The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1864-05-24
Touching Scene in Fort Pickering.

Touching Scene in Fort Pickering.
From the Memphis Bulletin
On Tuesday last, April 3d., the widow
Of Major Booth, the late commander at
Fort Pillow. arrived at Fort Pickering,
below the city. Colonel Jackson, o the
9Th United States heavy artillery, had
his Regiment formed in line for recep,
iion In front of the center stood four
teen men, as Gne braye fellows as tread
the earth. Phey we're the remnant of
the LIST battalion of the regiment now
drawn upa,l who had escaped the fiend-
ish scenes of Fort Pillow, scenes that
have stamped yet deeper blackness on
the infamous brow Of treason.
Mrs Booth came forward-in her
hands she bore flag read and clotten
with human blood. She took position
in front Of the fourteen heroes, so lately
nader her deceased husbands command
The ranks before her observed silence
that was full ofsolemui;y. 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 remained dry even amid the piteous
sights witnessed on the battle field after a
fierce action.
Turning TO the men before her. she
said: Boys, have just come from a
visit to the hospital at Mound City.
These I saw your comrads, wounded at
the bloody struggle in Fort Pillow
have given to my country all 7 had to
give-my hasband-such a gift Yet
have freely given him for freedom and
my country. Next to nay husbands cold
remains, the next dearest object left me
in the world, is this fsg-the fay tina,
waved in proud defiance over the works
at Fort Pillow Soldiers this flag give
10 you, knowing that you will ever re-
member the last words Of my noble hus.
band" Never surrender the flag to trail
tors 70
Gel. Jackson then received from her
Aand-on behalf Of his com mand-the
blood stained flag. He called upon the
regiment to receive itas 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
Sod OF battles, each one swore 10 avenge
their brave and fallen comrads, and never
never to surrender the flag to traitors,
The scene was never surpassed in
emotional incident. Beside the swift,
''otl,ng waters Of the Mississippi-withiu
the Enclosure that bristled with the death
dealing cannon, knelt these rough SOL
diers. whose bosoms were heayine with
emotion, and on many Of whose cheeks
.guirered a tear they tried to hide. though
II did honor to their manly natures.
Beside them stood. in her grief, the wild
ow Of the loved officer they had lost
sndabove whom was held the bloody flag,
chat elegant record OF crime, which has
capped the climax Of the rebellion, and
which will bring reconing so fearful.
In few butpointed and decisive words,
Col. Alexander pledged himself and
his coalnasnd tq discharge TO the utmost
..ls solemn obligation oil Justice they sd
chat day taken.
Col. Kappas followed him. expressing
himself ip favor Of such retalatory act:
~ justice and the law IS Of warfare require
IN case Of such Gendish end wicked
cruelty.
Woe to the pnlucky ''reb" who falls in
10 the hands Of apy Of the comrads repre-.
septed ct this solemn declaration. The
determination OF the officers Of she etL
United States heavy artillery 10 iteontes.
llble, their bravery has been tried, and
they have never been found wanting