The National tribune., 1882-03-11
FIGHTING FOR THE RIGHT TO SUR
RENDER

FIGHTING FOR THE RIGHT TO SUR
RENDER.
Gen. Ed. E. Bryant, who is spending the
winter in Washington, writes us the fol-
lowing capital story, which all soldiers viii
enjoy with keen relish:
1 spent an evening recently, writes the
general, with Gen. Wilcox, one of the 1naior
generals who led a division Of Less army il
much OF the hardest fighting in Virginia
i West Pointer and thorough soldier, his
recital Of scenes of many of our battles, -
viewed from the other side, was full of IN
tarest. But our party enjoyed the most his
| story OF Col. Joyce, Of Arkansas.
Col. Joyce was commander of a confsder-
| ate regiment Of cavalry in the Trans-biis-
sissippi departments After the principal
armies had surrendered, and the President
had issued his proclamation Offering the same
terms to al the rebel forces which had been
! accorded to Lee and Johnston, Col. Joyce,
whose command was then isolated, called
council ofhis officers to consider what they
should do in view of the sombre aspect OF
the confederate cause. The council con-
JOHN Of corn whisky, which fired the south
ern heart, it was resolved with great unan-
unity that JOyce's command would not sur
| render, but that they would march to Texas
and continue the war on their own hook.
Accordingly, the command started, grimly
determined to fgh5a predatory warfare, and
20 never, never yield TO the power of the
hated Yankees. A few days march exhaust
ed theirstocEOf provisions and they struck
re-ion SO poor that the supply question be-
| came 4 grave problem. Desertions depleted
the command, and yaIor began to yield to
The inexorable logic Of an empty stomach.
So the gallant colonel called another council
and all unanimously voted that it was best
| to surrender under the proclamation. Tha
column therefore turned and headed for the
nearess post Of Union troops, wherea small
squadron Of Federal cavalry was stationed.
Approaching The post, Col. Joyce advanced
| with enc or two Of MS staff, under white
flag, and called for the commanding officer,
| who presently appeared.
"Pn Col. Joyce, Of fthe--regiment,c con-
federate. cavalry, and I'm hyar with my fo'ce
70 surrender. Lee and Johnston ar played out,
and want the same terms as they got, and
want 'em id quick"
The Union major demurred. He express
ed his doubts as to the gaunt, ragged, seedy
parry before him being part of the confed-
crate army. "The proclamation applies only
to confederate soldiers" he said, "and does
not include guerrillas nor bushwhackers.
VIII take you as prisoners, but cannot take
your paroles until en- better informed az
to your right to be considered as soldiers"
Ne no soldier?" roared the irate rebel
4" My command bushwhaczers! can't sur
! render, hey? By Cd I'll show you"
Mounting his horse he galloped back to his
command, formed line, Qnlimbered couple
Of SIX Founders and commenced shelling the
post. After killing few of the garrison,
and displaying forces sufficient to annihilats
it, he ceased firing, again advanced with
flag of truce and met the now frightened
commandant.
"Thar, by Cd, major" said he haugh-
tily, You Jest hump yourself and acceptmy
surrender with this hyar command, 'cordin
to that proclamation, or by Cd III clean
out yer oce and burn yer town."
His surrender was promptly received
liItrcukee Sunday Telegraph.