Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1905-11-09
CHAPTER XVII.

necessary. but peace. peace IL possible.
CHAPTER XVII.
To lUT now I have better thines
I'D to write Of. things that have
some relish Of good in them.
was very weak and low from
loss Of blood for days. and suddenly
the tide turned. I had Vol recognition
for distinguished g%nllantry. they told
me. That day they took me to Wash
ington. lny three weeks there in the
hospital. As soon MS they heard of my
misfortune at home Uncle Eb wrote he
was coming to see me. I stopped him
by a telegram. assuring him that I was
nearly we'll and would be home shortly.
My term Of enlistment had expired
when they let me out n fine day In mid
August. I was going home for n visit
as sound as any man; but, in the horse
talk Of PARKWAY, I had n little "blem.
ish" on the left shoulder. Uncle Eb
was TO meet me at the Jersey City de.
pot. Before going I, with others who
had been complimented for bravery.
WYNN w SCV ~ RhCci0C4t. 1uCi WCIO
some twenty Of us summoned to meet
him that day. 1t was warm, and the
great Lincoln sat in his shirt sleeves
at q desk in the middle Of his big Of.
Gee. lie wore n pair Of brown carpet
slippers. the rolling collar and black
stock now made NO familiar in print.
His hair was tumblcd. He was writ.
ing hurriedly when we came in. He
laid his pen away and turned to us
without speaking. There was a care
worn look upon his solemn face.
"Mr. yresidcnt," said the general,
who had come with US, here are some
Of the brave mon Of our army whom
you wished to sec"
He ann and shook hands with each
and thanked us in the name Of the re.
public for the example Of courage and
patriotism we and many others had
given to the army. He had q lean, tall.
ungraceful figure, and he spoke bis
mind without any frill or flourish. He
said only a few words Of good plain
talk and was done with us.
(which Is Brower?" ne inquired pres.
emily.
I came forward more scared than
ever I had been before.
"My son. he said. taking my hand
in his. "why didn't you rum"
Didn't dare" l answered. II knew
it was more dangerous to run away
than to &c forward"
Reminds me of a story" said he
smiling. Years ago there was a bully
in Sangamon county, ILL.,. that had the
reputation Of running faster and fight
ing harder than any man there. Every
body thought he was a terrible fighter
He'd always get a man on the run
then he'd ketch up and give him a lick
ing. One day he tackled a lame man
The lame man licked him in a minute
"'Why didn't We run?' somebody ask
ed the victor.
"'Didn't dast.' said he. Run once
when he tackled me. an I've been lame
ever since
"'How did ye manage to lick him :?
said the other.
"'Waal,' said he. I he'd to. an l done
1t easy
That's the way it goes" said the i'm
mortal president; I'VE do 1t easy II ye
have to-"
He reminded me in and out Of HOr
ace Greeley. although they looked nc
more alike than a hawk and IL hand
saw. But they had a like habit of for
getting themselves and Of saying nei
Their more nor less than they meant
They both had the strength Of an OF
and as little vanity. Mr.. Greeley useC
to say that no man could amount tt
anything who worried much about thu
fit of his trousers. Neither Of then
ever encountered that obstacle.
Early next morning I took a trail
for home. was in soldier clothes
car came to talk with me- about thu
now famous battle Of Bull Run.
The big platform at Jersey city wa
crowded with many people as we go
Off the train. There were other return
ing soldiers, some with crutches. som,
with empty sleeves.
A band at the farther end of the plat
form vas playing and those near m
were singing the familiar music:
John Browns body lies a-moldering Il
the grave"
Somebody shouted my name. Thel
there rose a cry Of three cheers 70
Brewer. It's some OF the boys Of tn,
Tribune. l thought. ! could see a mum
Der Of them in the crowd. One brough
me a basket OF flowers. thought the.
were trying to have fun with me.
''Thank you," said l. But what !
the joke"
mo joke" he said: "it's to honor
hero"
'Oh. you wish me to give 1t to some
body"
I was warming with embarrassment
I'VE wish you to keep It," he answer
ed.
In accounts OF the battle l had see
some notice Of my leading n charge
but my fame had gone farther-muc
farther, midlothian ! knew. ! stOo'
a moment laughing-an odd sort O
laugh 1t was that had In 1t the salt o
tears-and waving my hand to tn
many who were o calling my name
In the uproar of cheers and wavin
of handkerchief ! could not find Uncl
Eb for u moment. When I saw him !
the breaking crowd he was cheerin
Justify and waving bis hat above hi