The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1862-01-25
How Capt. Bacon Died.

The following letter from the gentleman
whose name is attached, came to US by the
way of Uniontown. 1t bears every evil
dence of authenticity, and SO corroborates
statements previously published by US that
we unhesisatingly pronounce it genuine
The friends of Capt. Bacon will be greatly
gratifea in obtaining this account of the
manner in which he came to his death
and the last words he uttered. He died the
death of gallant soldier, winning the re-
spect even of his enemies:
CAMP FORREST, Jan. 18th '62.
MEssRs. EDIToRs: In looking over the
columns of your paper, observed an arti-
Gle on the death of Capt. Bacon. Comment
on the fight is unnecessary. Suffice it to
say that our loss was only two killed
Capt. Merriweather and private Terry, of
Russelville. 1t has been stated that we had
three wagon loads of dead, which is prepos-
ferrous. In writing this article, it is my in
tention to speak more particularly of the
death of Bacon. During the fight he acted
bravely, even to desperation, and attempt
ed, time after time, to rally his men, and
as often was unsuccessful. Alone-desert-
"
brother officers-he was last TO turn his back
to the enemy, and that in the last extremity.
As to who was accessory to his death, it
is unnecessary to say. Not wishing to be
egotistical, will endeavor to give the par
tieulars. al
w en within, as near as we could guess,
four miles of Rumsey, we gave up the pur-
suit. Immediately before Col. Forrest or
dered halt, two men, unknown to me-
were in the rear of the retreating enemy.
The ColonePs horse being rather fast carried
him between them, when the one on his left.
who afterwards proved to be Capt B., drew
his pistol, taking aim at the Coloneps head.
Almost simultaneously the men on the
right (who afterwards told me he was from
Davis CO.. thrust at the Colonel, who, ward
ing it of, pierced him through. He died in
about five minutes. When Bacon drew his
pistol shotat him, being on the Colonel's left,
on which be dropped his pistol. His horse
being at full speed, ran about twenty steps,
when B. fell to the ground. Immediately
dismounted-assisted him up the bank
brought him some water-and spread the
only blanket had under him, making his
situation as comfortable as possible-after
which l questioned him. He told me he
was from Frankfort, Ky; that he was sim
all his property. Taking off his scabbard he
gave it to me, telling me, at the same time,
to &c get the sabre, as it was an excellent
blade = also, taking out his gold watch, he
gave it to me, but said nothing with regard
to the disposition of it. Having orders to
return, 1 babe him farewell, and left him.
This, our gallant Colonel was an eye witness
to, who, on our arrival at the first farm
house, requested some citizens to go imme-
diately to the wounded and see them we'll
cared for, which they cid. The watch is
still in my possession, and should it be my
fortune to return to the northern part of the
State, shall be pleased to return il to the
Captains sister, of whom he spoke. AS to
who | am, L am a Pennsylvanian-am a
private in Capt NJ. ID. Logan's cavalry COM
pany OF Forests battalion--and have lived
for some time in Perryville, Boyle Co., KY.
/ consider it my duty, in Justice to myself,
and to the departed Captain, to publish this
in order that his friends may have an au-
thentic account of his death and the dispo-
sal his property.
Yours with respect,
..--....... ID. W. JOHNSTON