Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1868-06-11
Ths One Hundred and Fifty fourth Tennes-
see Volunteers.


From tho Southern 0pnion.l
OF the many regiments that left the
Volunteer State at the incipiency of the
war, none numbered among their com
mands a more patriotic, chivalrous and
intrepid body of men than the l54th reg
iment of Tennessee volunteers, from
Memphis. Composed of the elite of the
city, the first to respond to the call of
their State, they were the more eager to
show their pluck on the battle feld--to
prove to their countrymen that their
precious banner, the flag of the nation,
in their keeping, would float gallsntly
and wave triumphantly in the face of the
foe. This flag was a patriotic gift OF the
ladies of the Bluff City, and the volun-
teers determined to defend il until the
heart of every soldier was as bloodless as
the donors we're pure and stainless.
Never did men embark in cause with a
more earnest will to conquer or jie than
the brave men of the old l54th, led by
that "noblest Roman of them all, the
gallant Colonel S., who was always
where the fray was hottest, danger the
thickost, and glory the most dearly won.
His presence on every field Of carnage
seemed to infuse into his men renewed
spirit, that prompted them to chivalrous
acts and heroic deeds. 1t was, indeed,
the corps d elite. the Stonewall" " regi-
ment OF the West; it bore the heaviest
bruut Of battle, and carried off the chief
glories of the conflict To meet the
enemy, was to drive him before them,
and to lure victory to their battle flag.
They marched, fought aud bled; their
bullet-torn ensign could have embla-
zoned on it the names Of all the leading
battles of the West and then would be
incomplete. When some regiments would
falter in the contest and give back to
overwhelming numbers, the supporting
force of the l54th never failed TO turn
the tide of battle, drive back the foe dis
comfited, and crown their efforts with
victory. They revered their cherished
motto, "When duty calls, tbs ours to
obey" Their affection for the loved
onesiat home, the love of their native
land, and their determination TO be
free people, never appeared to be lost to
mind, and upon the issue they staked
their all.
Colonel S. was the man TO lead them.
Nature fitted him for his honored posi-
ton. On the eve of an engagement, his
clear voice could be heard above the din
of preparation. Forward was al
ways the word. No clouds could de
press him; he met ill-fortune with o
smile, aud drove il before him with his
gallant laughter. He loved his men, and
admired their devotion; be spent much
of his time in rendering their condition
in the army as comfortable as possible,
and they, in return, loved him heartily.
10 ell their long career Of toll aud
glory, their incessant marches, combat
ing with overwhelming numbers, snow
aud rain. cold aud heat, hunger and
thirst, their valor and patience abaied
not, while be would share with them all
the privatious and hardahips eucoun-
tered. Re fell at the battle of Chicka-
mauca, in the fall Of 1861, at his post Of
duty-A wiling martyr 70 principle.
His remains were inferred IN this city
on the 2i Of May altimo. borne By his
surviving soldiers to their final RESTING
place, and IN the presence Of the TAR
women Of the South. Who had assembled
in thousands 10 decorate the graves Of
the heroic dead-io streg sweet types Of
hore and love. purity and affection, and
70 keep green the memories Of cur falien
worlhies
Many incidents are related Of Ais