The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-05-13
The Bloody Flag of Fort Pillow,
Touching Scene in Fort Pickering
A SPEECH BY MRS poor,,
An Oath to Avenge the MASSACRE

From the Memphis Bulletin, 2Sih
On Tuesday last, April I'd, the widow of
Major Booth, the late commander of Fort
Pillow, arrived at Fort Pickering, below
this city. Colonel Jackson, of the 9th U.
S heavy artillery, had his regiment formed
in line for her reception. In front of its
center stood fourteen men, as fine, brave
fellows as tread the earth. They were the
remnant of the LIST battalion of the regi-
ment now drawn up-all who had escaped
the fierdish 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 hu-
man blood. She took position in front
OF the fourteen heroes, so lately under her
deceased husbands command.
The ranks before her observed a 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 steel, and
drew on the fountain of tears that had re-
manned dry even amid the piteous sights
witnessed on the battle. field after fierce
action.
Turning to the men before her, she said
Boys, | have just come from visit to
the hospital at Mound City. There l saw
your comrades, wounded in the bloody
struggle at Fort Pillow. There I found
this tlag-.you recognize it One of your
comrades saved it from the insulting touch
of traitors at Fort Pillow.
have given to my country all | had to
give-my husband-such gift, Yet, |
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 fiag-the flag that waved in proud
defiance 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 flag to traitors -
Colonel jackson then received FROM her
hand--on behalf of his command-the
blood-stained flag. He called upon the
regiment to receive it as such gift ought
to be received. At that call he and
every man of the regiment fell upon their
knees, and solemnly appealing to the God
OF battles, each one swore to avenge their
brave and fallen comrades, and never
necer TO surrender tie flag 10 traitors,
The scene was one never surpassed in
emotional incident Beside the swift roll
ing waters of the Miss;ssippi-witlin the
Enclosure that bristled with the death-deal
ing cannon, knelt those rough soldiers,
whose bosoms were heaving with emotion,
and on many of whose cheeks quivered a
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 had 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 a reckoning so fearful.
In q few pointed and eloquent words,
Col. Alexander pledged himself and his
command to discharge to the uttermost the
solemn obligation of justice they had that
day taken.
Col Kappas followed him, expressing
himself i'll favor of such retaliatory acts
as justice and the laws of warfare require
in a case Of such fiendsh and wicked
cruelty
Woe to the unlucky "reb" who falls
into the hands of any of the commands
represented at this solemn declaration
The determination of the officers of the
9th United States heavy artillery is incon-
testible, their bravery has been tried, and
they have never been found wanting.