The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1880-09-22
NUMBER 80

The court martial now in session in Gal
weston, of which Major Menard is president.
Is hereby dissolved, and in consequence OF
the brilliant victory at Sabine Pass. and in
accordance with the spirit of President
Davis proclamation, a general amnesty and
pardon of all prisoners confined in guard
houses, or under arrest. is hereby proclaimed
throughout the district of Texas, New Next
CO, and Arizona, subject to such exceptions
as the commanding officers of the sub-dis~
trlcts present for the consideration of the
MAJOR General commanding the district
MAJ. GEN. J. d. MAGRUDER.
EDMUND p. TURNER, A. A. G.
An editorial in the Telegraph of the same
date, thus confirms the reports of the small
number of men in the fort
There was one fact connected with the
brilliant affair at Sabine Pass. which has
not been mentioned for prudential reasons.
but as 1t apears in Commodore Smiths re-
port, which comes to Us with authority 10
publish, need no longer be concealed. 1t is
that the entire strength of Fort Grigsby in
the engagement was six small cannon, for
ty-two men and two officers, all told. These
men resisted an onslaught of five gunboats.
with thirty guns, at close quarters and sew.
eral more at greater distance, for one hour
and hall and gained a glorious victory
we are proud to say that these gallant Irish
men are to a man Houstonians, as they
have in this victory achieved the greatest
feat of the war, surprising even the recap
ture OF Galveston. Another fact worthy of
mention is, that when the enemy was ad-
vancing on the fort, the enthusiasm of the
men knew no bounds, and all were ready
and anxious to meet the foe.
a few days after the battle, each man
that participated in the fight was presented
with silver medal inscribed as follows
On one side ID. G. for Davis Guards, and on
the reverse side, Sabine Pass. September S,
1868.
Capt. Odlum and Lieut. r. w. Bowling
have gone to that bourne from whence no
traveller returns, and but few members of
the heroic band are in the land of the living.
and those few reside in the city of Houston,
and often meet together, and talk about the
battle in which they participated on the
Sth of September, 1863
Note by the Editor of the Post
We learn from conversation with Mr.
Jack White, now on the police force in this
city and one OF the survivors of the Davis
Guards, that the above is in substance cor
rect, and from him we CLEAN few particu-
airs of that eyentful fight which are not in
Guided IN the reports and not generally
Known. Capt. Odlum was absent at the
lime on duty at Sabine City, and the COM
nand devolved on Lieut. r. w. Bowling.
Lieut.. n. II. Smith, of the engineer corps.
lad no command, but was present as vol
lnteer. Capt Odlum had dispatched Ma !
or-General Magruder for instructions and |
lad received orders to evacuate and blow
Up the fort and to retreat on Taylor bayou. |
)dlum transmitted these orders to DowIinc
Who laid the matter before the company, |
md they to man signiied their determi- |
lation to remain and fight the battle out 10 !
he end. To this the gallant Bowling con.
ented and the unequal but glorious fight /
vas thus entered into and was won.