The Smoky Hill and Republican union. [volume] (Junction City, Kan.) 1861-1864, 1864-05-14
Speech Of Nrs. Booth-An Oath to Avenge the
Massacre.


Speech Of Mrs. Booth-An Oath to Avenge the
Massacre.
On Thursday, April %, the widow Of
Major Booth, the late commander at Fort
Pillow, arrived at Fort Pickering, below
Memphis. Col. Jackson of the 9th United
States heavy artillery, had bis regiment
formed into line for her reception. In trout
of its centre stood fourteen men, as brave
fellows as ever tread the earth. They were
the remnant of the 1st battalion of the regi-
ment now drawn rp-all who had escaped
the 6endish scenes Of Fort Pillow, scenes
that have stamped yet deeper blackness on
the Infamous brow of treason.
Mrs. Booth came forward. In her hand
she bore flag, red and clotted with human
blood. She took position in front of tho
fourteen heroes, so lately under her deceased
husbands command.
The ranks before her observed q silence
that was full of solemnity. Many hardy
face showed by twitching lips and humid
eyes how the sight of the bereaved lady
touched bosoms that could meet steels, and
drew on fountain of tears that had re-
maiued dry even amid the piteous sights
Witnessed on the battle fold after fierce
action.
Turning to the men before her, she said:
Boys, 1 have Just come from visit to the
hospital at Mound City. There / saw your
comrades, wounded at the bloody strife in
Fort Pillow. There found this fag-yoS
recognize it! One of your comrades saved
it from the insulting touch of traitors at
Fort Pillow
have given to my country al had to
give-my husband-such gilt Yet l
have freely given him for freedom and my
country.
Next my husbands cold remains, the next
dearest object left me in the world. is this
fag-the flag that waved in proud deesnce
over the works of Fort Pillow
Soldiers this flag give to you, know
ing that you Will ever remember the last
words of my noble husband" Never sur.
render the fsg to traitors!'
Col. jackson then received from her hsud
on behalf Of his command-the blood.
stained flag. He called upon the regiment
to receive it as such gift ought to be re-
ceived. At that call he and every man Of
the regiment fell upon their knees, sndS
solemnIJ appealing to the God of Battles,
each one swore to aveuge their brave and
fallen comrades, and ncver-neuer to sur
render the Flag to traitors!
The scene was one never surpassed inS
emotional incident. Beside the swift roll
ing waters of the Mississippi-within the
inclosure that bristled with the death DEAL
ing cannon, knelt these rough soldiers,
whose bosoms were heaving With emotion,
and on many Of whose cheeks quivered .
tear they tried to hide, though it did honor
to their manly natures. Beside them stood
in her grief, the widow of the loved officer
they bad lost-and above them was held
the bloody flag. That eloquent record of
crime, which has capped the climax of the
rebellion. and which will bring reckoning
so fearful.
In few but pointed and decisive words,
Col. Alexander pledged himself and his
command to discharge to the uttermost tho
solemn obligation Of justice they had that
day taken.
Col. Kappas followed him, expressing
himself 10 favor of such retaliatory acts ~
justice and the laws Of warfare require in
case of such fiendish and wicked cruelty.
Woe to the unlucky reb," who falls
into the hands of any Of the commands rep.
resented st this solemn declaration. Tho
determination of the officers Of the 9th U.
S. heavy artillery is incontcstibls, their
bravery has been tried, and they never have
been found wanting.
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- n q z n -
The officers of the State Agricultural Socis-