The National tribune., 1890-02-27
MAJ. DEFOE.


EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: Sometime ago
read i'll your paper few lines asking for in
formation about the gallant Jersey staff officer,
Maj. S. A. Defoe whose speciality when of duty
was that of teaching the sword saber and bay
onet exercise to the officers and men of the
Army of the Potomac. He was q beau sabreur
for so young n man, and learned his business
well at the famous Polytechnique of Paris. lie
severed his connection with the army in 1863
TO finish his study of medicine, which was in
terruptcd by the war; and after taking his
degree he went to Europe to walk tho hospitals,
and then returned TO New York, where he
established lucrative practice.
thrilling incident in his army life i'll 1862
may not be out of place here. One bright
afternoon in October, while on duty, he found
himself by some mischanCc outside the lines,
Tor which he was cautiously feeling when
suddenly, on the brow of the hill TO the left.
he saw a brightly Colorod company of Xouaves
coming toward him on the doublequick.'
At first he thought they were Ellsworth or
Wilson Iouaves but by the sound Of their
French iabbcr, which reached him clearly, he
felt satisfied that they were section of the
famous Louisiana Tigers He felt that lie was
IN for II, and that there was nothing 10 do but
s. face the music Before the war he spent his
college vacations with his uncle in lower Louisi-
ana, and learned 10 speak the Creole "GumbO" "
French like native; and now he thought it
grown too rusty. And with what rapidty he
thought, Like drowning man, who reviews
his whole life in an instant in "A moment lie
saw the wide. yellow, rolling waters of the
Mississippi at Baton Rouge, the city of Now
Orleans, the "Shcll Road. Lake Ponchartrain,
the lower bayous, and the shady savaunas
looking out on the sea- He concluded TO keep
n "stIi upper-lip" and check - it for all he
was worth, and advanced without hesitation,
touching his wcl-traincd horse to pranCe neg
lgently ms he refined mp beside tho Captain,
who, Clancing ut his shoulder straps salutcd
him very politcly--Our staff uniform ut that
early day was rather Iouavish, which was in
favor of our hero The Major asked the officer
IN good "Gumbo' French what he was doing
there. and the Captain answered that he was
ordered to string a line at the bottom of
the hill. Well, you Just move your men
back over the crest of the hill said the Major,
" ami wait there until ] examine the ground,
aud ii things look safe | will signal you to
advance" =" But, Monsieur, said the Captain.
" tho Ganks ARE said 10 be thick around here ~
Well. III take the responsibility" said the
Major imprcssvClv. r." Very good, Monsieur"
replied the Captain, aud both faced about and
continued their way; and when the Major
thought he was beyond the range of the guns
he made for home like "a whirwnd. The
rcbs seeing they were sold" sent a com pauy
salute after him 10 no purpose; but the noise
OF the firing seemed 10 start MP unseen Toh
cavalry from all points who ran to head of
the ESCAPING Yauk hn, the Majors horse, the
hoetest of the stall stable. was too much for
the black horse cavalry But the Majors
danger was not passed yet; IL fact IL grew more
imminent as he ucared our lines for raw
German on duty became ratified bY excite.
ment or fear, or "A combination Of both, hailed
Tao approaching racer an eighth OF mile
away, with yelling voice: "OG you don't
the counther.sin gil, ! blow nit do gun your
head OF! friend with the coUutcrsign,'
did not seem 10 avail the Major, who made up
his mind 10 dodge the ball and ride the man
down, which he Ut once put into practice, and
by lucky chance he Knocked the barrel OF the
muskct up with his sabcr Just in time TO save
his life A squad rushing mp 10 the line was
just IN time To save the natchman from being
sabercd into minccmoat by the irate Major.
Passing through Philadelphia the other day,
! met friend who told me that the Major
NOW DIR. $. A. Defoc sold out his practice in
New York, aud Is living now in retirement in
the beautiful town of Washington, y. j.
EDWIN l.. GRAY, Philadelphia, Pa.