The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1862-10-11
The LOuisvllle Tragedy-Gcns,
Nelson and Davis.

| Brisadier- General JEFF. C. Davis, of Indi.
ana, killed Major General Nelson, of Ken.
lucky, at the Gait House, Louisville, Non.
! day morning.
We knew Gen. Nelson well. He was
man of imperious and violent temper, fanat-
ical on questions of discipline, rude in his
manners, and wanting in respect for the
feelings of those who were his inferior in
rank. But he was brave and loyal man.
ambitious, energetic, untiring in his devo-
ton to duty, and relentness in the persecu-
ton Of all who seemed to him Inefficient
He had travelled in many countries, spoke
, several languages, had read vast numbes
Of books, and, having singalarly retentivs
memory, possessed remarkable store Of
rare and curious information.
At the commencement of the war he vas
a Lieutenant in the navy. He came West
as special agent of the Government for the
distribution of arms to the loyal men Of
Kentucky, his native State [Msysvflle was
his birthplace. Thomas H. Nelson, United
States Minister to Chill, is his brother. Get.
ting an insight into affairs in Kentucky, hs
founded and organized the celebrated Camp
Dick Robinson, very important SERVICE
He took command of a brigade, and cleaned
the rebels out of Eastern Kentucky, defeat
ing Humphrey Marshall at the battle of Ivy
Mountain.
This was an important affair. but il has
been ridiculed and under estimated because
the first reports Of it that reached the couu-
try were from excitable country postmasters.
who exaggerated the fact to ludicrous ex.
tent. Gen. Nelson was withdrawn from
Eastern Kentucky and put IN command Of
division Of Gen. Baelrs army. being organ
lied near Louisville. He disciplined ha d.
vision in good style. and in spite of his un-
governable temper and unfortunate manners,
won the confidence of his men, and retained
It, we believe, to the last.
He had the honor Of taking possession Of
Nashville with the 9th Ohio Volunteer In
fantry. Guthrie Graysl AZ the battle or
Shiloh he rendered very important service.
being with his division. the 6rst Of Buelr's
army to come up to the relief Of Grant. He
arrived on the ground and checked the en-
emy Sunday evening, and on Monday took
a prominent part in the fight.
After the siege Of Corinth Gen. Nelson
was promoted to Major-G Generalship. When
the rebels took Mulfreesboro', Tennessee, be
was sent by Gen. Buell. to protect Nashville,
and punish the rebel swarms in that vicinity.
Thence he was sent into Kentucky, and was
wounded at the battle of Richmond. In him
the country loses man who, with oil hin
faults, was valuable officer.
Gen. JEFF. G. Davis, . graduate Of wess
Point, was Lieutenant of the regular ser.
vice, and was with Maj. Anderson in Fort
Sumter. He was made Colonel Of Regi-
ment Of Indiana Volunteers, and for merit
orious conduct in Missouri, was appointed
Brigadier- General. He is dashing officer,
and made the first heavy haul Of rebel pris-
oners taken during the war. At the battle
Of Pea Ridge, he bore distinguished part.
His brigade suffered severely in that battle,
and did splendid fighting. His personal
bravery was conspicuous on the field.