The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1884-06-26
FIGHTING THEM OVER
What 0af Veterans Have to Say About
Their CD Campaigns.


To the Editor NATIONAL TRIBUNE:
I was a member Of the 9Th llliaois cavalry.
II had been Grierson's regiment, but, In COM
l,any with the 9TH Illinois cavalry, and all
uiiler the command Of Gr:erson, had made the
most famous and most successful cavalry raid
Of the war, and had earned for our colonel
most complimentary commission Of brigadier-
general and henceforth we were only one Of
Griersons regiments.
This raid. starting from La Grange Tenn,
April IL, 1863, terminated at Baton Rouge, La,
May ?. 1t changed oar associations for the time
being completely. Instead Of constant scouts
and skiTmishes with Chalmers and Forrest
in Tennessee and Northern Mississippi, we were
TO be part OF General Banks fo:ce, to be en-
gagged in the reduction of Port Hudson.
IL occurs 10 me as / write-thongh no part
OF The "Reminiscences j sat down TO write-that
after our long ride from Tennessee and our
unexpectedly becoming part Of this campaign,
that my company a, l.. B. Skinner captalnl,
which, with another company, bad reported TO
General 7. W. sherman drove out the enemy
from behind the first rife-pit that was IN
covered ON the land front Of that famous fort
Tess by Union troops. 1t also occurs to me
that the next morning General 4. w. Sher-
man, making a reconnaissance in person, ac-
cempanied only by bis staff and escort, coming
10 the very edge Of the woods in front OF the
heavy breastwUrks and, wishing 10 know more
tree and observe what he could ] thereupon
climbed beech tree and was soon greeted by
s charge or canister from the fort. This was
the first discharge OF cannon from the land
front of Port Hudson on Union soldier.
But this is an unintentional diversion. When
al was ready-in fact before General Sherman
admitted he was ready-the assault was ordered,
General sherman storming column was formed,
and all was about ready for the great assault.
Every moment seemed expanded into some
thing OF much larger measure, SO important
was each atom Of time and action of men. Our
little escort. much reduced by the details of
orderlies and courieEs, were Oh the field await
ing the movements of General Sherman, who
was perfecting the last details, and ready TO go
forward with him 10 death If need be, when
our attention was attracted by an unusual
episode-an animated conversation between
two members OF General Shermans staff-one
was young Lieutenant with his horse headed
10 the rear; the other, / think, major, fair
haired, with light side whiskers, faced 10 the
front The latter was yehemently expostuia-
ting with the former and we soon perceived
that lac was trying 10 persuade the lieutenant
not TO 20 10 the rear TIE lieutenant would
silently shake his head. The msior pictured
10 Aim the dark cloud that would hang over all
his future Il ne should az that great moment
80 TO the rear. The lieutenant only shook his
bead. The major reminded him how deeply
his mother and his sisters would feel his dis
grace if be went TO tie rear. ana how they
N0Eld thrill with pride if they could hear Of
hls bravery III the moment OF fierce trial.
Again the lieutenant, looking az the ground,
only shook his head. Then the major raising
his voice somewhat. and waving lis hand in a
theatrical, though natural manner, said, most
ma3esfically and with burning scorn Well,
60! Go to the rear! want living witness
that can TESTIFY that if I fall fail with my face
70 the front" The major galloped to the front
and the lieutenant slowly rode to the rear.
IL is just about twenty-one years since that
eye1ltfal Nay morning, but have not lost one jot
OF the thrilling sensation caused by that singu-
lar episode. A few moments later and that
sJ0rzDing column-that brave. able general and
stat and our little escorting parfy-were in a
most fearful rain of lead and ir0n,-liserally Of
Ere and birthstone, foT the shrapnel Missed and
struck about us and into US. Ii a few moments
nine our Of my little company of fifteen men
were endorsed, my squadron commanders and
my OWL horse being OF the number slain. Our
generals horse went hack riderless 10 the rear,
he, and not his horse receiving the wound. The
gallant major was one of the badly wounded
gathered Up off that CORY and unsuccessful
fed. lie did fall, and with his face 10 the
front.
A new general was sent to command Sher-
mans division. Ny company was returned to
the regiment. / never knew Of the issue Of the
majors wouaGs-Bhether fatal or Otherwise
and never again saw his face or that of the
Lieutenant. but the appearance OF both during
those moments Of conversation is indeli5ly
photographed in my memory, and desire to
pay this tribute 70 the formers honorable
courage and conduct and majestic bravery on
that awfnl day. T. w. LIPPINcoTT,
ROCKFORD, Ill 9Th Illinois Cav