The President then turned to the girl and said: "Go home, my child, and
tell that father of yours, who could approve his country's sentence even
when it took the life of a child like that, that Abraham Lincoln thinks
the life far too precious to be lost. Go back, or--wait until tomorrow.
Bennie will need a change after he has so bravely faced death; he shall
go with you."
"God bless you, sir!" said Blossom; and who shall doubt that God heard
and registered the request?
Two days after this interview, the young soldier came to the White House
with his little sister. He was called into the President's private room
and a strap fastened upon his shoulder. Mr. Lincoln then said: "The
soldier that could carry a sick comrade's baggage and die for the act so
uncomplainingly deserves well of his country." Then Bennie and Blossom
took their way to their Green Mountain home. A crowd gathered at the
mill depot to welcome them back; and as Farmer Owen's hand grasped
that of the boy, tears flowed down his cheeks, and he was heard to say
fervently:
"The Lord be praised!"
--From the New York Observer
If I had a horse I would call him "Gay,"
Feed and curry him well every day,
Hitch him up in my cart and take a ride,
With Baby Brother tucked in at my side.