The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-05-12

to no avail The ambulances were
intent or heading of Bragg TO care
for a sick soldier.
Casts Blankets Aside.
The young soldier had heavy
knapsack containing blankets and a
change Of clothing The weight of II
became burdensome on his weak
shoulders, and he tried TO place II on
the wagons But there was no room,
either :or himself or his knapsack.
So he vas obliged 10 cast his heavy
kit To the wayside He retained only
his rife and cartridge box. and even
they bore heavily upon him.
That night the army pitched camp.
AT rollcall OF Company X there was
no response 10 Private Jarred's name
The name was repeated. and still no
one answered The captain looked
over the men searchingly There had
been no battle Hence there was no
excuse for Jarreds absence mark
went down after the young private s
name. A few days later the same
mark was transferred TO the captain 5
report sheet. Ii signified desertion
Forty.five years later the mark was to
be obliterated.
Jared lay in the fence corner until
dusk Late In the evening Ken
lucky woodsman CHANGED to pass the
spot and noticed the form in the twi-
light. Jared was scarcely able 10
utter a word, but the Kentuckian read
his sufferings. He lifted the invalid
soldier TO his feet and. supported by
his iescuer, Jared was able 10 walk
10 cabin half a mile away. Here ne
was made comfortable: given whole
some food and a warm bed
After he had regained sufficient
strength TO walk Jared left the cabin
and started in the wake OF the army.
hoping TO overtake his regiment.
Although the rest at the cabin had
helped him, 1t had not made the
young soldier stout again by any
means. The exertion of travelling be-
gan TO tell. and IL was only by a de-
termned effort that he kept moving
One bright Sunday morning Jared
came upon the country place which
later proved 10 be that OF Matthew
Murphy. a prosperous farmer OF Davis
county. Kentucky. Murphy and his
wife were returning from church when
the man in the dusty uniform hove In
sight, and Murphy waited 'at the gate
until Jared reached him.
MIR. Murphy asked me IL | was
hungry" says Jared. He saw that
| was sick and tired. and invited me
in"
Jared accepted the invitation, and
ne remained with the Murphy family
for three years Murphy was South
ern sympathizer. and yet he pitied the
unfortunate youth.
One morning last week Jared re-
ceiyed q notice from Catlln to come
to Terre Haute at once. He took the
first car and was at the attorneys
office within two hours.
What's the news?" he asked eager
". as he entered the room.
We'll" returned Catlin, II have
about concluded to give II up as I'M
possible
A look OF keen disappointment
came over the withered veterans face.
He had expected something better
Then Catlin picked a small roll OF
paper from the desk before him and
handed Il to Jared The old fellow
took hold cautiously and began TO IN
roll Il. His eyes caught sight OF the
lithograph OF an American eagle. He
went no further. Great tears filled his
eyes. For more than an honr the
old fellow sat In the Office without
saying word. Even after he con-
trolled his emotions he made an at
tempt to thank the attorney. He was
told 10 return in the afternoon. but
he did not show up.
Several days later Jared appeared
at the Office with the coveted certih
cate in a plain walnut frame. In the
but,onhole of his lapel was the small
copper emblem OF the Grand Army of
the Republic He had presented his
honorable discharge at Fears Post, No.
As. 'Dennison. ILL.,. and was Immediately
made a member The yeaSnjng OF his
heart had been satisfied. =
II can sleep now" he said. Il used
rs get to thinking about this thing and
lie awake all night"
|
A man deserves great deal OF
credit for Keeping his troubles to him
self. especially as there are so many
l.. -.