The National tribune., 1902-05-22
A RANSOM ANECDOTE.
EnIisting a Drummer Boy in the Old
18th i'll.
By S. H. BEcKwITH, Utica. N. Y.

1t has always afforded me pleasure
truly sad and unspeakable pleasure-to
recall my first meeting with Mai. Thos.
b. g. Ransom at the SungaiEon Hotel,
Springfield, ILL.,, April Is, 1861.
On the day before my arrival at the
State Capitol, seeking acceptance of ad-
ditonal volunteers, Ransom had been
elected Major of WalIaces 18th Ill.
Ransom was five feet and 10 inches in
hight, with handsome, expressive, steel
blue eyes, a pleasing cOuntenance and
faultless form. Almost youthful in ap-
pearance, one had scarcely to stop for a
moment to observe his cultivated and I'M
assuming manner.
Mai. Thos. 10. @. Ransom had so ap-
peared in Springfield at that moment
| cheerfully accepted Ransoms invita-
ton TO accompany him to Camp Yates.
When about midway, while ieisurely walk
ing and chatting, We were confronted by
little 12-year-old, travel-stained boy and
his closely adhering shepherd dog. The
brave little boy, after a prompt, unique
salute, addressed Maj. Ransom, saying:
Major, wouldn't you buy my dogT
Ransom's handsome eyes flashed to-
ward me, apparently appealing for SYM
pathy. then, with an assumed gravity
(worthy of Mark Twain he began the
examination of the dogs points and
qualities. Silence was truly golden for
me at that moment From time to time
Maj. Ransom looked for approval, or nay,
but | was nonchalant until Ransom, after
his examination, said: We'll, now, about
how much do you think it would take to
buy that dOgT'
A lot of spirit came into the little boys
face as he said deliberately: We'll, Major,
| might take quarter for the dog"
Silver quarters were not then so plentl-
full as at these times, but Maj. Ransom
fshed one out of the his pocket and pass
ed it over to the little chap as con-
Guiding argument.
When the little fellow had made sure
Of his Decent silver piece, concentrating
the sale of his dog, he did not vacate the
passage way like a little hero bent upon
some purpose; he strategically said, But,
Major, | don't believe Shep would follow
you unless l go with him" For an in
slant Ransom was completely over
whelmed, and | greatly enjoyed his per-
plexity.
But, my dear little man, your parents,
what would they say"
Il have no parents. l have walked in
with Shep IA miles TO join Maj. Ransom's
regiment"
But, my dear little man, what could
l do with such a little fellow|
oh! Major, don't reject me; I'll find
something to dop'
Fortunately at that moment Drum
Major McQuillan appeared on the op-
pOsite side of the street. When called
could you do?" the old Drum Major
looked at the boy, then at the Major, then
said: Give that boy to me-"
Ransom complacently said: "NcQuillan
take him and enlist him in Coates's COM
pany CD"
This simple incident had so completely
revealed Maj. Ransom's character, that l
N1t1 nF 81
Yates. This pleasant little episode was
not alluded to. When quite near Camp
Yates, we were Joined by the best-disci-
plined young line officer of the 18th H., |
who, having had no previous warning of
the recent episode, seemed at enyiable |
ease. While the conversation was in pro-
greSs, my thoughts seemed to have been |
ments betOkening previous military train !
ing. His modest dignity bespoke his high !
breeding as well as culture.
1t was Just at q moment when I was |
admiring Maj. Ransom's graceful man
ner, when he called halt in front of
the handsome line officers quarters, a lit
tie boy gOrgeously decorated with a gigan-
tic H on the front of his first little
military cap, came bravely up with Mai. |
Ransom's dog by his side and offered
prompt salute to Capt. Jas. Fl. Coates,
who. for moment seemed slightly
puzzled. Capt Coates was naturally
thrown about one pace ahead of our line
it seemed at least enjoyable to discover
The cOmical flashes from Ransom's eye as
Capt. Coates was confronted by his new
'ecrut.
Young fellow, you seem to have the
H bad" Capt. Coates sized him, yes,
rom head to foot, and then asked:
Where did you get that big H?" The
delightful little hero responded: 81 am a
in Capt. Coates's Co. II, at your
;eryice" Discovering at this moment
tansom's face Illuminated with smiles.
he examination was abruptly terminated
~ Capt. Coates, who wisely concluded
hat the Major had been recruiting for
20 II.