Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1863-12-11
Emma Sansom. OF Cher0kee-The story
Of Her Exploit, as Related by Gen.
Forrest to a Party of His Friends at
Chattanooga.


two short versions of the romantic part
played by the above named indomitable CIR!
in the great raid of Gen. Forests from
Murfrecsboro, Tenn, to Rome, Ca, in
pursuit. Of Streight's cavalry; but never the
story as related by the General himself -
The romantic ard heroic condapt of Miss
SAMSON will long live in the memory of the
survivors of this war, and weare pleased in
this conn ctfon to add BY late action Of the
Legislature Of our State she has been gran
ted valuable donation of land. as token
Of appre citation for the undaunted bravery
aud fearless patriotism she evinced on the
occasion referred to- The editor Of the
Southern Ctuyederocy remembers the story
as related by Gen. Forrest shortly after the
capture of Streight and his command, and
says:
He had been pursuing the enemy AL day,
and was close upon their heels, when the
pursuit was effectually checked by the de-
structicn by the enemy Of bridge over q
deep creek, which, for the time, separated
pursuer and pursued The country wasex.
ceedingly wild and rugged. and the banks
Of the creek too steep for passage on horse
back. Gen. Forrest rode up to modest
little farm house on the road side, and see
ing young maiden standing upon the lit
tic stoop 10 front of the dwelling. be accos
ted her. and inquired if there was any ford
or passage for his men across the creek above
or below the destroyed bridge. TIE young
girl proceeded to direct him. with apima-
ted gesture, and cheeks flushed with excite
ment, and almost breatbless in her eager
ness to aid the noble cause of the gallant
Confederate HAnaral
1t was gene fer painter. The so,..4h-
ern girl. her cheeks clowns ard her
bright eyes flashing, while her mother, at
tracted by the eolloquy, stood holding the
door, and gazing upon the cavalcade over
her venerable spoctaesos. the cavalry chief
tain Festiug his legs carelessiy over the sad
die pommel, his staff drawn up around him,
and lis Weather worn veterans scattered in
groups about the road, and some Of them
actually uodding in their saddles from ex
eessive fatigue. After some further inqui-
~, Gen. Forrest asked the young lady if
sue would not mount behind him aud show
him The way to the ford. She hesitated
and ;urDd TO her mother an neuring look
iIle n.oiher, with delicacy becoming q
prudsn; parent, rather seemed to object to
her going with the soldiers.
Mother" she said, Il am not afraid to
trust Ii yself with as brave man as Geaer
al Forrest"
"But, my dear, folks will talk about you"
Let ihens talk" responded the heroic
girl, Il nust go" And with that she
lightly sprang upon the roots Of fallen
tree, Forrest drew his melted charger near
her, she grasped the hero fearlessly about
the waist and sprang up behind him, and
away they Went-oves brake and bramble
through the glade. and on towards the ford
The route was difficult one, even for as
experienced a rider as Forrest, but his fair
young companion aud guide held her seat
ike an experienced b, rsewoman, and with
out the slightest evidence Of fear At
length they drew near to the ford Upon
the high ridge above the quick eye Of For
rest desoried the Yankee slarp-shooters,
slodging from tree 10 tree, and pretty soon
an apgry minnie wLis,ed by his ear
"What was that, Gen. Forrest?'' asked
the maiden.
Bullets he replied, care you afraid r
She replied 10 the negative, and they
proceeded on. At length it became neees-
sary, from the density Of the underground
and spags, 10 dsmouut, AID Forrest Etched
his horse, aud the girl preceded him, lead
ing the way notwithstanding that the
Yankees would net FIRE upon her, and
they might fire Il he went first. TO this
Forrest objected, not wishing to screen him
sell Behind me brave girl; and, taking the
lead himself the two proceeded on to the
ford uLdtr the fire OF the Yankee rear
guard. Having discovered the route he re-
tarned, broug hit uphs axe men and cleared
out road, and srfely crossed his whole
column.
Upon taking leave of his fair young
guide, the General asked if there was any
thing be might do for her iu return for her
Invaluable ,vices She told him that the
Yankees on ahead had her brother prisoner,
and i Gen. Forrest would only release him
she should be more than repaid The Gen.
took out his watch, and examiner it. Ii
WIS just ave minutes to H. ..To NOR
row" he said, sat five minutes to 4 O'clock
your brother shall be returned TO you -
Aud SO the sequel provee Stfeight with
his his whole command. was captured a; 10
the next morning Yong SAMSON was re
leased, and dispatched on the fi4e!e>t horse
III the con;mard 10 return To bis heroic sis
ter, whose courage and presence of mind
had contributed SO much to the success Of
one OF the most remarkable cavalry pursuits
and captures known in the worids histo-
ry.
HARDEE.--it has been the fortune of this
General always to whip, his share Of the
light. 40 matter what may be. the general
results of the day At Shiloh he drove the
enemy to the Tennessee river, and would
have run them into it but for an unlucky
order from the Commander IL Chief to re-
tire. At Murfresboro, in command of our
left wing, his fought one Of the most terrific
battles and won as brilliant victory IS there
is Oh record. Unfortunately the centre aud
right did not do so we'll Aud now again.
in the Chiekamuga Valley. he triulnphs
over the foe aud captures seven stands O.!
colors while the rest of the army is hging
in confusion from the field.
A TALL WOMAN girl of seventeen,
accompanied By her mother, reached this
city last Saturday from the bac! woods Of
~, y I