The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1864-01-26
THOMAS LEGION.

Editor AsheVille News-Dear Sir: Upon the
surrender of East Tennessee, my command, known
as thomas Legion became divided. The larger
portion was ordered towards Abingdon, and the
remainder, five companies, three mounted aud two
Indian companies, were assigned to other duties.
! he mounted companies, under Captains Nef,
Wallace, and Garley, detached and ASST gned
to duty with regiments Of cavalry. The Indian
com anies were ordered 10y Maj. Gen. Buckner to
fall back on the Smoky Mountains to aid in pro-
tecilug North Carolina. And while the other two
PORTIONS Of the Legion have acquired deservedly
much reputation in the field, the Indians have
done good service, but little known. 1t becomes
NY duty to mention some of the important services
they with few whites have rendered, probably
unknown to you and the public.
When they fell back on the Smoky Mountains
last fall, they held two regiments of the enemy
IN check, and prevented them from passing into
jackson county, and thence to Asheville, they
probably would have DONE portion Of them
we're sent to Cherokee county to aid in putting
down the robbers under Goldman Bryson, which
resulted in the capture of large portion of his
men, and afterwards he chased by 1t. Camp
bell Taylor and few Indians to his mountain
Businesses, and upon refusing to surrender was
shot down. On his. person found papers con-
tanning Tie names Of his and a commission
from Gen. Burnside, which proved that his robbie
ries aud murders had the sanction Of the Lincoln
Government
A short time since the Home Guard Of Sewer
county Tenn arrested and Imprisoned several of
NY men. Ga the 9Th instaut. | started from the
smoky 3iouuta.ns with less than two hundred
men, including Capt Boon and his squad, travelled
about forty miles, reached Severve at break Of
day, captured about sixty Home Guards, six Yam
KEGS, their guns ammunition &c, broke open the
jail, released my men, aud returned to the Noun
tsins. The Provost Marshal was also tax en- pris-
oner and with the rest parolled. At Gatlinsburg
the command became divided. The part that re-
manned had skiriush with one hundred and ten
Yankees, and a large number of Home Guards
Two Of the Indians were slightly wounded. The
loss OF the enemy not known. The enemy have
at least been taught that while We hold the Smoky
Mountains Western n. Carolina and the adjacent
portions OF East Tennessee are hard to subjugate.
My command being ASST gued to duty with Brig.
Gen. Vance, by Gen. Bragg, wbeu the command
IS brought together in East Tennessee, the heart
OF the Contederacy, it is quite probable that more
important services may be rendered.
Better have a home in the mountains, where
civil and religious liberty still exist than sub
init to Lincoln's hirelings, though be furnished
with the fesh-pots of Egypt.
WN. H. THOMAS, COL Com Le
- Death OF LIZ. Col WALKER-By despatch
received at headquarters we are panied to learn
that 1t. Col. W. 9. Walker, of Thomas Legion,
murdered in his own bed in Cherokee county
few nights since, by band of disoyal men, Col
Walker gallant and efficient officer, and bis
death is public loss. swift and terrible retri.
button will overtake the murderers. -AsheyiAe
Ners.