The National tribune., 1885-09-17

until aided by the elites towards! In proof of
this assertion the writer refers the reader to
an answer given by THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE
to a correspondent, in relation to prize money
being distributed to those who were conspicu-
Gus in planting the co!ors the enemy's
works. The old 23d ILL.,, called
THE MULLIGAN BRIGADE,
of our division, was in the charge. and the
Editor mentions that regiment and the name
OF its color bearer
A recent writer in the above-namcd paper
asked: What did the Twenty fourth Corps
do in March aud April, 1866? Where was it
when Gen. Lee surrendered the Army OF North
ern Nirginia?"
The writer will answer briefly: Tt assisted
in breaking Ep the enemy's lines and capturing
several forts in front of Petersburg, and sent
him flying to Appomattox Courthouse. In
answer to the second question the writer Will
quote from Richmond paper, under date of
April, 1865, which he sent at the time to his
father, who resided in Wyandot County, o.,
and which he has now before him:
THE TWENTY FOURTH CORPS.
The First and Second Divisions of the Twenty
fourth Corps, who were engaged in the pursuit OF
Gen. Lee to AppomattoN Court house, after the
fall of Petersburg returned TO this city on Tuesday
morning 1t is asserted by military men that Gen.
Lees surrender was necesstated in consequence of
the severe marching and sllful manuvcrin2 of
these forces. Their marching will compare with
any record. For four successive days they
this rapid marching they enabled to overtake
and surround the Confederate forces Had these
two divisions been later tthe elites towards was
of them in getting around TO the right of Gen.
Lee, il is confidently believed that Gen. Lee would
have made his escape.
The Third Division of the Twenty fourth Corps
is now doing duty in and around Richmond, and is
under command of Gen. Devens, of whose military
career gave brief sketch few days since.
The Twenty fourth Corps Is now commanded by
Maj.-Gen. John Gbbon. 1t was formerly COM
manded by Maj. Gen. Ord. who was beloved to q
Gen. Butler Gen Ord relinquished the command,
and succeeded him in the command of the Depart
ment of Virginia.
A recent writer in The NATIONAL TRIBUNE
speaks about the last battle before Appomattox
Courthouse. He ignores the Second Divisions
participation in said battle. For the benefit of
said person the writer wishes briefly to men,
tion that after we came to Burkesville junction
the First Brigade of the Second Division was
sent after night to hold High Bridge and pre-
vent its destruction by the enemy. At that
place sharp fight ensued, which rosembled
REGULAR INDIAN WARFARE.
Each comrade was doing his best on his own
hook. From thence we were again pushed to
the front to force Lee to change his intended
line Of retreat. After forcing Lees army back
at that point battle ensued at Farmville, an
account of which the writer will quote from
Gen. Humphreys. He says: "Gen. Meade sent
directions for Gen. Gibbon, with the Twenty
fourth Corps" [only First and Second Divisionsl
land Gen. Wright, with the Sixth Corps, both
of which were then at or near Farmville, to
cross the river there and attack jointly with
the Second Corps. But neither Gen. Meade or
Gen. Humphreys was aware that the river was
impossible and that there was no pontoon
bridge available, and that it would BIO night
before the Sixth Corps, which had arrived at
Farmvillc by 2 o'clock, could get across"
The reader will notice that Gen. Humphreys
M nj fur ms nj Ha
Gen. Ord's forces had crossed, and, in obedience
to Gen. Grant, We're marching as rapidly as
possible, after the battle ut Farmville, to the
only
AVENUE THROUGH WHICH
Gen. Lee thought of escaping, for the proof
of which the writer will further quote from
Gen. Humphreys. Ho says: "By the deten-
ton until night at this place" [Farmvilel
Gen. Lee lost invaluable time, which he could
not regain by night marching He lost the
supplies awaiting him at Appomattox Station"
of which the two divisions of the Twenty
fourth Corps secured several days rations
"and gave time to Sheridan, with his cavalry,
and Ord, with the Fifth" [shouid be ono d-
vision of the Twenty fifth Corps, coloredl land
Twenty-fourth Corps" [only two divisionsl
"to post themselves across his path at Appo-
mattox Court house."
Our command, with Gen. Ord present, formed
in line Of battle to the left of the Fifth Corps
and on the extreme left Of our line, driving the
enemy back to Appomattox Court house, dis
tance of several miles,
NECEssITATING A FLAG OF TRUCE,
which was received by Gen. Ord. our Depart
ment commander, and courier was dispatched
to Gen. Grant, who was on the right OF our
lines. As the writer was there and very close
| to Gen. Ord, he knows whereof he speaks.
Comrades of the Army of West Virginia
after we had accomplished our mission in the
Army Of tho Shenandoah. we-the Eagle Di-
vsi0n--were wanted in the Army of the James
Gen. Grant could use US, and we were sent to
the Army Of the Potomac. Gen. Lee was try
| ing to escape aud form a junction with Gen.
Johnston. Gen. Grant sent US to head him of,
and by rapid marching we gained his right aud
necesstated his surrender at Appomattox.
THE WORLD KNOWS THE REST!
| Yes, comrades, the elites towards were
| there! They had the honor Of holding in
check for three successive days in June, 1868,
| the enemys advance under Gen. Ewell, en-
route for Pennsylvania, highly elated with de-
feating the Army of the Potomac at Chancel-
| lorsville. They had the honor of striking with
| other heroes the last stroke at the hydra mon
| ster, rebellion. in the United States of North
| America and watch 1t Writhe i'll its last death
throes. Yes, we were there, and never can
they steal from us what justly belongs to a
| noble brave and selfsacriicing division.
| 1t would not be amiss to mention the historic
apple tree, which has been the subject of con-
| siderable speculation and controversy between
the comrades and those who were not there.
| There is no doubt in the writer's mind but
what there has been fully 1000 cords of apple
| and wild locust sold to relic hunters. 1t seems
! to be matter of dispute, which possibly can
never be properly settled, from the fact that
those who purchased locust claim that that is
the veritable tree, while the apple faction stand
| as equally firm. 1t seems foolish to dspel the
| illusion, but honesty on the part of the writer
| compels him to say, once and for all,
IT WAS AN APPLE TREE.
| A member of the 10th Va. made from the
veritable apple tree pipe, which he presented
to his Colonel, and which the writer saw and
had in his hands Upon the bowl was q good
representation Of Gems Grant and Lee,-Grant
with extended hand receiving Lees prOffered
sword, while to the rear Of each were two
| horses held by Orderlies.
The writer will not deny the existence OF
| wild locusts adjacent to the apple orchard,
but will ask any candid comrade the simple
question, Do You think any man would ride
| under tree with dropping branches full OF
long, sharp thorns, when nice apple tree, full
of blossoms, stands close by, inviting, with its
fragrance and cool shade--even on the 9th day
of April, him to stop and rest; especially as he
was sorely perpleXed, and was waiting further
negotiations to stop the effusiOn of blood" and
the arrival Of his formidable foe? Certainly
Gen. Lee was not that kind of man." Being
highly educated, he naturally loved the beauti.
full, and an apple tree in full bloom would