Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1912-08-01
A Veteran OF
the Light
Brigade
II Hgiar Story
By T. A. Mitchell

During the war DttNetH AHS Hl"1N"
an Englishman named Larkins, who
had been a sergeant in the British
army. came over 10 America to seek
service with the Federal army. II be
failed he would try the Confederaey
A soldier Of fortune, he had no prefer
ences, though In England the people
were overwhelmingly in favor Of the
south
I.arlJns had papers 20 prove his
British citizenship, which enabled him
to solourn either IN the north or in
the south, MS he pleased. lie came
over fin a blockade runner to Charles
ton. S. c., and going to Richmond,
Va, made application for commits
sion. iie vas offered one, but by this
time exhaustion had begun TO show it.
self In the Confederacy. especially in
financial way, and Larkins was not
pleased with the want Of prospect OF
emolument in its service. SO he con
cluded to try for a commission in the
Federal army.
Having declined the southern offer,
he asked for a pass 10 go through the
lines to Washington telling the au-
thorties In Richmond that he had been
called home to England. 1t WIS fur
nished him. aud he left for the Army
OF Northern Virginia, mt that time en-
camped between the two capitals, in
tending. after having been passed
a. IN
northward. The route be desired to
take lay through Fredericksburg. and
encampcd upon the road was a diyi.
sion commanded by a general whom
/ will call beaumont. When Larkns
presented his pass to the officer, telling
him mt the same time that he was a
British subject, he was treated with
consideration for the reason that the
southcrncrs were constantly hoping
that the British government would in
terfere in their behalf, and they We're
always ready TO show attention to such
English persons as came among them.
General Beaumont showed great liz
tercst in John Larkins. rcgretting that
his recall to England had deprived ire
south Of his services The general told
him that if he would remain and nc
Cept II commission he world appoint
him to II position on his staff. The
Englishnan was tempted: but, know
ing TINT he must take his pay In depre,
ciated Confederate currency, he al
hered to his resolution, assuring the
general that his recall was imperative.
4 number of officers We're introduced
TO Larlins, who looked upon him with
considerable interest This he attrib-
uted TO the fact that he had told the
general that he had fought In the
| Cnmcap war and took part In the cele-
brated charge of the Light brigade ot
which he gave vivid description.
Whatever the cause, the ex.British sol
dicr was much pleased with his treat
meut and when he was urged not TO
hurry away he felt disposed to linger
| i'm his pleasant surroundings Every
one had heard of the charge that had
| thrilled the world and had been com
| mrmorated by the British poet laureate
| Alfred Tennyson, SO that one who had
taken part in 1t was especially inter
| esting to soldiers
| Larlans had reached General Beau.
| mont's headquarters in time for lunch
con and was invited by the general &c
| lunch with him and his staff During
| the afternoon beaumont invited the
| Engushman to ride with him on Il tom
of inspection of his division, and in the
| evening the chief Of stan, Captain Car
ter. asked the visitor il he would not
| like to call upon southern family liy
ing in the vicinity Larkins was moi
| what would be considered in England
a gentleman and demurred at the in
vitaton, but the general urged him &
| make the acquaintance Of at least one
household OF southern ladies' while IL
| America. and he consented.
IArkius that evening met Caroline
| Fletcher. captivating southern girl
who had only to smile upon him I,
make him fancy that She had beer
smittcn with him. When he told he
that he was simply passing through
the lines and would so north the mex
day she puuted and insisted ON prom
| Use that ne would can upon her th.
next evening Gollantry led LarSint
To promise. and he left her not quit
| knowing whether he was standing 81
his heels on his head
The next duy ne was shown more at
tentious by the officers and in TIN
evening called on Miss Fletcher. Sin
received him on a veranda rich witt
the Perfume of flowers She was care
fully utlired and looked bewitehlna
She Hirted with Larkius for awhile
then began to ask him on which sid
81 the American conflict bis sympl
{ thlps were enlisted lie assured he
that he had no preference whereupo
+ SHE eoguettIshly asked hum IL he wouH
DO nor service Having declared tha
lhc would b. elad to accommodate heI
She Told him that SHE belonged to
Union family aud was bound UP IN 81
sua,yss JIG the Union arms sire con
hdgd rs him That She WIS sending ~
formation ID Washington and enie
IN asking him II be would carry
i written communication for her to IRE.
fasHt Lincoln
IHvI.in4 EHeN NDH thar If caught n