Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-08-09
MISCELLANY.
Forests Own Account of the Pursuit
and Capture of Streight.
Correspondence of the Nashville Banner]

| lOOTIeSDOuucUCC VI lilt NdSHNiiiS Dduiiti i
Late one afternoon, long after this, at the
moment when the entire Confederacy was ring
ing with his pursuit and capture Of Colonel
Streight, Forrest camc into the editorial room
of the Rebel, at Chattanooga, where three or four
of his old friends were collected, and gave us
minute narrative of the recent campaign. His
descriptive powers are naturally very good, and
on this occasion he was full Of his story, and
spoke with the enthusiasm and simplicity of
child He had pursued Strcight's column,
fighting every day, for nearly fortnight, over
an almost barren country for over several hun
dred miles, and With an inferior force capturing
him at last by stratagcm. +" / wasn't certain
when demanded his surrender, which would
have to give in, him or me. But it was like
game of poker, called him on single pair
to his FULL trusting to luck. He. seemed, at
first, to have very little confidence in my hand /;
but | said: give you Eve minutes. I've fol-
lowed you and fit you for two weeks, and now
I've got you just where wantyou. I'm tired
of sacrificing lives and offer you chance to
stop it. If You don't warn you won't be
answerable for the consequences"
Sireight was fairly bluffed." He was in
strange country. His adversary was known to
be desperate man. His command was jaded.
What could he do? If he stood out any longer
and was mistaken he might be sacrificed. He
surrendered, and in few minutes himself and
his men were dsarmed prisoners under the es-
cnrt of the fourth Of their number. Where
is the rest of your command, General ?" asked
Colonel Streight. Forres. smiled grimly, aud
made no reply. Presently, when they arrived
in the village Of Rome, the mystery was re-
moved and the gallant, but out-witted Indian
ian saw his blunder.
1t was during the pursuit of Streght that an
incident occurred which Forrest reported with
great satisfaction. The chase was becoming
excited and the Confederates were beginning
to be eager>for its conclusion, when they reach
ed stream over which the enemy had crossed
in safety, but which had in the meantime risen
so rapidly as to be impossible. Forrest rode
along the banks baflled and angry, while the
bullets from the other side spun through the
trees and whistled about his ears. After vain
ly seeking for half an hour, he came to cabin
which stood alone in the wilderness near the
waters edge.
Here, as last resort, he inquired for ford.
young girl ran out and said :" car show
YOU one if you can take me up behind you."-
The mother was very much shocked, but the
girl continued, "Im not afraid. You're Gen
eral Forrest, and will take care of me-" " Hop
up then" said Forrest riding close to the fence.
The girl bounded upon the horse, clung tight
" to the generals sabre sash, and away they
rode, down the stream and through the brush
wood to the rattle Of sharp shooting and the
whizzing of minies. whats that " said the
girl innocently, as one of these came near.
THAT" said Forrest, is a skeered bird
They reached the ford in safety the command
passed over, and the General turned to his gall
liant little guide and asked what he could do$or
her? She replied that her brother had been
captured by Col Streight and was prisoner
in bis hands; all she desired was his release
Very well, said Forrest, taking a note Of the
name, "you shall have him by l2 o'clock to-
morrow"
1t was turned Of Il the next day when
Streight surrendered. Immediately Forrest
called for John SAMSON, who promptly appear
ed, glad enough to be relieved, and wondering
what could be wanted with him by his own
general. Ipromised your sister Emma" said
Forrest, when the young man appeared, 4" to
send you to her at I2 o'clock to-day. Times
nearly I'D. Take the best horse you can find
and put out Double-quick now-march y
AS related by Forrest himself, with the earnest
delight Of his nature and in that quc, l.tle ed
itorial room at the close Of summer day, with
all its freeness about it, the story was thrilling
and we ct once resolved to make heroine out
of tie little rustic, Emma SAMSON.
Subsequently she received a grant Of land
and vote of thanks from the General Assem-
bly, of Alabama but the remembrance Of that
ride behind the most daring cavalry leader Of
the American continent should be worth more
TO her than all the grants and resolutions which
Legislatures have power to give. know that
Forrest looks back upon it with pride that
exceeds the sense of the victory which it se-
cured, and never alIuies 10 il without touch
of the old fire and quick returning Of the old
fash.
Ny dear friends" said returned mission
nrv al one OF the late anniversary meetings,