Consider the life of Alexander Millener, born in 1760. He was long in service to the United States of America, first as a drummer boy in George Washington’s Life Guard. The General called Milliner “my boy” and often patted him on the head. One bitterly cold morning, George gave Alex a swig from his flask, a sip Millener remembered to his dying day. Mrs Washington, who once visited the camp, was gentle too, referring to him and the other drummers as her “children”. Alex described her as "A short, thick woman; very pleasant and kind. She used to visit the hospitals, was kind-hearted and had a motherly care”. As an old man, Millener recalled other stories, as well.
© 2024 John Oliver
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