Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 19, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 January 1895 — After Forty Years. [ARTICLE]

After Forty Years.

San Francisso Post. Several months ago Gen. McCook paid a visit to Santa Fe with some railroad officials. On arriving at Santa Fe his first inquiry was forone Lucian Stewart. He was told that Stewart was in the hospital, awaiting death from old age. “Then he may die to-night, and I will see him first,” the General quietly remarked. And then, with his aid, he went directly to tlte hospital, and was quickly by the cot of the old man. “Stewart, don’t you know me?” he inquired in a tender way, at the same time extending his land. Stewart did not reply for fully one minute, all the time holding the General’s hand and scanning his features. At last a ray of light broke over his countenance, and, with a smile, he said, “Yes, I remember you. You are the young lieutenant who never smoked before breakfast." Here the two broke into a laugh, the heartiest laugh, perhaps, the old invalid had enjoyed for a decade. Stewart had been the chief of scouts when, forty years ago, McCook was fighting Apaches on the frontier. The General had not seen him since the war, but showed his deep regard for his old friends by remembering so humble a comrade. The remark of the old scout referred to a time when McCook, then a lieutenant, and adetail under Col. St. Vrain, were chasing the Apaches. They had struck a hot trail, and had been on it thirty-six hours without food. Fearing to wait to prepare a meal, for every minute was then precious, so clpse was the trail, Col. St. Vrain determined to keep on the march. Realizing the condition of his men and officers, he had given permission for men to partake of such rations as they could in the saddle, and turning to his lieutenant, he remarked: “McCook, have a cigar?" “No, thank ydu, sir," woe the quick reply, “I never smoke before breakfast,"