Rensselaer Union, Volume 7, Number 9, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 November 1874 — A Veteran’s Treasured Musket. [ARTICLE]

A Veteran’s Treasured Musket.

He was a remarkable looking old gentleman. and he sat in the waiting-room of the Central Depot with an old fashioned gun across his knees. To one who passed him by, in a casual way, he seemed to be a hunter on his way’ to some wood.or field where game was to be found. But he who tarried a mpment learned that the old gentleman was one whom the nation had honored for his assistance in its time of need. On the stock of the old gun was a plate bearing the words: By resolve of Congress, Presented to AMCJS SOPER, For his gallantry at the siese of Plattsburg. The inscription told the story. The old man was seventy-six. He say’s that twenty young fellows, only two of whom were over eighteen, formed themselves together and offered their services to the United States General in command at Plattsburg; they were supplied with some old muskets, and on the 11th’of September, 1814, in the simple language of the old man, they “ did the best they could ” His work was done so w ell that on the 11th of September, 1826. the musket, w ith the above inscription,' was ’ given him as a tribute of the nation's esteem .—Rochester Democrat. Get atop of your troubles and they are half-cured. ’ ".