The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1864-05-05
From the Memphis Enquirer, April 2ssh.
The Bloody Flag Of Fort Pillow,
TOuchlng Scene In Fort Pickering.

Weare under obligations to an obHging
friend for the following interesting par
ticulars
On Tuesday last, April 26th, the wild
ow Of Major Booth, the late command
er at Fort Pillow, arrived at Fort Pick
ering, below this city. Col jackson of
the Sixth United States heavy ar
tillery had his regiment formed into
line Tor her reception. In front Of its
centre stood fourteen men, as fine,
brave fellows as tread the earth. They
were the remnant of the first battalion
of the regiment now drawn up-an
who had escaped the fiendish 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 a flag, red and clothed
with human blood. She took a position
in front of the fourteen heroes, 50 late
ly under her deceased husbands COM
mand
The ranks before her observed n ST.
lence 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 foun-
tain of tears that had remained 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 at the
bloody struggle in Fort Pillow. There
/ found this tag--yoa recognize it One
Of your comrades saved it from the in
sulting 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 to my husbands cold remains,
the next dearest object left me in the
world, is this flag-the flag that waved in
proud defiance over the works Of Fort
Pillow
Soldiers this flag give you, know
ing that you will ever remember the
last words of my noble husband
"Neyer Surrender the Flag 10 TrQit0rsF
Col. jackson then received from her
hand-on behalf of bis command-the
blood-stained flag. lie called upon the
regiment to receive it as such gift
ought to be received At that call be
and every man of the regiment fell
upon their kness, and solemnly appeal
ing to the God of battles, each one swore
to avenge their brave and fallen com
rades and neYer-neUer 10 surrender the
flag 70 traitors
The scene was one never surpassed
in emotional incident Beside the swift
rolling waters of the Mississippi-with-
in the enclosure that bristled with the
death dealing cannon, knelt these rough
soldiers, whose bosoms were hsaving
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 rebellion, and which will
bring a reckoning so fearful
In few but pointed and incisive words,
Col Alexander pledged himself and his
command, TO discharge to the Utternost
the solemn obligation Of justice they
had that day taken.
Col Kappan followed him, expressing
himself in favor of such retaliatOry
acts as justice and the laws of warfare
require in case Of such tendish and
wicked cruelty.
Woe to the unlucky re5 who falls into
the hands of any Of the commands
represented at this solemn declaration.
The determination Of the officers Of the
9th T. s Heavy Artillery is incOntesti-
bic, their bravery has been tried, and
they have never been found wanting.
w. B. Nc
We have received from Mrs. Booth
the following card for publication:
60 take great pleasure in returning
my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to
Generals Hurlbut and Brayman, for
their kindness in urgently requesting
Of General Washburn the use Of the
ram Switzerland also, to that officer for
promptly complying with said request
Also, to General Chetlain and 10 the
officers of his staff, for their thoughtful
attentions to me Also, 70 Colonies
Kappner, Turner, and various other
officers Of colored troops, for their uni |
form kindness, and particularly % Col /
jackson and Captain Baker, for their |
constant attention and services while /
with their command
am, gratefully,
LIZZIE BoOTH,
Widow Of the late Major L. F. Booth, /
Commander Of the Post Of Fort PHI /
low