Southern standard. (McMinnville, Tenn.) 1879-current, 1884-06-07
leither government had yet adopted

lalS Oh une OIncerS OF the opposing
armies were so near alike that it was
difficult to distinguish the one from
the other except by their location. AT
this particular juncture it was very
important that some badge Of distinc-
tinction be adopted, especially by
that portion. of the army that was to
operate in the enemy's rear. This
badge of white cloth prevented An
derson's Brigade from attacking Don
elson's at one time on the march, and
also had the effect to puzzle the Yam
1lees. When a prisoner was captured
his first question was, "What is that
white cloth for?"
Having travelled more rapidly than
the other part Of the army, on the
morning of the 18th Of September,
Gen. Donelson found himself at the
outposts of the enemy at the head of
Tygert's valley. Learning the posi-
ton of the pickets he had consulta-
ton with Col. Savage, whom he al
ways consulted promptly on critical
occasions, and the pickets having
been surprised and captured without
alarming their confederates, Col. Saw
age with Capt. Bryant's company Of
the 8th Tennessee, and Capt. l.. n.
Savage's company of the 18th Tennes-
see, accompanied by the guide, pro-
ceeded as an advance guard down the
valley, and soon came upon the sec
ond stand of pickets, who attempted
to escape, when they were fired upon
and two of their number fell. The
Others. three in number, were made
prisoners, and from them the position
of the main picket force was ascer-
tanned, which consisted of a full COM
pany of infantry posted a short dis
lance down the valley at an old house,
where a road came into the valley
across the ridge from Becky's Run.
The house was by the side of this road
at the foot Of the ridge behind an an
gle Of wood that projected into the
valley, and completely concealed
them from our view and as complete
ly concealed our approach.
The advanced pickets and a few
stragglers about the main stand hav-
ing been successfully captured with
out giving any alarm to the main
picket force, Col. Savage, with his
two companies, dashed upon the po-
, sition furiously, and charging ahead
, Of his force rushed into their very
midst and before they were scarcely
aware Of his presence, he had placed
: himself between them and their com.
mand and cut off their retreat. HAY.
: ing gained this point 50 suddenly, be
t demanded the surrender Of the whole
5 force. This took the Yankees by sur
7 prise, and a few attempted to make
. their escape, while a few attempted
. to fire on him from the window o
: the house. Col. Savage halted those
attempting to escape, and driving
r them back into the yard, flourisheC
/ his pistol in their faces and told then
, that if they did not surrender instant
t ly he would have the last d-n one 0
: them shot in less than five minutes ?
: At this instant the advance guard ap
e peared, and filing on each side Of tn,
a prisoners, assumed a position confirm
d ing the threat, and the whole cOmpa
y ny surrendered to Col. Savage on tn
s spot, without the escape Of a singh
: man to give the alarm to the encamI
O ment below.
@ This was a daring deed on the par
+ of Col. Savage, and might be consid
, cred by some as reckless; but it wa
d an achievement of much importanc
Il to the success of the expedition. II
g feasibility and importance was quick
n ly comprehended by Col. Savage o
o the very eve of its consummatior
This point was an important one, fo
- it guarded the main approach to tn
=, Federal position on their left flank
- and also the only available approach
70 to Beclzy's Run in their rear, by wa
!, of the road that came down Tygert
10 Valley at the old house. The impo
lance of this point being understoo
Il by the Federal commander, he ha
, placed a heavy picket force here
= protect his flank and rear. Col. Sa'
- age taking in the situation at glanc
: saw the importance of making
;; prompt and speedy capture of tn
- point without allowing anyone to e
! cape to give the alarm, as the Fede
~ ais could have brought out heay
\ force in a few minutes, and by thu
No. capturing the position the colum
I oil