The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1877-11-29
COL. WILEY N. REED.
Remarkable Preservation Of the Dead
Soldiers Remains Sketch Of His
Life and Character in the
Pulpit and in the War.
Memphis Appeal, 2lst.

Memphis Appeal, 2lst.
Yesterday the body of Colone
Wiley NJ. Reed,of Forests cavalry
was brought to this city and shipped
by 6. II. Hoist d Co., to Nashville
Tennessee, for Refinement. Colone
Reed, who commanded a Mississippi
regiment, was wounded three times
at the battle and capture of Fort
Pillow by General Forrest in 1864.
His body is almost in a perfect
state of preservation, although it
has been thirteen years since his
death. The features preserve their
identity, while the complexion of
the dead soldier was not unlike it
was in life. The head is turned to
the left, and only the right side of
the face is visible. With the ex-
ception of the end of the nose and
the lips, which are slightly decayed,
the entire face is preserved and
wears a natural appearance. The
hair and dark brown whiskers,
sprinkled with gray, are the same in
appearance as when this gallant sol
dier was alive. The Confederate
uniform of gray in which the body
was dressed also looks natural, the
large brass buttons being partly
covered with mould, though not suf-
ficiently to efface their brightness.
The black cravat, as it is tied, is also
preserved In a natural state. The
merino undershirt and pearl collar
button show no signs of decay. On
the coat collar are seen two gold
stars, indicating the rank of a
colonel, but these are now black
with mould. Colonel Wiley NJ.
Reed was a native of Giles county,
Tennessee, and when the war com
menced was pastor of the First
Cumberland. Presbyterian church In
Nashville, Tennessee. If we mis-
take not, the new and handsome
church of which DIR. BaiEd.is pastor,
occupies the site of that church on
South Summer street. Rev. Mr..
Reed raised company and joined
the Fifth Tennessee regiment, with
which he was present in many bat
ties. At Shiloh, where the lament
ed General Albert Sidney johnson
was mortally wounded, he took a
prominent and active part. His
bravery led to his promotion, and
Colonel Reed was placed in com
mand of Mississippi cavalry regi-
ment. At the resistless charge of
Forests cavalry on Fort Pillow,
Colonel Reed was one of the fore
most leaders. Fearless of the shot
and shell from gunboat and ram
part, he drew his sword, and seizing
the Confederate flag, mounted the
earthworks. While waving the flag,
and pointing his sword forward to-
ward the enemy, Col. Reed was
struck by three mimic bullets, which
produced fatal wounds, one being
in the neck. Col. Reed was taken
to Jackson, Tennessee, where he
was left because of his wounds. In
three weeks this brave officer died
His body was inclosed in a plain
metallic coffin, and, after remaining
in a vault at Jackson, was removed
and buried at the Old White home
stead, on the Poplar boulevard, sew
en- miles east of this city. Yester
day, as above stated, the coffin was
exhumed, but the wooden case had
decayed and the damp earth covered
the metallic easket. Upon remov-
ing the lid, the friends and relatives
Of the dead soldier were surprised
TO see the body SO we'll preserved.
Yesterday and last night hundreds
of persons visited the establishment
of G. II. Hoist d Bro, 800 Main
street and gazed upon the face of
the dead soldier. Colonel Reed was
brother-in law of our well-known
citizens DIR. f. A. White and w B.
Waldran. He left a wife and seven
children. The oldest son. Mr.. Ed
gar Reed, came down for the re
mains, which were forwarded last
night to Nashville, where they will
be received by the Masons to-day
and inferred with the rites at Mt.
Olivet cemetery. Col. Reed was
noted for his exemplary habits of
life and exalted character, not only
as a modest and useful citizen, but
as a brave and gallant officer and a
christian gentleman.
NTATERPROOFS Water