The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1867-04-03
How a. Sidney Johnston Died.

HoUsToN, Feb 6, lo67.-Editor Telegraph
In recent issue Of the New Orleans Times,
I notice an article speaking ofthe incidents at
tending the death of Gen.. Albert Sidney
Johnston, that does great injustice to a portion
of the Generals staff.
1t states, in substance, that Gen. Johnston
induced his staff, who were bis intimate per-
sonal friends, to remain in the rear, whilst he,
with single member Of his staff, and DR..
Yandell, rode forward and was mortally
wounded. Such. however, is not the case.
No doubt his kind and generous heart would
have willingly made the sacrifice, 5utit would
be little to the credit of his staff had they per-
mitted it.
I can speak positively for myself lie had
given me his last order | can never forget
his appearance at the moment. He had wit
messed the maiden fight of the Cd Texas I'M
der Col. Moore, and our troops were driving
the enemy in every direction. "Lieut. Bay
lor," said he, ego tell Gen. Chalmers to
sweep forward toward the left and drive the
yankees into the riyer' With sparkling
eyes and flushed cheeks, leaning forward in
bis saddle and waving his hand majestically
as he gave the order, he seemed TO me the
personifcation of Southern chvalry
Dir. Yandel was not with him, or the an
KEGS might have been driven into the river.
As the General passed a group, he saw lying
PROSTATE and helpless, Confederate and Fed
| -eral wounded-in the midst and heat of bat
| tle-his great and noble heart was moved,
and he ordered DR.. Yandell to stop and dress
their wounds: Perhaps, too, the old blue
uniform brought back memories OF happy
hours passed with his brother officers, and he
gave that courtesy to fallen foe that has
been denied his remains
/ Gcv. Tsham G. Harris, of Tennessee, anc
Capt Leigh Wickham, A. A. @ NJ, ano
Mayor O'Hara, and perhaps others OF his staff
were with him when wounded Gov. Harris
if my memory serves me right, gave me th'
following account ofhis being wounded. Gov
Harris asked him after the charge, &C General
are YOU wounded 2" The General answered
Yes, but lis onl Y scratch,'' and then CAV
the Governor an order TO carry. Gov. Hafrl
was gone but a moment, and saw when D.
returned that the General looked pale, ant
asked him if he had been wounded again
"No,' said he, but I am more serousl
wounded than | imagined, and will ride to til
rear and find surgeon" He began to rec
in his saddle, and was taken by those wit
him from his horse, and placed in Il ravine.
In seeking for Gen. Johnston, met Majo
O'Hara, who asked me if l knew where h
could get a surgeon and ambulance. the
asked him where the General was; he d
rccted me to him, and told him where | ba
seen some surgeons at a farm house near by
and we rode together and found Gen. Johns
ton lying speeches.. l took his hand an
spoke to him, but Gov. Harris said: cit
| useless, lieutenant. he has been insensibI
: some moments" Gov Harris then asked fc
! some brandy, which Gen. Preston handed hi,
f in flask. | raised his head on my knee
t and he swallowed the brandy, but becam
! every moment weaker. Lieut.. Jack relieve
me, as I had become cramped from being @
my knees. In few moments the Gener
expired. The enemy had now advanced, an
our troops were holding them at bay. Thu
: amidst the whistle of minnie balls, the screa1
= of shells and the shouts of contending host
t this noble spirit passed away, and his last ac
S which cost him his life, was pity and help
t the Federal wounded This act has bee
0 miserably requited, but his memory can ne'
e er be made infamous by such orders as des
crate the dead.
S Many of his old companions in arms in Il
e U. S. A. will drop tear in memory of Abe
l. Sidney Johnston, when they know how
f died GEO. WYTHE BAYLOR.