Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1911-11-21

merry Andrew" But the Massachu-
se.,s otn nad been first on the ground
at Washington, with many more close
behind. and the governor had had
splendid Vindication.
Early in September. 1862, 1 went to
Boston with a deputation of selectmen
from four towns of the Connecticut
valley. They had an errand, and my
function was, as an acquaintance Of
! the governor, to introduce them. Lit
tie we knew OF what had just hap
pened in Virginia. the dreadful Sec
ond Bull Run campaign. with the
| driving in upon Washington of the
routed Pope, and the pending inva-
| sion of Maryland. The dispatches,
while not concealing disappointment.
! told an overwhelming tale. More
| troops We're wanted for a speedy fin
| ishing of the war which we fondy
believed was. in spite of an, near
ing its end. Our errand was TO ask
that in a regiment about to be raised
in Two western counties the men might
have the privilege of electing the Of
ficers. a pernieious practice which had
been in vogue. and always done much
harm. But in those DAYS our eyes
were not open.
Entering the governors room in the
state-house with my farmer select
men, ! found it densely thronged.
Among the civilians We're many uni
forms, and men of note in the field
and out stood there in waiting
Charles Sumner presently entered the
room, dominating the company by his
commanding presence, that day APP
in, f,tlI oil full
with step before which the crowd
gave way, his masterfulness fully rec
ognized and acknowledged. He took
his seat with the air of q prince Of
the Blood at the table, close at hand
TO the chief magistrate.
Naturally abashed. but feeling I was
in for 4 task which must be pushed
through, made my way 10 the other
elbow of the governor, who. looking
up from his documents, recognized me
politely and asked what / wanted.
stated our case, that deputauon from
Franklin and Hampshire counties de
sired the privilege fer the men OF the
new regiment about to be raised to
elect their own officers, and not be
commanded by men whom they Gid
not know.
Where are your selectmen?' said
Gov. Andrew, rising and pushing back
his chair with an energy which
thought ominous. Ny companions had
taken up a modest position in far
corner. When l pointed them out, the
governor made no pause, but pro-
ceeGed 10 pour upon them and ME
torrent of imprisoned words. He
said that we were making trouble.
that the country was in peril, and
that while he was trying to send every
available man 10 the front in condi-
ton to do effective work he was en-
barrassed at home by petty Interior
enee with his efforts. I have at
hand soldiers who have proved them
selves brave in action. have been pap
tlzed in blood and fire. They are ut
through character and experience 70
be leaders, and yet / cannot give
them commissions because I am
blocked by this small and unworthy
spirit of hindrance."
For some minutes the warm out
burst went on. The white heardless
face flushed up under the curis. ana
his hands waved in rapid gesture. "A
capital speech, your excelleney,s cried
out Sumner, "a most capital speech!
and he led the way in n peal of APP
plause in which the crowd in the
chamber universally joined. and which
must have rung across Beacon street
to the Common far away. NJ feeble
finger had touched the button which
brought this unexpected downpour,
and for the moment was unpleasant
ly in the limelight.
Now introduce sme 10 your select
men," said Gov. Andrew, stepping 10
my side. led the way to the corner
TO which the delegation had retreated,
and presented my friends in turn
His manner changed. He was polite
and friendly, and when, after hand
shaking, he went back 10 his table,
we felt we had not understood the
situation and that our petition should
have been withheld. For my part, l
enlisted at once as private and went
into strenuous campaigh.-New
York Evening Post.