Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1912-08-31

to me, but nave CnOuSlL II 80 muCn
that It has NO terror. They say they
will not bind me nor blind me. but that
may meet death like man. thought
father, it might have been on the bat
tle-field, for my country and that when
I fell, It would be fighting gloriously;
but to be shot down like dog for
nearly betraying ito die for neglect
of duty! Oh! father. / wonder the very
thought does not kill me! But shall
not disgrace you, am going to write
to you and tell all. You may tell my
comrades about It. / cannot. Now you
know promised Jennie Carr's mother
I would look after her boy and when
he fell sick, l did all I could for him
and carried his luggagel for him. It
was Jimmie's turn to be sentry, !
would take his place, but was TOO
tired. l could not have kept awake II
a gun had been pointed at my neao;
but did not know until-wen, until
was too late"
knew Bonnie was not the boy 10
sleep carelessly at his post.
II cannot bear to think of mother
and Blossom. Comfort them, father
Tell them I die as a brave soldier.
SSSAAAS
dear to me. Forgive your poor
49, BENNIE."
Late that night the door OF the back
stoop opened softly and little ilgure
glided down the foot path that led 10
the road by the mill.
Two hours later the some young girl
stood at the mill depot watching tne
coming of the night train and the con
ductor as he reached down to lift her
into the car, wondered at the tear
stained face that was upturned toward
the bright lantern he held in his hand.
few questions and ready answers
told him all and no father could nave
cared for her more than he did.
She was on her way to Washington
IN ask President Lincoln for her broth
er's life. She left note saying where
and WHY she had gone. The next morn
ing she reached the capital and hasten-
ed to the white house.
without one word Of announcement
the door softly opened and Blossom
with downcast eyes, and hands toldeo,
stood before him.
"Well, my child" he said In cheerful
tones, what do you want"
pennies life, please, SIR
"Bennie? Who is Bennie.'
"My brother, sir. They are going 10
shoot him for sleeping at his post.
ooh, yes," and Mr.. Lincoln ran MS
ewes over the paper before him.
blossom told her story Of 1t beng
:1immie's night but Bonnie never
Thought about being tired.
The president read Benn1e's letter
then took up his pen and wrote 10"
hastv lines and rang his bell.
The president said go home my
child and tell your father he who
could approve his country's sentence,
even when it took the life OF a cnl!d
ike that, that Lincoln thinks the NE
far too precious to be lost. Wait. ana
Rennie shall go with you"
Bennie came to the white house win
his little sister. He was called INTO
the presidents private room ana
stran fastened on his. shoulder. Mr..
.inco1n then said the soldier that
would carry sick comrades baggage
and die for the act so uncomplainingly,
deserves we'll Of his country.
Then Bonnie and Blossom TOOK tneli
wav for home. A crowd gathered at
the train to welcome them back ana as
Mr.. owens hand grasped that OF MS
how. tears flowed down his cheeks ana
he was heard to say:
"The Lord be praised!
Esther Anderson, Hedrick, Iowa.