The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-08-28


Our correspondent, Modoc. in his letter
published on the third inst. falls into an
error IN his statement Of the circumstances
attendant upon the death Of Gen Leonidas
Polk. He represents the General as having
been shot By young Federal lieutenant
named eimonson, and pictures Gen. Polk as
wearing his bishops gown, and being the
centre Of group Of Confederate officers,
when the fatal messenger struck him. He
makes Gen. Howard remark that the
figure in the centre must be Bishop Polk
he sometimes goes out in gown and slip
peH.p
The story Is an entire fabrication, and
was doubtless imposed upon our correspond
ent. The fact Is, that when the noble and
gallant General met his tragic end, he was
standing entirely alone and wore his ordi-
nary undress uniform. There was no Off
Ger in the army more punctilious about his
dress, and no man ever saw him outside Of
bis ewn headquarters in gown and slippers.
The day before the tragic event was a
Sunday, one Of those lovely June mornings
when holy quiet pervades all nature, and
nothing disturbs the peaceful silence save
the exquisite chants of the fcathered Choir
isters. Gen. Polk occupied as headquarters
a small, rude cabin on the Kennesaw line,
and after the morning repast he stepped out
under the shade of a spreading oak, and ac-
costing one OF his aids. Major 4. ii.
Mon, remarked: "What a beautiful,
quiet morning. / know of no more appro-
pirate way TO spend it than to have morn
ing service. Please notify the other mem
beIs of the staff ,,
The officers were soon gathered together,
and in that grand cathedral, whose dome
was the yaulted sky, the Bishop read the
beautiful morning service of the church.
NcycrbefoFe did his matchless form seem so
majestic, and the s0lemnity of the scene
was such rs to indelibly impress itself upon
those present.
Next morning Gen. Joseph Johnston rode
by and asked Gen. Polk and stall to ae-
company him to Gen Hardee's ON the left
of the line, rs he wished TO reconnoitre the
enemy. They all proceeded to Gen. Har-
dee's Headquarters, and from thence to Pine
Mountain. which was about two miles in
advance of the main line. While the party,
some twenty-five in number, were ascending
the mountain on horseback, they were met
10y an officer who advised them to dismount,
as the enemy would be certain to fire at so
large number of mounted men. There
upon they dismounted and proceeded to the
top Of the mountain, where small tempo
rary earthworth had been thrown up.
They remained there some half hour,
accommodating the enemy's movements
they were only some 1900 yards distant
when suddenly a shell was fired ut the
group, which passed to the right, crashing
through the branches of the tree. This oc-
casioned but little comment, and shortly
thereafter Gen. Polk, leaving the group,
walked slowly away, rs Major Men, who
followed him, ut first supposed to get out of
tile range. He was surprised, however, to
see his chief take q narrow and overgrown
path which led to higher point
They walked slowly along this angled
and circuitous pathway about one hum
dred yards, when the General, being
ing in advance, stepped out upon a clear
place that commanded fine view Of the
enemy, end, folding his arms, was looking
intently out upon the plain before him, when
the Major turned to see if General Johnston
was following. Just at the instant that he
turned, another shot was fired, and he plain
" heard heavy thud, as if the ball had
struck near. Turning quickly, he saw the
General just falling backward, and rushing
up, he found to his unutterable horror, that
the form of his beloved chieftain had been
pierced by rifled she'll.
A few short gasps and the soul of Polk
was with its God The shell had struck
his left elbow, SCATTERING it, and passing en-
tirely through the body, and had broken
his right arm also.
Walking back to General Johnston, Major
Men. quickly informed him of the dreadful
accident. The entire party at once repaired
to the spot where the dead hero lay, and
his staff remained there until arrangements
had been made to bear the body to the rear.
This is a correct history of the sad cir.
cumstances attendant upon one of the sad
dest bereavements that the people of thu
South were called upon to endure. Bishop
Polk was beloved by every human being
who knew him. and no Drawer or purer gen
tleman ever drew sword in defense of his
native land He was entirely destitute o.
fear, and always exposed himself in the
most reckless manner, and when remon
strated with by his officers, would laughing
~ remark:
ooh, they can't hit me and old roam
there's not the least danger
He seemed to bear a charmed life, anC
those about him were finally almost con
WINGED that no bullet could strike him, 81
frequently had they seen him ride through
the thiclIest of the fight on his old roar
charger and escape unscathed. -Neao Or
leans Herald
/