Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1815-06-21
ORIGINAL BIOGRAPHY.
MAJOR GENERAL WILLIAM CARROLL,
OF TESNEssEr.
From the .N1csoncl h.eiigsrcer.g


OF TENNESSEE.
From the .Nstsoncs Lr.elfgsrcer,
When the long and bloody conflict in Europe
was brought TO close, the British governm ent
ceased to have use in that quarter of the world,
for those generals and soldiers, that had tri-
umphed over thee hero who, by a long series of
Brilliant achevementslia lad attained the summit Of
military glory, & erected for himself monument
of deathless fame. The war with this country still
continuing, the court st. Jamcs's determined
to transport those hardy veterans to our shores ;
and in the intoxication of her pride, resolved to
make the scouugers of France the conqnerors OF
America. Orr devoted land, her generals belev-
ell was destined by fate, to be second theatre on
which they might display their greatness and
their gross ignorance presented nothing but
scenes OF splendid glory TO their minds Their
bTst effort, ths destruction of the Capitol of the
Republic, but too strongly encouraged their ex-
pectations it was, however, reserved for the
stern and rugged sons of the West, to teach them
how VAN and deusive were their hopes--to tear
from their brows those laurels which valor I'M
paraileled had wrung from the heroes of Maren-
go, and Austerlitz, and shew them the might
thai s1tIn5erS' in 4 freeman's soul.
The late events which have transpned at New
Orleans are so glorious and important to this
country, that the public mind naturally wishes to
Know something OF the character of those who
were actors IN the sc grand drama" Among
those who aided IN those times OF darkest peril,
none stands more conspicuous than Major Gene.
raj Carroll of whom design to give the pub
lie 4 brief biography.
Genc.al William Carroll was born near Pitts
burg, Pennsylvania, and was bred TO the mer-
tantiie profession-in the year 1910 he emigra-
ted to the state of Tennessee, and settled IN
Nashville, where he has ever since resided
From his youth he was delighted with the study
oftactics, and evinced an early attachment 10
to4 t. I L = III -
such splendor. short time previous to the de-
elaration of war, he was elected Captain of she
Nashville Uniform Volunteers" whose serv-
ees were rendered 10, and accepted by the gene
raj government. The skill and industry which
he displayed in training and m1structing this COM
pany in their duty, together with the rapid i'm
Proyement which they made, justly challenged
the admiration OF those who Witnessed their ex-
act discipline He continued to study with avid
lty the most approved tracts in military science,
and his undated zeal soon stored his mind with
afund of information, which has contributed to
render lasting benefits to his country. Soon af
ter the declaration of war, General Jackson was
ordered TO descend the Mississippi with corps
OF volunteers for the defence of the lower coun-
tries He Immediately appointed Captain Car
roll Brigade Inspector to his command. Al
though these troops were soon d;sbanded, they
displayed correctness of discipline, whilst az
Natchez, that called forth the praises of the late
gallant General Covington
In the fall of 1915, hostilities commenced be-
tween the government oft United States and
the Greek mtlians--the troops from the state of
Tennessee were placed under the command of
General Jackson: At the time they were called
cut Major Carroll was absent At Pittsburg on
private business. No sooner did news reach
him that an army was advancing against the hos
tile Greeks, than he set oil, and reached Gene
"a JacksOn's headquarters, when he had but
Just arrived on the borders Of the enemy's coun-
try and was the succeeding day announced in
general order TO the array as Inspector General
IN the first general engagement which took
place wish the Indians, to Colonel Carroll, at his
own particular request, was assigned the honor
able command of the van of the army, go strong
WITH thus small division, his orders were 10 pro-
coed and bring on the battle, and under color Of
q retreat to draw the enemy into open action
lie succeeded in beating them from behind
n'orass which sheltered and obscured them from
o'u froops---in short time the battle became
general, and the enemy We're completely routed,
wi'ha loss Ofabout three hundred killed On this
m occasion Colonel Carroll practically evinced
ms bravery and military talents. During the
hottest o. the engagement, he rode in front, be-
tween the combattants, encouraging his soldiers
BY hiss conduct and his actions nor would he re-
tire for moment, although lie was earnestly en-
treated by his commander who viewed his &C
tons win admiration and fear. The comman-
ding General an his official report Of this battle
makes most honorable mention of his services
Alter lying m Quarters a short time, this force
was disbanded, and one less numerous, consist
Ing OF mounted gun-men z one company of ar
tiiery, made an Incursion into the very interior Of
the eucmys country, and fought on that occasion
several obstinate and bloody battles, in all Of
which Colonel Carroll gailanily shared being al
ways foremost at the post OF danger On the
morning Of the POD January 1914, Just at the
break Of day, General JacLson's forces were at
tackled by large body Of Indians, who fought
with desperation, and maintained the conflict for
near an hour. Col. Carroll, as was his constant
practice, hastened TO the WING of the army where
the onset was made, continued 20 ride up and
dOwa the lines whilst tho combat lasted and
when the enemy were beaten, headed the pur-
suit
TIE want ofprovisions, and the smalne-s Of
bic force, after detailing attendants for the won-
ded in two several engagements, which took
place on that day, induced General Jackson 70
fall back upon his Notifications at Fort Strother
on TIRE Goose, and await The arrival Of large boz
dy Of troops who were then has (ening to his com
rnand The order Of march invariably pursued
by the commanding General in passing through
the eneuy's country, consisted Of three columns,
TIE 1F1t, lef and centre, which last was intended
ps a carts dc reserve besides which there was
N advance and a rear guard the whole protcc-
I'd from surprize by detached parties ofspies and
hankers. Thus arranged the army by quick
1nd rayJid fianuuvfe could be drawn 40 IN a h0i-