Richland beacon. [volume] (Rayville, La.) 1869-1890, 1889-04-27

/ We reproduce the following by re
quest, and are satisfied it will be ap-
preciated by our readers as it contains
thrilling story that should not be
forgotten:
Ravville, La, Oct. 9Th, 1886.
Hen. +. F.. Kidd, Vernon, La.
DEAR SIR: In the Ruston Cali
graph Of the 9th notice an inquiry
a. to the girl who rode behind Gen
Forrest. 1t was in the summer OF
1868. It was Miss Emma SAMSON
whose mother resided near Gadsden,
Ala. about fifty miles from Rome, Ga,
on or near Coosa river. Gen. Forrest
had been in pursuit Of Gen. Straight
for a day and night and was worn out.
Gen. S. s command had crossed over,
it was either Big Wills creek or Black
creek, and had burnt the bridge. !
think, rs well as | can remember, it
was Black creek above the falls. Gen.
Forrest called at their home to ascer-
tam if there was any other way by
which he could cross this creek. He
was informed that there was a ford il
be could find it; and ut this part Of
the conversation Miss Emma SAMSON
remarked that she was willing to go
along with Gen. Forrest as a guide.
Her mother objected, when she re-
piled by saying that she was not
afraid to trust herself with as brave a
man as Gen. Forrest, and climbing up
on the yard fence (Which was rail
fence sprang up behind the General
and guided him along the trail to the
creek. The enemy discovered them
and commenced firing upon them.
Gen f. proposed to send the young
lady back and she said: 60 on Gen
eral. J am not afraid. My death
would not be as great a calamity to
the country as yours The writer
was at Rome, Ga, and on Sunday
morning a man came in from GadSden
with the information that near 1000
Federal soldiers were on their way 10
Rome. At that time several large
hospitals We're full Of soldiers, sick
: and wounded. Col. Hill was in com
mand of the troops as Provost Mar
shall. Gen. Black WAS Militia Gen.
Both wanted to command. The wri-
ter, with a few others, went out across
the Oestanaula river to defend the
CITY of Rome. Gen. Forrest was in
pursuit and we We're momentarlv eX-
pecting an attack while Forrest was
pressing the enemy in the rear. The
enemy had 100. Forrest had only
600. He played the bluff on them
and imagine our feelings when a
courier rode up and informed us that
Gen. Forrest had captured Straight
entire command. We felt good, for
in our rear was a torn up bridge and
the river. The writer cast about fol
something to assist in riding on the
water. Charlie Smith (Bill Arp had
crossed over the Etawah river to the
South.
Many men had business in that
direction, but the writer with less
fear than discretion went along witt
the crowd who We're to be slaughtered
IN the defence of the city of Rome
l Ga, but thanks to the strategy o
Gen. Forrest we were not sacrificed
and some of us are living to-day.
', MANY things connected with thi
affair might be Of interest. Genera
D Forrest, at that time, had only ;
! small force, having had some trouble
, with Gen. Wheeler and had been re
= lieved of his brigade and had only
small command. After this CRANE
feat he was permitted to raise a large
command with Henry II. Gartrell a
Captain of his escort commanding
company called Emma Samson
Guards Oliver Stillwell was frs
g Lieut., Cooper second and Charles II
J . Smith (Bill Arp third.
i The Alabama Legislature, as to
: ken of regard and their appreciation
of merit donated to Miss Emma San
9 som quantity of land after during
the war. WILEY ?. MANGHAM.