The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1870-10-26
A Fragment.

Tt was in 1864, in the spring of the
wear, if our memory serves us correct
II. that a little incident occurred near
a secluded village in a neighboring
State. which well deserves the pains OF
uniting in print; the more so, as great
events were then occurring with such
rapidity that it was extremely difficult
to give the dates, far less the character
and bearings, OF minor deeds of hero
ism.
1t was, as we have said, in the spring
of the year. Nature smiled with the
resplendent gladness with which she
ever bedecks herself on the approach
of that welcome season, begging, as 1t
were, to impart her pleasure to every
living creature.
This glorious epoch in natures course
shed its beauteous rays upon little
nation Just beginning to realize, UNI
Willingly though it were, the crushing
sorrow which awaited them. The
Confederatcs had lost, by wofully mis-
sent. Vicksburg and many other strong
holds, had finally succulnbed, alter a
heroic resistance unsurpassed Ill the
worlds annals of people fighting for
their firesides.
The railroad running at that time
from Mobile to the northern portion
of the State of Mississippi still remain
ed in possession of the Confederates,
and was of great Importance to them
in supplying the latter city, then
menacingly threatened by the Federal
feet. Even the temporary Interrupt
ton of this important artery would
have been of the greatest advantage to
the enemy. 1t was therefore resolved
to attempt it's partial destruction. Ac-
cordinrly, a body of about two humid
red picked men, most admirably equip
ped was sent from one Of the garrisons
on the Mississippi River, with orders
to go quietly but most speedily across
the then undefended section lying be-
tween the great river aud a point OF
the railroad named, where there were
several important bridges and great
deal of trestle work, to destroy these
and retire.
The valiant captain had uninterrup'
tedly penetrated as far as the outskirts
of little town then called Elilsvlile
1.-THE name has since been changed, bu
for what reason we know not,} ant
was within days ride OF his destma
ton. This is one of the poorest sec
tons of the State, and the country, il
the disordered condition of things, ha'
for long while been the refuge G
army deserters and bad character
generally. This the Federal scou
must have known, and was doubles
not little surprised when he was me
by messenger, with the astoundin
demand that he and his command mu:
Internationally surrender. The fore
now actually opposed to him consiste
of naueht more than few citizens an
bows. armed with shot guns. The
had, however. undauntedly formt
the resolution to cheek, either
strategy OF force, the advance OF Il
enemy over their soil.
Amused at such a demand from sut
q source, the would-be heroic capita
bid the messenger to begone, and tai
good care of himself. ''Refuse to Sill
RENDER" replied the piny woods her
"and in less than twenty minutes you
self and your command will be ann
hiiated. You are now surrounded
more than Il thousand well armed me
They will show no mercy, once &
work begins. | come only in the Il
terest OF humanity"
Pale as death, and believing hims'
in its very Jaws, the officer gave
his sword. The citizen strategist tn
called about Il dozen or more boy
about half his force, as though it we
but a trifing section Of his army, so
disarmed the invaders, and i'll a she
time was marching with his captul
to the nearest Confederate militia
post.-[N. 0. Picayune.