Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1864-07-21
Number of general officers of volun-
teers appointed since commence
ment Of war.
Accounted for
HD'Qgs FcRREsT's CAVALRY, !

HD'Qgs FcRREsT's CAVALRY,
1upeIo, Miss, June %.
Soldiers After lopg and laborious campaign,
tie Ma or General commanding deems 1t an appropri
ate occasion to address you few words OF recapltula
ton, acknowledgment and congratuation.
About the 18th of February last the campaign
which so gorionsly terminated at Tishamingo Creek"
vas inaugurated. Mej. Gen. Sherman, with a large
end well appointed army undertook to penetrate the
central counties of Alabama and Mississippi H g OBJ
iect was avowedly to capture Selma and Mobile, and
deeoae that productive region Of country from which
the grauaries OF large section OF the Oonederacy are
supplied. Gems Smith and Grierson bad their duties
assigned them and to act conspicuous part In
the work of spci'aion and piracy.
With large cooperating cavalry force thoroughly
armed ard equipped, they were to descend through
North Mississippi carrying fire and sword with them
On they came like blighting srocto. At West Point
you meet them There you throw yourse yes across the
rich prairs, living bulwaik, to stay the desolatng
tide Compared with the enemy you were but few IN
numbers, but every man became hero, for sll seemed
impressed wth1he Importance Ct the momentcus strug
gle. You proved yourselves equal to the expectations
of the country. You met the proud aud exultan enc
my The result is known to the world you drove him
bowling back in agony end SHAME broken and demon
aized. Sherman's campaign was thus brought to an
abrupt conclusion, and Mississippi and Alabama
saved.
The victory was glorious one and with pride the
General commanding acknowledges your unexamped
gaantry. his great work was accomplished by Bells
brigade, commended by Col Barteau0 COL McOnl-
loch and Col Forests brigades. But great as was
this victory, it is not without is alloy. The laurel is
closely entwiped with the cypress, and the usre of
brilliant triumph is darkened by the blood with which
it was purchased. 1t here that Col. Barkesdale
gave up his lie willing sacrifice upon the altar of his
Country He fell in front of the BATTLE CALAMITY dis
charging his duty. He sleeps, but his name is in
pershable. Here, too fell the noble brother of the
u tneral communicated. jeffrey E. Forrest. He
fell in the flower of his youth and usefulness But his
&I,o
field which bis vaor had aided in winning. Peace
to the ashes Of the gallant young heroes.
After short reposa you were called to new thea
tire of action. By long and rapid marches which you
endured without a murmur or complaint, you found
yourselves upon the waters Of the Ohio sweeping the
eremy before you wherever you met him, capturing
hundreds of prisoners, valuable and reeded stores in
the quartermasters ard ordnance departments, while
securing for yourselves character for endurance vaOr
and efficiency which might we'll excite the envy of the
mOsG famous legons in military history.
4 Fort Pillow you exhibited the same conspicuous
gaant!y. Ia The face OF a murderous fire from two
gunboats and six pieces OF artillery the fort you
sorme1 the works, and either killed Or captured the
entire garrison, motley herd of negroes traitors and
Yankees. I his noble work accomplished by parts
of Chalmers ard Bufori's divisions, composed OF
Bells and McCullOchs brigades, commanded By Brig.
Gen. Chalmers and for bis galla1try this and other
occasions, Gen. Chalmers deserves the enduring graft
tude of bis c0untrymen.
For the exhibitions OF high soderly bearing, on these
fields you have earned from your country and its gov
eminent the most grateful and we'll deserved plaudts.
Congress has voted you complimentary resolutions of
thanks and tenders you nations homage.
But the crowning glory of your great Deeds has yet
to be named Tsaamingo creek is the brightest leaf
in your chapet OF laurs Gen. Griereon, not satisfied
with bis test OF your pr0wess united with Gen. Sur
g at the head OF one of the best appointed forces
equipped by the Yankee naton-compete in infantry ;,
cavalry artillery and supply trains. They came forth
will q and
mander, fer the bloody victory of Fort Piow-made
massacre only by dasardly Yankee reporters. Again
you responded bravey to your Generals CALL Victory
never more glorious-di9aster never more crush
ing anG signal From proud and defiant foe, route
for the heart of your country with declarations both by
negro and white troops OF 500 quarters to Forrest
his men, be Became enemy beaten, defeated routed
destroyed.
GU drove the boosted minons of despotism in con-
fused fight from the battle ftd. Seventeen guns, two
hundred and fry wagons, three thousand stand of
arms two thousand prisoners and killed and wounded
two thousand more are the proud trophies Which adorn
triumphant banners. The remainder is still wan
dering il the bushes and bottoms, forever lost to the
enemy. There not over three thousand OF you
that achieved this victory ten thousand of the enc
my. Had you never before raised an arm in your
ounry cause this terrible overthrow Of her brutal
ae would entite you to the deepest gratitude Again
your General expresses his pride and admiration of
your gaantry and wonderful achievements You stand
before the world an uncomfortable baud of heroes
Whether dismou0ted and fighting shoulder to shoulder
like infantry veterans burning your stibe squad
rons on flying foes you eVlnce the same courageous
bravery.
Soldiers amid your rejoicing do not forget the GAL
liant dead upon these fields OF glory. Many noble
comrade has fallen costly sacrifice to his countrys
Independence The most you do is to cherish their
memory and strive to make the future as glorious as
they have the past.
70 Brig Gen. Buford, commanding division, my OBJ
legations especially due. His gaantry and &C
tvity on the id was ever conspicuous and by the
energy displayed in pursuing the enemy he deserves
much of his Government.
He has abundant cause TO be proud of big brigade
Coils Lyons and Bell who displayed great
during the day. Col. E. Rucker was prompt
in the discharge of his duty. His brigade displayed
conspicuous seadiness during the fight. COL johnson
commanding brigade from Gen. Roddys command
merits notice for his GOODNESS and bravery on this occa
sion, and tor the valuable services rendered by his |
troops. Nor can TIE General commanding forget to
mention the efficient aid rendered by the artillery CON-
idly over the toughest ground and was always in &C.
tion at the right time, and his well directed fire dealt
destruction 10 the masses OF the enemy
The General commanding also takes pleasure in no.
ticDg the intelligent a!aelity with which Major W.
A nderson, Captain w. B. Brand Leuts. Donaldson,
Iitne and Galloway, OF my stcf who conveyed orders
to all parts Of the field. They ever near my per-
son, ard were prompt in the discharge Of every Duty
Soldiers You have done much, but there is still
work for you to do. BY prompt obedience to ORDERS
md patient endurance you will be enabled to repeat
hose achievements The enemy is again endeayoring
% break through the living wall erected by your noble
oms and big hearts La the and recollection
# ruined homes desoated hearts, and the bleaching
ZONES of your naryre comrades you are appealed to
gain.
The smoke of your burning homesteads, the groana
f your nsuted women and the cries of starving chill
3D.