Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1848-06-21

malch, andln the Held, mas perhaps made
me as well acquainted with his merits, as
a gentleman and soldier, as any other
man living. And although we are now
standing in opposite ranks, i cannot forget
the days and nights we have stood side by
side facing the common enemy Of our coun-
try, sharing the same fatigues, dangers,
and privations. and participating in the
same pleasure and enioyments. The feel
ings and synpathies springing from such
associations in the days of our youth can
never be removed or impaired by differ
ence Of opinion with regard to men or
measures, when each may well believe
the other equally sincere as himself, and
where the most ardent desire Of both is to
sustain the honor, the happiness, and pros
perity Of our country. -
Soon after my appointments the army
of the United States, as a lieutenant, in
the fall of 1914, | was ordered to join the
company of Captain Butler, of the 44th
regiment of infantry, then at Nashville,
Tennessee. When arrived and report
ed myself, found the company under or
ders to join our regiment in the south
The march-mostly through an unsettled
wilderness-wa was conducted by Capt. But
Ter with his useful promptitude and ener-
gy; and, by forced and rapid movements,
we arrived at Fort Montgomery the head
quarters of Gen. Jackson, short distance
above the Florida line just in time to fol-
low our beloved generahin his bold en-
terprise to drive the enemy from his strong
position in a neutral territory. The van
guard of the army destined for the inva-
sion of Louisiana had made Pensacola its
headquarters, and the British navy in the
Gulf Of Mexico had rendezvoused in that
beautiful bay.
The penetrating sagacity of Gen. jack
son discovered the advantage of the posi-
ton assumed by the British forces; and,
with decision AID energy which never
faltered, he resolved to find his enemy,
even under the flag of a neutral power
This was done by prompt and rapid
march, surprising and cutting off all the
advanced pickets, until we arrived within
gunshot Of the fort at Pensacola. The
army Of Gen. Jackson was then so incon-
siderable as to render reinforcement Of
a single company, commanded by such an
officer as Capt. Butler, all important ac-
QUESTION. And although there were sew
eral companies Of regular troops ordered
| to march from Tennessee at the same time,
Capt. Buffers, byhis extraordinary ener-
Icy and promptitude, was the only one
which arrived in time to join this expedi-
ton. His company formed a part Of the
centre column of attack at Pensacola. The
street we entered was defended by a bat
terry in front, which fired on us incessant-
ly while several strong Lighthouses, on
our TANKS, discharged upon us small arms
and artillery. But gallant and rapid
charge soon carried the guns in front, and
the town Immediately surrendered.
In this fight Capt Butler led on his COM
pany with his usual intrepidity. He had
one officer, Lieut.. Flournoy, severely
wounded, and several on-commissioned
officers and privates killed and wounded.
From Pensacola, after the object O. tt e en-
petition was completed,by another prompt
and rapid movement we arrived at New
Orleans few weeks before the appear
ance of the enemy.
On the 23d ofDecember the sienal-gun
announced the approach of the enemy
The previous night they had surprised
and captured one of our pickets; had as
cended bayou, disembarhed, and had
taken possession of the left bank of the
Mississippi, within six miles Of New Or
leans. The energy of every officer was
put in requisition, to concentrate our
forces in time to meet the enemy. Capt.
Butler was one of the first to arrive at the
Generals quarters, and ask instructions
they were received, and promptly execu-
ted. Our regiment, stationed on the OPP
posite side, was transported across the
river. All the available forces of N,,r
army, not much exceeding fifteen ..ln-
dred men, were concentrated in the city:
and while the sun went down, the line OF
battle was formed, and every officer took
the station assigned him in the fight. The
infantry formed on the open square, il
front of the cathedral, waiting in anxi-
Gus expectation for the order to move
During this momen,ary pause, while TIE
enemy was expected to enter the city, {;
scene of deep and thrilling interest was
presented. Every gallery, porch, ant
window around the square were fillec
with the fair forms of beauty, in silent an
xiety and alarm, waving their handker-
chiefs to the gallant and devoted ban
which stood before them, prepared to die
or defend them from the rude intrusion OF
foreign soldiery. 1t was a scence cal.
culated to awaken emotions never to b,
forgotten. 1t appealed tothe chivalry an
patriotism of every officer and soldier
ms PRED every heart, and nerved every
arm for battle. From this impressiv,
scene the army marched to meet the enemy
and about eight o'clock at night they wer,
surprised in their encampment, immedi
ately on the banks Of the Mississippi
| Undiscovered, our line was formed in 81
lence within short distance of the enc
my; a rapid charge was made into thei
camp, and a desperate conflict ensued.-
After determined resistance, the enem
gave way, but disputing every inch 6
ground we gained. In advancing owe
bitches and fences in the night, rendere
! still more dark by the smoke of the ba,