Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1842-04-26
THE 9th REGIMENT u. S. INFANTRY.

The return Of this Regiment from its six
years. campaign the last five ofwhich have
been spent in Florida recals to mind pain
full "reminiscences connected with its tour Of
duty in that peninsula.
1t was late in December, 1886, when the
regiment was ordered by Major General
Gaines, from ten months, campaign on
the Mexican frontier, to join the Army in
Florida, then operating against the Semi
noles under General Jesup. II left the Sa-
bine, unber the command Of the lamented
Colonel Alexander r. Thompson, and early
in January, 1887, arrived at Tampa Bay,
and united with the force Of General Jesup
in the field
After performing its tour Of duty, in which
it has rendered efficient aid in every in
stance where it has been called upon to lend
its services in the prosecution of the war
from its entrance into Florida until its de-
parture from it; after contributing its share
(and that a full share)to sustain the reputa-
ton and honor of our little army-a rcpu-
tation and honor maintained under the most
trying and embarrassing circumstances,
calculated to perplex and harass any troops;
after suffering from sickness, enduring
hardships, deprivation, and every other evil
connected with such a service the Regi-
ment returns to its original station on the
Mississippi.
On casting my eye over the list of Off
GERS now connected with this regiment,
find there are but few among them Of those
who entered Florida with it. Where are
Thompson, Van Swearingen, Brooke, Cen
ter, Conrad, and others? find my an
swer in a few paragraphs which lie before
me, and describe the battle Of the 18th De-
cember, 1887. .'-.1
"The 9th regiment was CALAMITY led to
the attack; it sustained the whole fire Of the
Indians for some time before the 4,h and
LIST could come TO its support.
Colonel Thompson was wounded in
three places before he fell, either Of which
would have proved fatal. The first ball pas
sed through the abdomen to the left; the
second in the right breast; and the last
through the chin and neck, evidently shot
from a tree. He fell in sitting position,
and died instantly" He was found after
the battle in this attitude, with his back
resting against cypress tree, his chin rest
ing on his breast, his legs crossed, his sword
firmly grasped in his hand, and lying across
and before him.
This intrepid officer chad that morning,
in short and pithy address to his regiment,
prepared i, for the scenes Of that day. He
led it firmly on, and even with two rife
balls in his body, he still maintained that
firm and decided manner so peculiar to
him, cautioned his men not 10 throw away
their fire, and said TO them, (which were
his last words. and his regiment will never
forget them. keep steady, men! Charge
the hammock! Remember to what regi.
ment you belong!"
Evan Swearingen was shot in advance
Of his company in the lower part Of his
neck, retired to the rear, raised both hands
above his head, and fell fiat on his face.
gave one groan, and was no more.
"Brooke was shot through the heart, and
died with smile on his face.
''Center was shot through the head from
a tree, and died instantly. All of these off,
GERS showed the greatest gallantry in the
fight"
Conrad and several others died from fever
in that country. ]