The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1890-03-18

ana served gaI2ntIV N the Mexican war
Next we find him fighting Indians on the
frontier and receiving the thanks Of the Texas
legislature for his services. At the outbreak
of the civil war he was major in the regu-
lar army, but resigned his commission to &C
with his state when Florida seeded from tine
Union. He was speedily promoted to lieu
tenant general in the Confederate service.
Smith led the advance OF Bragg's army in
the campaign in Kentucky in 1862 and ap-
preached within few miles of Cincinnati
In 1868 he was placed over the Confederate
department Of the traAs-Mississippi He
speedily made Galveston famous blockade
running port, and thereby communicated
with Richmond and sant great quantities of
cotton abroad. In 1864 he successfully opposed
the expedition of Banks up Red river.
Kirby Smith remained in command of the
trans Mississippi department till the close Of
the war. Even after the surrender of Lee he
proposed to continue the war west of the Mis-
sissippi on his own account. He reused Texas
by his appeals. He had with him still 10000
men. To these heissued general orderfrom
Shreveport, saying that the hopes of the Con-
federacy now hung upon them. He declared
that success was sure to crown their efforts
finally. You possess the means of long re-
sistance; you have hopes OF succor from
abroad. Protract the struggle and you will
surely receive the aid of nations who already
deeply sympGthize with You"
Thereupon mass meetings of Texans passed
resolutions TO fight on. Information was re-
ceived at Washington that Texas was going
10 continue the war even after the Confed-
eracy had surrendered. Gen. Sheridan was
at once sent 60 New Orleans with large
force to vanquish Texas.
There were, however, some Union troops
already in Texas, and there was fighting be-
fore Sheridan reached New Orleans. Col
Theodore H. Barrett was in command Of a
small force at BrazoS Santiago, on Brazos
Island, in the gulf, twenty-five miles north
east of Brownsville. In Barrett's command
was the Sixty second United States colored
infantry, his own regiment
May II, 1855, Barrett sent a detachment to
the mainland to capture horses for his cav
airy. On the morning of Nav 70 these at
tackled the Confederate camp at Palmetto
Ranch and captured it. Then they fell back
towards BrGzos. On the morning of Nav 10
Col. Barrett re-enforced the party with 200
men and himself took command. The Con-
1ederates had again appeared in the vicinity
of Palmetto Ranch. Barrett advanced against
them on the 18th, skirmished with them and
pursued them several miles. Then he stopped
10 rest bis horses a mile from the ranch Here
he was unexpectedly attacked the same day,
May - by large Confederate force with
cavalry and artillery under Gen. J. Z.
Slaughter
1t was now Barrett'S turn to retreat. for he
had no artillery, and the Confederates largely
outnumEsred hun. Concealed by the cha.
parral, they at one time succeeded in fianking
him, capturing forty-eight men, Barrett fell
back fighting, as the Confederates had done
before him on the forenoon of the same day.
The retreat was admirably covered by the col |
pred troops Of the Sixty-second United States !
infantry.
This running fight lasted three hours. till !
sunset, then the Confederates ceased pursuit. |
The last shot in the war was a volley the col |
Ored troops of the Sixty-secoud discharged at |
;hclr purSueTs. This last fight Of the war IS 4
known as the battle Of Palmetto Ranch. Ii
was fought not far from the old Mexican war /
battle ground OF Palo Ai-o.