Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1862-01-03
PILLOW AND HIS COMMAND.
THEIR PARTING.
COLUMBUS, Ky, December 81, '61.

SCASHADcSt u - DNNCAADcA Us OAs
EDITORS APPEAL l am not in the habit of
writing to newspapers, but 1 hope you will ex-
cuse me if l only attempt to describe a scene,
and do justice to a brave and gallant soldier,
and, in my estimation, one of the best generals
in the service of the South. It was rumored
yesterday that Gen. Pillow had resigned. The
news ran through the army here like wildfre-
every tongue expressed regret and hoped it was
only a camp rumor but this morning we learned
it was sadly true. When the news was confirm
ed it seemed as though the usual spirits Of the
whole army had fOrsaken them, and every face
you met seemed to say, "The hero of Belmont
has gone! Who viii replace him We all
knew his claims had been overlooked yet hoped
his sacrifices were not beyond endurance, and
that he would remain to lead his gallant d.
vision to other fields Of fame
This morning about one hundred of his officers
collected at the quarters of Col. Walker and
marched in a body to pay their respects to hin
previous to his departure, and such a scene l had
never witnessed until a few hours afterward
Col. Carroll spoke for the officers to the effeci
that they, as a body, had seen him on the battle,
field, and had come to implore him, if he could
do so without sacrificing his honor, to remain
with them-that they wanted no better leader
In fine, that they knew him and could appreciate
his worth.
To this Gen. Pillow replied in a few words
and informed US of his resolution-that the ster
he had taken was no hasty matter, but done at
ter mature deliberatiOn, and that ICE must part
During this scene there were but few dry eyes
in the room, and all departed from him af
ter an atfectionate but silent grasp of the hand
Not a word was heard except a few hearty re-
grets as the hearts of those present were too full
to express themselves other than with a burst OF
tears.
This is no fiction, but stern and stubborn
truth. Those generous hearts there present were
kindled with the same emotion that filled the
breast Of their gallant chiefain. They felt that
their commander had been deeply wronged, and
that those less worthy had been honored with
what justly belonged to him, and that no other
course was left him.
After leaving the rooms of Gen. Pillow we
FASTENED to our respective quarters and soon the
six regime ITS composing his brigade were turned
ont, and marched down to the cars to take a
last farewell of their beloved general
We formed in open order that be might pass
between our lines; INC as he did so, a scene
transpired which the pen cannot portray. Since
Washington's farewell &c his army, perhaps the
like has not occurred on this continent. As the
general rode silently through our ranks with IN
covered head, and with tears rolling down his
manly face, that mass of determined braves be-
came children again. Every eye was filed with
ears-nOt a word was spoken-aIl were too full
10 articulate. The Old Guard did not repay Ma
poleon a more heartfelt tribute of regret when he
babe them adieU. After he was seated in the
cars a bust of applause went up such as was
never heard on the banks of the Mississippi be-
fore. Cheer after cheer was given him, and
thus he left us to wend our way TO quarters, sol
EMMY and detected. To-day eyes were moisten-
ed which for a decade of years had not known
what it was to weep.
We all know that Gen. PILLOW has done as
much for the South as any man in it. He has
labOTed increasingly. Gems. B~sauregard, Joseph
Z. Johnston, Magruder and others were under
him in Mexico, also Gen. Mcclellan, Of the Fed
eral army. The distinction they won on the
field was under his command but the old hero
has been laid on the shelf, and his claims have
been unnOticed. Is this right? No one has
ever questioned his courage or patriotism. He
was one OF the first who Tebelled in Tennessee
against the northern despotism, and has worked
hard ever since for our glorious cause.
1t would be well for me to say here that l am
no personal friend of Gen. Pillows, but only an
humble admirer that l know him only officially ;
that | never asked but two favOrs Of him, both
of which he refused yet / want 70 see justice
done him, and, if possible, it is the wish Of his
whole division to get under his command again.