The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1864-05-13
Touching ososne.- thrilling spssoh BY
xrs. Booth ,.,..

On Tuesday last, April 3, the widow Of MAJ.
Booth, tAs lsts commanded At Fort Pillow, ar
rived st Fort Pieksring, below this city, Col.
Jackson, Of tho 6th U. 8. Heavy Artillery. had
his regiment formed into line for her reception.
In front Of ih centre stood fourteen men, ~
ane, brave fellows - tread the earth. They
wers the remnant Of the first battalion Of The
regiment now drawn up-all who escaped ths
asndish soshes OF Fort Pillow, scenes that have
stamped yet deeper blaoknsss on The infAmous
brow Of treason, gasm4H
Mrs. Booth came forward. In her hand she
bore dag. red and clotted With human blood.
She took position in front OF the fourteen be-
roes, so lately under her deceased husbsnd's
command. The ranks before her observed d
lsnce that Was full Of solsmnity. Many : bar
dy faos showed BY twitehing Ids and humid
syes how the light Of The bsrsaved lady touched
bosoms that could meet steel, and dtsv on the
fountsin Of tesrs that had remained dry even
smid the pitsous sights witnessed on the battle
Geld after Aerce action. -,rl 5j e'shs F.
Turning TO the men before her. shs said !:
"Boys, have just come from . visit 10 the
hospital at. Mound City. There saw your
comrades; wounded at the bloody struggle In
Fort Pillow. There found this hag--you REQ
ognire It. One OF your comrades saved Il nom
the insulting touch Of traitors st Fort Pillow |!
I hsve given to my country oil I had 10 give
my husband d-such gift Yet I have freely
given him for freedom and my country. Next
my husbands cold remains, the dearest object
len mo In the world Is this aag-the Gag that
waved In strong defiance over the works OF
Fort Pillow! Soldiers this Gag I give to you
knowing that you win ever rsmsmbsr The last
words Of my dear husband Never surrender
the Gag 10 traitors IT," or }vfi i,dGrN9'3i
Col. Jackson then received from her hand, %
behalf Of his command, the blood. stained nag.
He called upon the regiment 70 receive II -
such Q gift ought to bs 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 swors to svengs their brave
and fallen comrades. and nevsr--nsver to sur
render TO traitors r--.. Ia sF .ffI ,ra .1ri
The scene wss ono never surpassed In emo.
tionsl incident. Beside the swift rolling waters
Of the Mississlppl-withln the inclosure that
bristlsd with the dcath-dealing cannon-knelt
these rough soldiers, whose bosoms were heav-
Ing with emotion. and on many OF whose cheeks
quivsred 1 tear they tried to hide, though It did
honor to their manly natures. Beside them
stood, In her grief, the widow Of the loved oh.
Ger they had lost--snd above them was held the
bloody Gag. that eloquent record Of crime,
which has capped the climax OF rebellion, and
which VIII bring reckoning 90 fearful.
In fsw hut pointed and incisive words, Col.
Alexander pledged himself and his command
To- discharge to tho uttermost tho solemn obli.
cations Of justice they had that day taken. Col
Kappan followed him. expressing himself In
favor Of such rstaliatory cots Of Justice a. .
case Of such asndIsh and wicked cruelty 70.
quires. ig,,g ~. ..,o5 ,D1s ll,a s,.rg|
Woe to The unlueky rob who fhlls into the
hands Of any Of the commands represented at
this solemn declaration, The discrimination Of
the officers Of the 9Th U. g., Heavy Artillery is
ipoontsstibls. their bravery has been tried, and
they have never bean found wanting. r.isr