The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1863-09-02
Lamar Fontaine.

This young hero; aged about % years, was
educated in Austin, and at the military academy
in Bastrop, and learned practically the most
essential duties of Il soldier as Texas ranger
and hunter on the frontiers of western Texas,
where he was unsurpassed as dexterous rlder
and nlarksman. As soon as the war commenced
he came to Mississippi and enlisted as private
in the first company organised Tor the deIehce
OF the ate, the Mississippi Rifles, OF jackson,
commanded by Capt. Robert Smith, the heroic
Col. Smith who fell at Mumtordsville, KY un-
der this excellent soldier he served at Pensacola
as an infantry soldier, and then as an artlilerst,
until he was transferred 10 his fathers company
in the army OF the Potomac. AT the battle OF
Manassas he was severely wounded by cannon
shot, which passed under his feet, bruisng one
Of them so badly that he was untitled for mrther
duty as an infantry soldier. Finding that he
was unwilling to be discharged, his father pro-
cured him transfer TO Capt. AleAanders com
pany (I) 2d regiment Virginia cavalry Under
generals jackson. and Ewel, he distinguished
himself III the battles of Front Royal, Cross
KEYS, and all the actions OF the Valley. Near
Winchester, in company with Young gentleman
from Campbell county, Va, private John Moore,
he performed feat without a parallel II the
annals Of war, aud which, is mentioned with the
highest commendation i'll Gen. Ewells official
report These two young men unassisted and
alone, charged a piece OF artillery planted on
the Winchester turnpike manned by eight OF the
enemy. killed and wounded two Of their number,
drove the rest from the gun and brought it oil
in triumph 10 their commander. Near Stras-
burg shell exploded against his horses bead,
blowing it to atoms and breaking Lamar's thigh.
While his comrades were carrying HIM from Inc
field, another she'll wounded him severely ID the
| hip. Soon after his oundS were dressed, While
| living under tree minnie bail penetrated the
back Of his neck, passed down near his spine
! and lodged where the surgeons have not been
able TO find it. Since then his ight leg and side
! have remained paray wed. He recovered suth
! GENTLY to obtain leave Pt absence from the hos
pital in Charlottesville for several weeks, which
| he spent with his company III performing mil
! tary duty with his crutches tied 10 his saddle.
! III this condition he fought seven battles
Hazel River Bridge, Warenton Springs, the
Rappahannock or Waterloo Bridge, the battles
Of the 29th, 30th and list OF Manassas, and the
battle OF Germantown.
| While the enemy were shelling Warrentor
Springs Gen. r. H. Anderson wished to ascertain
what division Of the army occupied the NORTH
bank of the Rappahannoek opposite his position
= lie VOluhLSNtNA ~ Dl1l]1 nun GIG HtCSoSdI III
formation, SWAN the KaPpananHocK, surprised
three OF the enemy's armed pickets, and brough
them across the river to the general, who gave
the cruched hero certificate compFmentinE
his skill and gallantry. At the battle OF Haze
river, a minnie bail broke one Of his crutches
and one of the enemys horses without a rider
ran against him and broke the other In the
second days fight at Manassas, he had horse
killed under him, and another the day after a
the battle of Germantown. While pursuing the
euemys cavalry, pistol shot penetra ed his cap
grazed his temple and knocked him from h
horse Since he has been pronounced incompe
tent % perform military duty on account of biz
wounds, and while acting as volunteer on hos
pital turloughs, he has captured six prisoner
without any assistance, and killed many OF th'
enemy III different battles he has had six horse
killed under him, and havesno doubt has ki'et
more Of tie enemy than any soldier in our army
If skill, courage and hazardous and usefu
hservice on the battlefield deserve promotion, b.
has nobjv earned it. just before the resignation
OF the Hon. G. w. Randolph he was recon-
mended for promotion by Gen. Ewe; but so IA
his merit has been overlooked, and an "uuknowl
hero" capable d drilling and leading an arm.
to victory, is mutiated private, while scores 0
'cross road" politicians, unScathed by ball o
sabre and strangers to the roar of battle, ar
commanding companies and regiments.