The Shasta courier., 1864-06-25
starting Scene at Fort Pickering-Thrill-
Ing Speech OF Mrs. Booih

on tuesday last. April Sd, the widow of
MAJOR Booth, the late commander at Fort
Follow, arrived at Pickering bell this city.
eol. jackson, of the 9th U. S. Heavy Artil.
lery. had his regiment formed into line
Tor her reception. In front of its center stood
fourteen as fine, brave fellows as ever tread
the earth. They were the remnant of the first
battalion of the regiment now drawn up-all
who had escaped the fendish scenes of Fort
Phiow-scenes that have stamped vet deeper
backness on the infamous brow of treason.
nrs. Doetn came forward. In her hand
she bore flag, red and olotted with human
blood. She took a position in front of the
fourteen heroes, so lately under her deceased
husbands command
The ranks before her observed silence
'nat was iuil OF solemnity. Many hardy face
showed by twltchng lids and humid ewes, how
'he sight OF the bereaved lady touched boz
SONS that could meet steel, and drew on the
fountain OF teais that had remained dry even
amld the piteous sights witnessed on the bat
tie field after fierce action.
turning to the men before her she said.
Boys, have Just come from n visit IN the
hospital at Mound City There | saw vour
comrades. wounded in the bloody struggle
at Fort Pillow. There | found this Hag-
you recognize it. One of YOUR comrades saved
it from the insplting touch of traitors at Fort
Pillow!
have given to my country all had to
giye-my husband-such a gift,
Yet have freely given him for freedom
and my country.
Nextto my husbands cold remains, the next
dearest objects left me in the world. is this
fias-the flag that waved in proud def.
ance over the works at Fort Pillow ~
Soldiers ! this flag give to you, knowing
that You will remember the last words of nv
noble husband; - Never surrender the
flag to traitors !"
Col. jackson then received from her hand
on behalf OF his command, the blood stained
flag. lie called upon the regiment to receive
1t 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 to
surrender the flag to traitors
The scene was one never surpassed In emo.
tional incident. Beside the swift rolling wa
ters of the Mississippi-withnt the enclosure
that bristled with the death dealing cannon
knelt these rough soldiers, whose bosoms
were heaving with emotion, and on many of
whose cheeks quivered tear they tried to
hide, though 1t did honor to their manly ma
lures. Beside them stood, in her grief, the
widow of the loved officer they had lost-and
above them was he'd the bloody flag. The
eloquent record of crime, and which will bring
reckoning so fearful
In few but pointed and incisive words
Col. Alexander pledged himself and his
command to discharge to the uttermost tie So
lemn obligation ofjustico they had that day
taken.
Col. happan followed him, expressing him.
self in favor ofsuch retaliatory acts of justice
as the law of warfare require in a case of
such wicked and fiendish cruelty
Wo 70 the nnlucky traitor that falls into
the hands of any OF the commands represen,
ted at this solemn declaration. The deter.
mination oftbe officers Of the 9th T. s. Heavy
Artillery is incontestible, their bravery has
been tried, and they have never been found
wanting-Msmphis Bulletin