Wept Because His Major Is Dead

ARMY DISPATCH BEARER WHO SERVED IN CIVIL WAR
UNDER M’KINLEY SOBS BITTERLY.

     Leaning against one of the white monumental columns with its drapery of black on the Public Square yesterday afternoon, was a veteran of the civil war wearing the army blue. Upon his faded uniform were fastened two or three army badges and a bronze medal. His face was covered by his hands and tears were trickling through his fingers. He was sobbing bitterly.
     “What’s the matter?” asked a bystander.
     “I’m crying because my old major is dead,” replied the veteran with faltering voice.
     “Who was your major?” several asked.
     Wiping away his tears and squaring his shoulders, the veteran replied:
     “Major McKinley, sir. I followed his for four years, one month, and seven days. I was the dispatch bearer of the Twenty-Third Ohio and many are the messages I carried for Colonel Hayes and Major McKinley. No braver men than these ever lived. The colonel died some time ago, and now my old major has gone.”
     With this he burst into tears again. He gave his name as Thomas Green, of No. 292 St. Clair street. He was wounded twice at the battle of Antietam. The veteran, after telling his story, walked away with faltering step.