington and made
his way to the White House with beat
ing heart He was admitted to the presl
dents private room where he was not
long in stating the reason for his visit
that because of wounds received in ac-
ton he was refused service. President
Lincoln became interested and questioned
young Rand closely. BY degrees he drew
from him his whole history-that in his
native town he had been the first one
to answer the call for 1900 men; that
he had been in every battle from Bnll
Run to Gaines Mill; that he was the
only son of widow; that his right
shoulder had been shot away but that
his left hand was still fit for service.
The President kept his eye upon the
shrlveled hand and showed his sympa-
thy when he learned that while in prison
the soldier had been his own surgeon,
dressing his wounds with old newspapers.
For some time President Lincoln kept
the young officer answering questions,
then he placed his hand on the shoulder
of the lieutenant and remarked:
my young friend. the surgeons did
their duty. They could not do otherwise.
You are not able to do any more work
in the field"
power of speech. He had hoped from the
Presidents manner. that his request
would be granted. Now the only words
that fell from his lips were: my God
Mr. President" He rose and started for
the door, his heart nearly bursting. He
could not even say goodbye. In an In
slant the President was beside him, ana
throwing one arm affectionately around
the officer, he said in voice filled with
emotion
do at the front II you will go over to
the War Department in the morning l
think Mr.. Stanton will fix you out"
At ten o'clock the next morning
Commission had been made out, and
before noon 1t was signed by the Pres
ident
After leaving the army in 1870, Lieut.
Rand entered Georgetown University. re-
ceived the degree OF NJ. D., and prac-
ticed his profession up 20 four years
ago when he was obliged to give II up,
owing to incessant pains arising from
his old wounds.
Two governors of the State Of New
York and three Presidents of the United
States have recognized DR.. Rand's patrio-
tism and gallantry. He holds four COM
missions, all preserved in the Holland
Purchase Historical Society's archives
at Batavia n. Y; one signed by Gov.
r. d. Morgan. one by Gov. Horaton
Seymour, one by President Lincoln and
one by President Andrew Johnson. New
York has remembered him with a medal.
appropriately inscribed and will erect a
monument TO him. when the time comes
on the plot in Arlington presented 10
him by the government.