Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-07-04
VS. re IINISCENCE.
Brooklyn Eagle.

Brooklyn Eagle
In the month of May, 1868, the army
of the Cumberland, under command Of
Rosecrans, lay at Chattanooga. Gen.
Garfield, the Chief of Staff to the COM
handing General, being anxious to strike
a blow at the railroad system of Georgia,
persuaded Rosecrans TO authorize the
fitting out of araiding expedition against
Rome, in that State. Garfield undertook
with joyous anticipations, as we learn
from his letters to Secretary Chase, the
formation of this force, and it was at his
suggestion that Col. Streight was placed
in command Of the expedition, com
posed of nearly two thousand picked
soldiers. With what success this Federal
force made its laid on Rome, and lust
how much of the railway system of the
Empire State of the South Col. Strelght
contrived to destroy are, matters of ia
miliar history.
The raiders reached Rome, it is true,
but they went as prisoners of the brave
Gen Forrest, who, with a brave, little
band of four hundred men, ill.clad
aud poorly fed, sent the whole invading
force to Richmond over the very rail
road they set out to destroy. Gen. Gar.
field was never known to speak of the
painful result of his military skill with
half the enthusiasm with which he put
this formidable squadron in the field.
The capture of Streight by Forrest, as
before stated, is familiar history: but
who has been introduced to Miss Emma
SAMSON, the brave Gadsden girl of six
teen summers, by whose forethOught
and prompt action the capture was made
possible2 The great war developed many
deeds of daring on the part of women on
both sides of the contest, but it seems to
me that the heroic conduct of Miss San
som deserves to rank as a conspicuous
example of female courage and of
wOmanly devotion to cause she be-
lieved TO be Just. So far as known,
there has never been any recognition of
the value of her service, except on the
part of Gen. Forrest in his official re
port. The State of Alabama did, in.
deed, vote her a section of land, but has
never been able to convey TO her valid
title to the same.
The part Miss Emma took in the dra.
matte pursuit of Col Streight by For
rests force may be briefly stated. Hard
bore the suggestive name of Black creek.
AT the date OF our story this stream was
greatly swollen from heavy rains. Col.
Streight, after passing over the bridge.
took care to burn it. Forrest was at his
heels, but finding no means of crossing
Black creek, gravely meditated an aban-
dOnment of the pursuit Riding
up to Miss Emma's house to
spend the night he was quickly
informed by her that in a secluded
spot a mile distant up the creek ford
could be found for his cavalry, which
would enable him to cross and continue
hi; march Startled by this unexpected
intelligence, he requested her to accom-
pany him and to point out the place.
No time was to be lost, and, although
Col. Stralght's shirmshers W re firing
across the creek, which now appeared
as a mighty river, Miss Emma at once
consented to go. Having no horse of
her own. she vaulted up behind Fore t,
and bravely exposed her life to the bull,
lets of the enemy, while the General led
his men under her guidance to the well
come ford.
The sequel can be tod in a few words.
She remained on the bank of Black
creek long enough to see the last soldier
safely over, ard then waving her hand
she bid them all goodbye, God speed
and splendid victory. Returning home
through the open fields alone she sent up
a silent prayer for the capture of Colonel
Streight and his raiders. The answer TO
that prayer was not long delayed
Two days later, while in camp
cooking, eating and carousing, lit
tie dreaming that Forrest was on
the Rome side of Black creek, Colonel
Streights entire command were them
selves raided and forced to surrender.
No wonder that Streight, on learning
Forests actual strength, exclaimed: 81
am sold" Emma SAMSON must have
been an exceedingly beautiful girl. One
of her former lovers describes her as "a
lovely blonde, with clear, sparkling
blue eyes and long, flowing golden hair"
She was of medium height, of fine form,
and in her movements quick and grace
full. She is now the happy mother of
three children in the flourishing State
of Texas.