New-York tribune., 1905-08-13

iner was private in the 73d New-York Infan-
try and, at the time OF his arrest. was stationed
at Newbern. n. G..
"Of course, IL was an awful blow TO the Wild
owed mother Of the boy and to his two sisters.
They were mighty fine women and patriotic to
the core. The oldest son had volunteered at the
breaking out of the war. and was killed bearing
the colOrs of his company in a charge. I was only
seventeen years old at the time. and as knew
every one in Cherry Hill I greatly inter
ested in the fate Of Mickey. Patrick Davis ran
a public house in Cherry-st.. close to the Card
iners and he called day and said:
Jimmy young Gardiner will die the death OF
a deserter by Saturday night II the folks here
don't Go something 20 save HIM. Why don't you
go down and see the President. and for the sake
of Mickey's mother and sisters and the brother
who died for his country, try and get him par
doned.' 1t didn't need much urging TO get me
started. went TO Colonel Charles G. HaIpine.
Of the 4Sth New-Yort, a publisher and writer.
and told him was going to try to save Gardi-
ner. He knew the President personally and
gave a letter 20 him.
TN never forget that ride to Washington.
II was my first important mission in life II T
had been older I might not have undertaken Il
at ALL The weather was very cold. / got to
Washington at night. and was hand early
the next morning at the White House. The
o
respondence and seeing hundreds of people
My heart went into my boots when I saw the
official machinery in full swing. and I began TO
realize how Mr.. Lincons time must be taken
UP with great matters. Finally my turn came.
and handed in my letter OF inSroduction. IN
the course of half an hour orderly came out
to the reception room and asked for me- saying
the President wanted to see me. he was busy
with one or two officials when I entered the
room. but he sooE looked around and beckOned
to me. He held Colonel Halpines letter in his
hand as he turned to
Wen. young man. said he. rather softly and
with a touch of sadness in his tones. What
can 1 Go for your
Then he turned those beautiful brown eyes
on me No one ever has or ever will be able
TO describe those eyes. They were the softest.
most beautiful eyes have ever seen. and when
he looked a me my heart jumped with the hope
that he would pardon Mickey Gardiner
Mr.. President 1 said, I know you are an
awful busy man. but for the sake Of his mother
and sisters. and for his brother who died for the
flag only few weeks ago. I'm here 70 ask you
TO give Mickey Gardiner another chance He
is his mothers only son. Mickey is not bad at
heart. He got wild from assOciating with
wicked men, was disciplined and in moment
Of passion deserted. captured and now ia
under sentence to be shot day after tomorrow
morning I've come TO ask YOU 20 pardon him
lne EreSlIeDt lOOEeQ SaQ as i went on. and
when i had finished he crossed the room with
his head down, saving:
We'll well. WELL! Poor fellow! Poor fell
low, It's too bad-tOO bad
Coming back ne stopped in front Of me. and
then, sort of locking over my head. as If con-
juring Up all that his action involved. he said:
TIL do it-bUt Stanton won't like IL
Then he requested his secretary to make =
memorandum OF Gardeners ease and told me
that a Teprieve would be sent at through
Colonel Shafer. chief of Colonel Buffers staff.
al Fortress Monroe, Newbera being in Buffers
department / went to Fortress Monroe that
same day to see Colonel Shafer. General Is
rael VOdges. afterward chief Of artillery.
there and he was friend of Colonel Halpine.
He got audience with Colonel Shafar ar
once, and Colonel Shafar assured me that
soon as the Teprieve arrived he would forward
It, He kept his word. 7 wanted to take the re-
prieve myself, but I couldn't get any further
than Fortress Monroe. Gardiner the only
one out of twelve deserteFs who reprteved
that week. All the others were shot. Gardiner
re-enlstvG and served hOCorably for the re-
naiIder of the war re died many years ago.