Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1905-02-09
CHAPTER xx1v.
SAD TIDlNGs.

.olonelcy. and one day il. November the
general said to him: "lIewson you are
looking a little worn and YOU never take
IL holiday. I've got to run into Rich
mond. Come with me. need Your owl
ike countenance to keep me properly
sobered up
John was heartily glad to accept the
invitation. which he knew was made in
kindness to him. He had plenty of hui
NOR in his composition. but the respon-
sibilities attaching to his position, anx-
lety about the Gregorys. from whom he
had not heard in II year and more. and
the wear of constant hard service were
telling on even his iron frame. and he
was glad to get a few days relaxation.
He had been in Richmond several
days, and had been so kindly enter
tanned by the good women to whom
Stuart had introduced him, laughingly
adding that they must be good to him,
as he was an orphan boy under his
care" that he was feeling much bright
or. when, one morning, stepping out of
his hotel, he almosS ran into Cen Greg
0ry's arms. The two men shook hands
uppermost. For Il moment neither
could speak. John recovered himself
first.
"Henry?"
Sleeps at Chickamauga," sadly in
terrupted the general.
Mrs. Gregory and Mrs. Lanvalc?'
AT home. both well in body, but sad
iy distressed.
John saw that the general was very
much grayer. and seemed to have aged
| greatly, and he felt llecnly for the be-
reaved father. AS neither of them had
taken breakfast, they went in together.
John learned that the general had come
into Richmond on military business and
would only be there IL couple of days.
They had long and anxious conference
I, together. The general had hunted up
the federal lieutenant and lad written
out his statement before witnesses. and
this statement he had sealed and sent to
his wife only to be opened in case of
his death.
He was vastly pleased that John had
done so well in the service, and when
John rather sadly said:
while it is, of course, personal
qualification, it does seem hard that
these things should come to II lonely
man like me, to whom they can be of
no possible benefit, and miss SO many
good men who have homes and families
to share in their honors.''
You are wrong about that. joint
These things have not come to you by
chance. but because you have carried
them You have more friends than you
imagine, and you are a member OF my
family, in affection. if not in blood and
if we lose sight of you again it will be
your fault, not ours
Johns eyes glistened, but he said
nothing, only in his heart there was
deeper thankfulness than when he re-
ceived his promotion.
Just before they parted after arrang-
ing for Il correspondence, the general
said to him: Il am going to say to you
what would not say to any other per-
son. believe our cause is lost; but we
can yet do our duty. The chances are
that neither of us will survive this des.
perate struggle, but if I fall and you
escape, ] leave my wife and daughter to
your care, and do this knowing it is q
heavy burden to put on young man
but you have no other ties and know
can trust YOU"
The young man was deeply touched
''If God spares my life, your wife ant
daughter shall be to me a sacred charge
but l hope we shall be permitted te
work together Cor their good"
81 hope SO. but fear not. RESPONDED
the general. :.
The general went his way and Joh1
returned to his command.
Then came the terrible year, 1864
Everywhere the conflict became more
desperate The confcdcrates. vastly out
numbered fought with the sullenness o.
despair. winning fruitless victories at ;
bloody cost in men that could not b,
replaced. At Trevillian's, John won his
colonelcy, and grew in favor steadily
with his superiors and with his regi
ment. To look at his bronzcd face
grave micn and heavy beard, no one
would have supposed him the mere boy
IN years that he really was.
He maintained desultory CORE
>pondence with Gen. and Mrs. Greg
ory, but was gricved to the heart aftel
Hoods disastrous winter campaign t,
learn that Gen. Gregory was desperate
ly wounded at the battle of Nashvill,
and had fallen into the hands of tn,
enemy and died in hospital. He wrote
Mrs. Gregory teDderly and pathctically
telling her of his last conversation will
the general, and assuring her that sh'
had still son left. The heart-brolscl
woman wrote him in reply a lette
which he never got, praying for hi
safety and longing to see him.