The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1866-07-25
Forests Own Account Of the Pur-
suit and Capture Of Strei ght.

Forests Own Account Of the Pur-
suit and Capture Of Strei ght.
Correspondence Of the Nashville Banner
Late one afternoon, long after this, at the
moment when the entire Confederacy was
ringing with his pursuit and capture Of
Colonel Strelght, Forrest came into the
editorial room Of tne Rebel at Chattanooga,
where three or four Of his old friends were
collected, and gave us a minute narrative Of
the recent campaign. His descriptive pow.
ers are naturally very good and on this occa
sion he was full OF his story, and spoke with
the enthusiasm and simplicity OF child.
lie bad pursued Streight's column, fighting
every day, for nearly fortnight, over an
almost barren country for several hundred
miles and with an inferior force, capturing
him at last by stratagem. 81 wasn't certain.
when demanded his surrender, which would
have to give in him or me. But it was like
n game Of poker. | called him on a pair
to his full trusting to luck. He seemed at
first to have very little confidence in my
hand hut said: I give you five minutes.
I've followed you and fought you tor two
weeks, and now I've got you where want
you. I'm tired Of sacrificing lives, and offer
you chance to stop it. If yoa don't |
warn you won't be answerable for the
consequence"
Streight was fairly blufed." He was
in strange country. His adversary was
known to be desperate man. His com
mand was jaded. What could he do? II
be stood it out any longer and was mistaken
be might be sacrificed. He surrendered,
and in few minutes himself and his men
were dIsarmed prisoners under the escort Of
one. fourth Of their number. Where is the
rest Of your command, General 7" asked Col
Streight. Forrest smiled grimly and made
no reply. Presently, when they arrived in
the village Of Rome, the mystery was re.
moved and the gallant but outwitted In
dianian saw his bluDd,r.
1t was during thepursuit Of Streight that
an incident occurred which Forrest reported
with great satisfaction. The chase was be.
coming excited and the Conhderates were
beginning to be eager for its conclusion,
when they reached 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
bafaed and angry, while the bullets from the
other side spun through the trees and
whistled about his ears. After yainly seek
ing for half All hour, he came to "a cabin
which stood alone in the wilderness near the
waters edge. Here, as last resort be
inquired for ford. A young girl ran out
and said, can show you one if you take
me behind yod." The mother was very
much shocked, but the girl continued, I'm
not afraid. You're General Forrest, and
will take care ofme" Hop up" then, said
Forrest. riding close to the fence. The girl
bounded upon the horse, hung tightly to the
Generals sabef sash, and away they rode,
down the stream and through the brush
wood to the rattle OF sharpshootiDg and the
whizziDg Of minies. What's that p said
the girl innocently, As one of them came
very near. That" said Forrest, I" is q
scared bird" They reached the ford in
safety, the command passed over, and the
General turned to his gallant little guide
ard asked what he coull do for heri She
replied that her brother had been captured
by Colonel Streight, and was a prisoner in
his hands all she desired was bis release.
:" Very WELL" said Forrest, taking note Of
the name, you shall have him by twelve
o'clock tomorrow"
1t was turned of II o'clock the next day
when Streight surrendered Immediately
Forrest called for John SAMSON, who prompt
" appeared. glad enough to be relieved.
and wondering what could be wanted with
him by bis own general. II promised your
sister Emma" said Forrest, when the young
man approached, "to send you to her by
IL o'clock to-day. Times nearly up. Take
the best horse you can get and put out.
Double quick pow-march!' Assfelated
by Forrest himself, with the earnest delight
OF his nature, and 10 that quiet little ed
itorial room, at the close Of q summer day,
with all its freeness about it, the story was
thrilling, and We at once resolved to make a
heroine out Of the little rustic, Emma San
som. subsequently she received grant Of
land and vote OF thanks from the General
Assembly Of Alabama; but the remem.
brance 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 scence Of the victory which it secured
and never aludes toit without q touch o.
the old fire and quick returning Of the old
flash.