Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1906-05-25
DOdginR Fate.

DOdging Fate.
There is nothing more unreasonably
persistent than preSentiment. In
nine cases out of ten the fear is ground
less, but there is always the one chance
that it may not be. Not every person
can put himself so effectively out of
the way of the dreaded doom as did
Captain Mensel, who was color-ser-
geant of the Pennsylvania Veteran Vol
unteers. He tells his own story IN
"Cncle Sans Medal of Honor"
When l was twenty-one years old
spent furlough in Philadelphia.
While | 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 a silver plate with an in
scription.
l had a strong presentiment that l
should be killed at the next battle. In
vain l tried to get my furlough extend
ed. The commanding officer said every
able bodied man was needed. | Won
dered how 1 could honorably get out
of carrying the flag at the next engage
ment Then an idea came to 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 l took my
Kearney medal and my flag to Mr..
Stanton. 1t was nearly dark when my
turn came, and he was tired and worn.
At first he spoke CURLY, and nsked me
what | was doing away from my regi-
ment at that time of day. l answered
him politely, unfurled the flag and
showed him the inscription. There was
secretary struck a match and looked
the flag all over. Then he called some
staff officers, and / had grand recep-
ton.
Mr.. Stanton asked me what I want
ed: | told him i was a coward and
wanted to get out of the next fight. He
laughed and asked if 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
nv record, and said that ! was the only
stranger. either soldier or civilian, who
had ever asked favor of pim without
being loaded with letters, and who had
ever brought a real testimonial of serv-
ice.
I'll discharge you, or I'll promote
you to commission in the regular
army he told me.
1t was the happiest moment Of my
life. | was almost willing to take the
old flag into the next battle and be
shot. told Mr.. Stanton l did not wish
discharge or promotion but simply a
furlough to attend the military school.
He made out an order, leaving the date
untitled Then he wrote to my colonel,
asking him to leave the date Of absence
optional with me.
When l 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, and
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 forgave the insult to his
authority.
| attended the free school, and after
the great battle of Spottsylvania went
back to my old regiment and the front,
where | carried the colors through all
subsequent battles.