The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1857-06-27
MAJOR GENERAL JOHN E. WOOL.
ST.. Lows, June 2s, lsSI.

ST.. LOUIS, june %, 1887
Inotice with great pleasure the presentation of sword
Of the richest quality General Wool for his efficient
service ON the bloodest battlefield Of American
Buena Vista.
General Wool deserved this need OF distinction from
his country earlier day when major in command
of the goth regiment of infantry at the battle OF Patts-
burg September, 1914.
He was one of the best dscplinarans in the army and
on all occasions prompt duty himself and requiring all
under his command to up to his standard On
this account considered him harsh and severe but
this discipline the glory Of the regiment
On the morning Of the 9th Of September, 1914, when
Gov Provost was marching upon Plattsburgh with AN
army Of 1880 men, mostly the invincibe troops OF Lord
Wellington, Major Wool, with 500 men Of his regiment,
at O'Clock in the morning. marched out the Beemsn-
town road eight miles distant. AT sunrise orders
given to file off adjacent field for refreshments at
the same time Major Wool rode in advance to
notre the advancing enemy. Very soon he returned
rapidly waving his sword for 10 form and take posi-
ton in the road We immediately fell into column and
half way the road received the first fire Of the enc;
nv Pursuant 10 orders we formed in the road and
adopted the mode OF firing the first company firing
and falling the to load, and in turn to fire again.
In this way, gradually falling back in good order the
enemy pressed upon u.s. disputed every foot of ground
Major woors horse shot and given to his
gcant major Bodsford who was badly wounded TO ride
in to town. where Bodsford died of his wound.
When we had gradually fallen back TO within two
miles Plattsburgh Captain Leonard up TO sup
port with two pieces of light artillery also did bat
talon of remen these latter took position the road
by a stone fence Here made stand formed in solid
column until our foes within pstol-shot We then
fred and opened to the right and left when the artillery
fred with awful effect at the time the emcn sent in
their deadly messengers Here the enemy was thrown into
momeniary confusion but instantly recovered pressed on
and came within Of taking Captain Leonards
guns.
Col Wellington led upon battalion of cavalry with
great fury Fifty of company levelcd their
kets at his head and he fell to the ground MORALLY
wounded, when his command fell back
After this bloody conflict, where foes suffered dread
fully fell back in good order to the south side
of the Saranac taking off the plank of the bridge in the
face of the enemy, and there making final stand COM
pcng the assailans to take shelter behind the houses
The bravery displayed by Major Wool and his men, and
the admirable regularity in their movements taught the
British army lesson which helped much DO our glo
Gus victory after unequal contest of five days and
nights.
The severcst foro hope that ever tested the courage
of soldier performed by twenty Of the 29th,
and ten Of another regiment in going marmai with
hay and tar and firing the dry pine undcrbrush in the
very face of the British batteries
One of our sloops-of-war used by McDonough the
lake at this battle nineteen days previously the trees Of
which it was bnilt were waving green in the forest
1t is harder for a commanding officer to be cool and
firm in battle than il is for his After the first
set the become excited and eager to revenge their
falling comrades and think but little Of their dam
ger The greatest trial of soldier is in marching up to
the foe before actually engaging He feels like he had
egg in his throat and is not relieved until the effect
of powder and lead is seen
tnct-ncary all the and officers having gone down
to the grave. Major now Major General Wool and this
writer, so far is known, the only survivors OF
this gallant regiment of infantry. r.