Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1906-05-19
lodging FatC.

DOdgtng Fate.
There is nothing more unreasonable
persistent than a presentimcnt. In
nine cases out of ten the fear is ground
less, but there is always the one chance
that II may not he. Not every person
can put himself so effectively out Of
the way of the dreaded doom as did
Captain MenSei, who was a color-ser-
geant of the Pennsylvania Veteran Vol
unteers. He tells his own story in
Uncle Sans Medal OF Honor:
When was twenty-onc years old I
spent n furlough IN Philadelphia.
While l was there handsome flag
was presented TO me as my personal
property. in honor of my having sue
cesSfully carried the colors through
all of the great battles of the regiment.
The names of the battles were printed
in gold letters on the flag, and ON the
staff was silver plate with an in
scriptiOn.
] had strong presentimeut that |
Et'AiiA hN hiil'4 at itlt iltNt iNtlAAt+ III
vain | tried to get my furlough extend
ed The commanding officer said every
able-bodied man was needed won
dered how could honorably get out
Of carrying the flag at the next engage
ment. Then an idea came 10 me. The
government wanted officers for colored
troops, and had established free mill
tary school open TO applicants for such
commissions. Our regiment was on It's
way to Washington, and | determined
to see the secretary Of war
When we reached the city took my
Kearney medal and my flag to Mr.
Stanton 1t was nearly dark when my
turn came, and lac was tired and worn.
AT first he spoke curtly, aud usked me
what | was doing away from my rcgi-
ment at that time Of day. | answered
him politely. unfurled the flag and
showed him the Inscription. There was
| only a dim light In the office, but the
secretary struck match and looked
the flag all over. Then he called some
staff officers, and | had n grand recep-
ton.
Mr.. Stanton asked me what ! want
ed. told him | was coward and
wanted to get out of the next fight. liz
! laughed, and asked II there were any
more towards like me in the regiment
| said we were all alike. He took my
name, and | told him about my pre-
! sentiment. He seemed pleased with
my record, and said that ] was the only
stranger. either soldier or civilian. who
had ever asked a favor Of him without
being loaded with letters, and who had
| ever brought real testimonial of serv-
ice.
"l'll discharge you, or III promote
you TO commission in the regular
army" he told me.
1t was the happlest moment of my
| life | was almost willing to take the
old flag into the next battle and he
shot I told Mr.. Stanton did not wish
discharge or promotion but simply a
furlOugh to attend the military school
Tie made out an order, leaving the date
untitled. Then lac wrote to my colonel,
asking him TO leave the date of absence
optional with me.
When ! gave my papers TO the colonel
he was furious, and tore them up. Then
he had me put in the guard house, Late
at night the guard let me out, ana
went directly TO Mr. Stanton's house
He was very angry when | told him
my troubles, wrote another letter to the
colonel and sent me back with an es-
cort. This time the colonel respected
everybody and everything. but Mr.
stanton never forgayc the insult 10 his
authority.
attended the free school ana after
the great battle Of SpottSylvania went
back 10 my old regiment and the front,
where carried the colors through M
subsequent battles.