Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-06-28
A War Remfniscence.

HOW GOV. MORTON GREETED THE CAPTURED GEN.
JOEL A. BATTLE.
The complimentary mention OF Morton,5 name
by Senator Thurman the other day brought to
Our mind q Renaissance OF the war while Nor
ton was governor OF Indiana, and had acquired
name OF very unenviable notoriety la the
south south It was Just after the disastrous second
ston's first days fight had been lost By the time
~ arrival OF Buell.. In that fight It will be re-
membered that the late gallantG Zen. JoelA. Battle
had lost the two noble SONS who fought side by
side with him, and he himself was taken pr1S-
oner. The peculiar situation OF the old man ex-
cited the keenest sympathies OF every one.
Under the circumstances, he received from the
Federals every consideration OF respect In their
power. The boat on which he was confined was
anchored in the middle OF the Tennessee river
and though the other prisoners with whom he
was crowded were closely guarded, he had the
freedom OF the boat, and was furnished with a
comfortable state-room. After remaining near
the battle-ground q few days the boat moved
down the river and up the Ohio landing the
prisoners at Cincinnati. and thence they were
taken to Camp Morton.
paid the prison an official visit. AS soon as he
came into the Enclosure and saw the array of
sorroWfu prisoners, he spoke few words to
the commandanC.w who, leading the way, brought
him up and Introduces him to Gen Battle.
When the general saw them approaching he
naturally thought he would be insulted or up
| braided for being found In company Of young
sters and SO sttffened himself up to meet the
! governor In as naughty manner as possible
But the thought was Tar from MOrtOn'S mind,
| for, with the frankneSs and courteous bearing
| OF thorough gentleman, he came quickly up,
| lifting his hat In the most respectful manner,
| grasped the old general by the hand, and with
| his first words broke down all barriers OF
| southern pride; he assured him OF his hearttest
| sympathy In his great misfortunes-toid him he
| had the pleasure OF knowing one of his sons who
| had attended the state Institution, at Oxford
| Ohio, and assured him, foe as he was he would
| be most happy, II it were In his power to re.
lease him Internationally. After more very
| pleasant interchange OF sentiments, the COVER.
| nOr, taking him one Side drew out his pocket
| book and said: "ColoneL, allow me to be YOU
banker for the present" and handed him hun.
| dIed-dOllar bill. This the general politely re-
fused, assuring him he was well supplied In thai
| respect, friend In Louisville having come
aboard and pressed couple OF hundred dollars
upon him. The governor then took hts leave
begging him never to hesitate to call upon him
| for any favor, and II need be, to draw draft
on him at any time. telling him 1t should not be
dlShonored. He did H9t content himself with
idle professions OF service, for during his Short
! imprisonment, he sent many messages and
| tokens OF friendship in the shape OF baskets Ol
| provisions &c, and 1t was through his influence
| that Gen. Battle was included In the earliest
| batch OF exchanges. During his life he ever
spoke OF Gov. Morton In the friendliesU of terms
and never failed to do justice to his Kindness OF
heart. the writer heard him on many occa-
| sions recount this adventure, and say That ma
better or truer man lived than Oliver p Nor
Ton, Whatever he might say or do In the heat OF
political debate.-( NashuiIie (Tenn.) Banner.
June 20.