Evansville daily journal. (Evansville, Ind.) 1863-1866, 1864-05-09

[Frsm sAs Memphis Balltin. assh
On Tuesday last, April 2, the widou
Of Major Booth, the late commander n
Fort Pillow, arrived At Fort Pickering
bsIow this eity. colouel Jackson, of the
9Th UHited States Heavy Artillery, had
bis reginaent formed into line for her re
ception. In front Of its center stood
fourteen men. n 6ne, brave fellows As
tread the earth They we're the remnant
Of the Ist Battalion of the regiment nov
drawn up-all who had escaped the
6sndish scenes of Fort PilIow-seenss
that have stamped Jet deeper hlaekness
on the infamous brow Of treason.
Mrs. Booth came forward In her
hand she bore flag, red and clotfed with
human blood. She took q position in
front Of the foartsen heroes, so lately
under her deceased husband's command
The ranks before Der observed silent
that was fun OF solem nifty Many .
hardy face showed BY swiching lips AMI
hulnsd ayea bow the sight ofthe bereaved
lady touched bosoma that could meet
steal, and drew on the fountain OF tears
thai had remained dry even amid the
piteoas sight Witnessed on the battle
field after serce action.
Turning to the man before her, she
said.
Boys, ] have just come from a visit to
the hospital at Mound city. There saw
your comrades, wounded 1t The bloody
struggle iH Fort Pillow. Thers | found
this fag-yots recognize It'll One Of
your comrades saved ii from the insulting
touch OF traitors ~ Fort Pillow
/ have given to my country all | had
TO give-my hushsnd--such gifiI Yet
! hare freely given him for freedom and
my country.
Nsxt my husbands cold remains, the
nsxt dearest object left me 10 the world,
is this fag--the flag that waved in proud
defiance over the works Of Fort Pillow
Soldisrsl this flag give TO ron, know
ing that yeu will ever remember the last
words Of my noble hushand-"nevsr sur
rsnder the flag to traisorsT'
Colonel Jackson then received from
her hand-on behalf Of bis command
the bloodstained flag. He called upon
the regiment to received j. as such
gin ought 70 be recsived At that call
be aud every man Of the regiment fell
upon their knees, aud solemnly appeal
ing 70 the God Of battles, each one swore
TO avenge their brave and fallen conrad.
es and never-Herer 10 surrender the
flag 10 traitorsl
The sence was never surpassed in em-
osioaal ineident Beside the swif-rolling
waters Of the Mississippi--within the ia
closure that bristleds with the death
dsalng cannon, knels these rough sol-
diers, whose bosoms we're heaying with
emotion, and on many or whose cheeks
eniyercd tear they tried to hide,
though il did honor to their manly nature
Beside them stood, in hsr grief the wild
ow Of the loved officer they had lost-and
abors them was held the bloody flag
that eloquent record Of crime, which will
bring reckoning 80 fearful.
Ia fsw bot pointed decisive words, Col
onsl Alexander pledge himself and his
command 10 discharge 70 the utlermoss
the solumn obligation Of justice they had
that day taken.
Colensl Kappas followed him, ex.
pressing himself in favor Of such retail.
ssoyy acts ~ justice and the laws Of var
fare requires IN case Of such 6endish
ard wicked cruelty.
Voc 10 the nniucky rel" who falls in
10 ths hands Of any Of the commands
represented at this solemn declaration.
Tbs discrimination Of the officers of the
ssh Z. 8 Heavy Artillery is iucontestible,
their bravery has been tried. and they
have never been found wanting.