The National tribune., 1886-02-25
A FATAL MISTAKE.
How a Flag of Truce Was Fired On.

To THE EDITOR: In the Fall of 1862, while
the Federal Gen. Morgan was in command at
Cumberland Gap, the rebels held Tazewell, IL
miles south. Gen. Morgan, who had very lit
tie cavalry at his command, was very much
annoyed by the rebels, who seemed to be well
supplied with " critterback " folks. Skirmishes
were frequent, in one of which the lamented
Capt. Edgar, Co. c, 10th Ohio, was killed
Prisoners were captured pretty fast Oh both
sides but as exchanges were frequent no one
was prisonevvery long. One morning rebel cav
airy force of 80 or 80 men with flag of truce
approached our lines and were conducted to
headquarters, when another exchange was ef-
fected. They remained ut the gap few hours,
well pleased with the kind treatment of the
" ianks.' On leaving they were furnished
cavalry escort under Capt. Joline, A. A u,
and Lieut.-Col Kegwin, of the 49th Ind, with
strict orders TO reach Tazcwell by sundown.
In the meantime, Gen. Morgan had ordered
Col. Carter, I'd Tenn, to take his command ana
Capt. Peckinfans company Of, 10Th Ind, and
bag cavalry force which had been annoying our
plckets. In compliance with this order Col.
Carter started a0out dark, and of course Gen.
Morgan supposed the flag of truce had reached
IaZcwcll an hour at least before Carriers de-
parture from the gap We took near cut
through the knobs and brush in the direction
of TaZewell, wading Powelrs River, which
could be iorded at that time by mud cavalry"
and struck the road leading from Tazewell to
the gap about half way between the two places.
The flag of truce failed to obey orders, and
about three or four miles from the gap halted,
took rest, and sent two or three men back to
the gap for a supply of tobacco, cigars and
"siCh," of which the 33d Ind. had good sup
ply, especially the latter. They tarried too
long and were cut Off by Carter, who got news
from woman that some rebel troops had
passed that day toward the gap. He now laid
trap to catch the pesky cavalry.
Five companies of the I'd Tenn. were posted
in the bushes a few steps from the road with
orders if any cavalry approached to let them
well in and then I" G i've them jesse" The other
five companies were advanced 300 or 400 yards
to a dark ravine, through which the road
passed, and posted with similar orders Capt.
Peckinfan and his gallant Hoosiers were with
the latter. 1t is proper TO add that another
force, consisting Of a solemu-lo0king loyal old
citizen, was advanced still farther about 100
yards, where he went into position and planted
his Spencer rifle.
Soon after these dispositions had been made
the omnous stiffness of that dark night was
broken by the thunder of troop of horsemen,
who dashed into this death-trap followed by
the crashing roar of 500 Enfield rifles in the
first battalion. On came the survivors, and in
few minutes had entered the second trap.
Only one, dashing rebel trooper, ran the
gauntlet in safety, and he was belabored for all
it was worth by the loyal citizen with the
Spencer rifle However, in spite of the Spencer.
he got thar, Eli
By some means Col. Kegwin took in the sit
uation, probably by hearing the voice of Col.
Carter, with whom he was acquainted. Up from
among the dead and dying came voice, For
Gods sake, Col Carter, don't fire; this is flag
of truce" "Who are you? Il am Col. Kegwin.
of the 10th Ind" This was followed by And
l am Maj. Cobb, of the Confederate army" And
this by 81 am Capt Joline, of the Federal
army" and SO on, till some waggish rebel
yelled out: And l am Corporal Lloyd, of the
Confederate army" This raised as big laugh
as could be under the circumstances.
Peace was soon made, and everything posi-
BILE was done to make the wounded comfort
able. Ambulances from the gap came and
moved the dead and wounded to Tazewell;
also, Surgeons, medical stores, etc. Co. F, 49th
Ind and the I'd Tenn. were never heard to al
lude to this affair if it could be helped. All
expressed their regrets, but they simply obeyed
orders in fring.-W. n. CLARK, Co. c, I'd Tenn,
TWinyille Tenn