Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1901-11-21
How "stonewall" Jackson Cot 10 West
Point.

On stormy November day in the
year 1874, two misunderstanding young
men sat in the public sitting room of
the old Bailey House, at Weston, in
what is now Lewis County, West Vir-
GINA.
you'll be the one, Tom" whispered
one to the other, as a waiter entered
bearing letter in his hand.
- am afraid not, Glib, was the re-
ply, from serious.faced youth, who
was large for his age, which was only
seventeen.
AS the negro looked around, Glib
fairly trembled with eagerness, while
Toms features settled into sort OF
grim composure.
"Mr. Gilbert Butcher" called the
waiter.
Glib sprang forward, seized and tore
open the envelope, then waved it en-.
Enthusiastically.
ats minel" he shouted, and was
about to follow up the assertion with
an old.fashoned yell, when the sight
OF his companions face checked him
II am sorry, Tom, on your account"
he had the grace to add. by George,
ami l thought Mr.. Hays would GER
tainly have chosen you"
But, by this time, Tom Jackson, re-
covering from his disappointment, was
able to congratulate his fortunate riv.
al
81 am glad that you got it, Glib"
said he, ''seeing that | didn't. Yop
are ahead of me in mathematics, and
they say that counts at West Point.
But, now the agony is over, | must
serve these subpmuas, or Uucle Cum
Minis will raise old Ned, especially as
failed on that appointment"
He went sorrowfully out, and
mounted a jaded looking gray mare.
He was hailed from an upper window
of the hotel.
Sorry | could not appoint you both,
Tom" said an elderly, we'll CARRIED
congressman, "But, as / have only
one West Point appointment falling to
me this term, had to let Glib have it.
He is ahead of you in his studies, you
know"
I've always had to work - com
mented Tom, rather sadly. "Gib
could go to school. But, if l should
ever have anotherchance, please don't
forget me, Mr. Hays"
AS Constable Thomas J.. Jackson
rode away, his earnest tone and man
ner impressed the congressman so
deeply that he remembered it later on,
when Toms second chance unexpect-
edly came; for Butcher after month
or two at West Point, suddenly re-
turned home. One Of the first to meet
him was Jackson, still riding for con-
stable for Uncle Cummings, who was a
justice of the peace.
What brings you back?" asked
Tom, who was greatly surprised, when
Glib confessed that the hazing, military
discipline, and military seventies
were more than he could stand.
1t appeared that Glib had resigned.
Tom hurried to his uncle, resigned his
coustableship, borrowed ten dollars
from the squire, packed his saddlebags
and headed the gray mare toward
Washington, over three hundred miles
away. In two weeks, he knew, the
power of appointment would lapse into
the hands Of the secretary OF war. The
winter roads were terrible.
When the old mare gave out Tom
sold her, and managed to go on by the
stage coach, though various delays
nearly drove him wild with fear OF ar
irving to late. He reached the capital
cold, hungry, tired, and late at night.
Mr. Hays, though surprised, greeted
him kindly.
81 fear you are too late, Tom" said
he. THE appointment passed to the
secretary this very day"
1.-THE day isn't over until midnight"
said Jackson. ut is hardly eleven
O'Clock yet. couldn't get here soon
err"
Again impressed by Toms logged
earnestness the congressman took him
In hack to the secretsry's house,
routed that official from his bed, and,
as his best excuse for such strenuous
proceedings, placed Toms weary,