The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-10-02
MADE CAPTIVE BY FORREST.
Stirring Incidents in the History of
the Ninth Indiana Cavalry.
Annual Reunion, Elect Regimental Officers
and Exchange War "reminiscences.

Among the several reunions of soldiers held in this
city recently better attened or more thor
oughy enjoyed than that of the veterans of the Ninth
Cavalry One-hundred and twenty first Regiment of
Indiana Volunteers, yesterday Over a hundred of
the old troopers met in Superior Court room No.
and used the day in perfectng what is to be known
the Veterans Association of the Ninth Indiana Cav
airy. This regiment had representatives In companies
and parts of companies from nearly every section of
the State. 1t mustered in late in 1868 and for
time remained in camp here but about the first
of 1864 it went to the armies IN Kentucky
and Tennessee. On reaching Louisville several com
panies detailed for special duties but the great
er part of the regiment kept together in the
threatened Nashville, in December, 1864 the Ninth
boys with General Thomas. After that, some of
its companies went to the Gulf.
Yesterday morning was devoted to business, which
included the election Of officers, adoption of consti
tuition and bylaws appointment OF committees to
look after Details such selecting badge and matters
of like importance, The officers elected Col. Eli
Lilly, of Indianapolis, president; Capt. James A.
Harvey, of New Paris, o., and Jeremiah Washburn,
of Boone county, cepresidents j. g. Holt of Frank
lin, secretary and treasurer, and Capt. d. W. Com
stock, of Richmond, historian. Among other things
done were the taking of steps to hold reunion of all
each comrade of the Ninth to write up personal remi
niscences and send them to the historian.s
Captain James Nation of Muncie led off with stirring
recollections of what the regiment had DONE and was
followed by Colonel Lilly who gave account of the
surrender of fort at Sulphur Branch Trestle Ala
The Colonel had command there with two companies
of the Ninth, two companies of colored and other
troops. His force about 2, 500 all told and For
rest, early in December, 1864 came after him.
sistance was made, which led to truce The ar
rangement of this truce and its conclusion have
the enemys white flag approaching the fort. He
looked about for an officer to send out, but finally
went himself, to meet Major Strange adiutant-gen-
eral on Forests staff message was handed to the
Colonel, which, as we'll as he could remember it. read
something like this Gen. N B. Forrest commanding
forces of the Confederate States of America demands
the immediate and unconditional surrender of the
force under your comm and together with all
and munitions of war; If this demand is not complied
responsible for the actions Of his men,. Colonel Lilly
told Major Strange that under circumstances
would he consent to surrender on such terms. The
meeting came to end, and both officers
turning to their respective forces when turning back
he noticed the hailng of Major Strange. He returned
to that officer who told him that he had just received
a message from General Forrest expressing wish to
talk with Colonel Lilly personally. He met the Gen.
eral who repeated his demands and to this Colonel
by shaking Fort Pillow at them. This was
not long after the at that fort.
II have two colored companies in my command"
said the Colonel. 'They are in the service of the
United States army, and must be- if we surrender
treated soldiers and prisoners of war" General
Forrest then handed him paper in which he guran-
teed all rights of prisoners to the in the fort
and further agreeing to send them to Mississippi be
exchanged as possible. Colonel Lilly asked
for hour for consultation Forrest agreeing in the
meantime to maintain his position. The Colonel had
barely reached the fort when he noticed the enemys
flag of truce had been drawn down. and Forrest was
moving his troops for position to attack. The fed
erals at once drew down their white flag, and began
firing, to which the ;, enemy, replied. In
firing and sent up again the white flag The Colonel
order ed up his consultation with his officers took
place and all but favored surrender, which was
carried out Is thought be hazarding the lives
of the to further resist Forests superior forces
which numbered nearly ~ 600.
Captain Comstock, of Richmond, gave graphic &C.
count of the charge made by the Ninth on Dec. II,
1864, Franklin, Tenn. Hood was retreatng, and
the Ninth held the advance It dashed upon the
enernys rife-pits and their had not time to fix
bayonets. Many prisoners were taken and battery
captured in this charge. He said I'VE often heard
of hand tohand conflicts of cavalry against infantry
of the horsemen dashing into ranks and cutting right
and left but it rarely occurred 1t did, however on
this OCCASION for many of the laid low by
the strokes of sabres. He said that the charge at
officers than the Ninth did in this onset For nerve
briancy and dash it equaed that celebrated
charge Had it taken place earlier in the war, the
Ninth Indiana Cavalry would have become famous
Speeches were made by Surgeon Case, of Logans
port, Comrade Riggs of Muncie. Corporal A. A. Mes
sick of Russave and Others all detailing the heroic
services of their regiment.
The next reunion will be held here on the Wednes-
day of State fair week, 1885,