The New era. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1865-1871, 1867-04-18
Ho,v Il. Sidney johnson Died.
Houston, Feb. ), 1867.

Houston, Feb. 5, 1867.
Editor Houston Jounot:-In a recent
issue of the New Orleans Times, notice
an article speaking of the incidents at
tending the death of Gen. Albert Sid
ney johnson, that does great injustice
to portion of the Generals staff.
1t states in substance that Gen. john
son induced his staff, who were his in
innate personal friends, to remain in
the rear, whilst he, with single mem
Der OF his staff, and DR.. Yandell, rode
forward and was MORALLY wounded.
Such however is not the case. No doubt
his kind and generous heart would
have willingly made such sacrifice,
but 1T would be little to the credit OF
his staff had they permitted it. l can
speak positively for myself. He had
given me his last order. | can never
forget his appearance at the moment.
lie had witnessed the maiden fight of
the "a Texas, under Col. Moore, and
our troops were driving the enemy in
every direction. ''Lieut. Baylor" said
ne, go tell Gen; Chalmers to sweep
forward toward the left, and drive the
Yankees into the river.' With spark
ling eyes and flushed cheeks, leaning
forward in his saddle, and waving his
hand majestically as he gave the order,
he seemed to ME the personation of
Southern chivalry.
Dr.. Yandell was not with him, or
the Yankees might have been driven
into the river. AS the General passed a
group, he saw lying PROSTATE and help
less the Confederate and Federal Woun-
ded-in the midst and heat of battle
his great and noble heart was moved,
and he ordered DIR. Yandeil to stop and
dress their wounds. Perhaps, too, the
old blue uniform brought back MEM
cries OF happy hours passed with his
brother officers, and he gave that cour-
tesy to a fallen foe that has been denied
his remains.
Governor 1sham G. Harris, of Ten
nessee, and Captain Leigh Wickham,
\. A. Q. NJ, and Major O'Hara, and
perhaps others of his staff, were with
him when wounded. Governor Harris,
II my memory serves me right, gave
me the following account of his being
wounded: A portion Of his staff We're
carrying his orders and were absent,
but those have mentioned were with
him in the charge when he was Woun-
ded. aGovernor Harris asked him
after the charge, &c neral, are you
Woundedo" The General answered,
yes, but It's only seratch.o and then
gave the Governor an order to carry
Governor Harris was gone but a mo-
nent, and saw when he returned that
the General looked pale, and asked him
II he had been wounded again. No."
said he, abut | am more seriously Woan-
ded than | imagined, and will ride to
the rear and find a surgeon.n He be-
gan to reel in his saddle, ana was taken
by those with him from his horse and
placed in a ravine.
In seeking for Gen. johnson, met
Major O. Harra, who asked me if knew
where he could get q surgeon and am
bulance. | then asked him where the
General was; he directed me TO him, and
/ told him, where | had seen some sur
geons at a larm house near by, and we
rode together and found Gen. johnson
lying speechless. | took his hand and
spoke 10 him, bat Coy. Harrissaid: at
is useless, Lieutenant, he has been in
sensible some moments" Gov. Harris
then asked for some brandy, which Gen.
Preston handed him in flask. I rails
ed his head on my knees, and he sWal-
lowed the brandy, but became every
moment weaker. Lieutenant Jack re-
lieved rae, as I had become cramped
from being on my knees. in q few mo-
ments theGeneraI expired The enemy
had now advanced, and our troops We're
holding them at bay. Thus, amidst the
whistle Of minnie balls, the scream OF
shells, and the shouts OF contending
hosts, this noble spirit passed away, and
his last act, which cost him his life, was
pity and help to the Federal wounded
Ill