The National tribune., 1891-10-15
DEATH OF GEN. GARNETT.
The First Rebel General KILLED In the Late War.

The First Rebel General Killed In the Late War.
EDITOR NATIoSAL TRIBUNE: wish 20 occu-
py little space in regard 10 the killing Of Gen.
Garnet, the FIRST rebel General killed ia the
rebellion. Private ". Holtzsclaw was lucky i'm
being present at the death Of two such dis
tingaishcd Generals rs Garrett and Bishop
Polk. ] was only witness 10 the killing Of
Gen. Gamett although was with the army
when Gen. Polk was killed.
Gen. Gaructt, with the "a Ga. aud two Yir-
ginia regiments, WAS at Bealington, W. Va,
with our brigade, under Gen. Tom A. Morris,
Of Indiana, confronting them. On July Il,
believe Gen. EosecraUs defeated Pc.Tam at
Rich Mountain, - or 30 miles away That
night Gen. Garrett decampcd, intending 10
unite with the remnants OF Pcgram's force, but
our pursuit next morning was 50 vigorous that
lac and his brigade lca down Cheat River. We
pursued all day, crossing Cheat River a great
many times. oar pursuit WAS 80 sharp That
Garrett abandoned his wagOu-train, which we
captured some say so others more, wagons.
know the number was very great.
We picked up numerous Struggling rebels
belonged ioa mounted squad of 81. called scouts,
detailed from the 7th Ind aud commanded by
Lieut.. Ben Ricketts,, Of the 9TH Ind., cons ST.
ing of some L. men, which WAS All the "cay-
airy Gen. Morris had. We finally overlook
Garnet and brought him TO bay at Carricly's
Ford. The rebels quickly gave way 10 the
charge of the 7th Ind. and the 18th Ohio. Gen.
Garrett was trying 10 rally or reform his roa cd
troops on Tie banks Of the ford, when he was
shot by Sergt Frank Bnrliugame, Of Capt.
Checks company, 7th Ind He was from Law.
renccburg, lud. i was but a short distance
FROM Buriiugamc when he fired the shot which
killed the General.
We rushed across the river and the General
was not quite dead. but died i'm very short
time. ] assisted Maj Gordon to take Up the
body later 10 an old house on the river bank
where Gen. Morris made his headquarters that
night Gen. Garnet had on a magnificent
sword, gold watch aud some gold Ia his pock-
cts, all OF which were saved and sent through
with his body the next day 10 his friends, un-
der a Gag Of truce Mai. Gordon aud a squad
OF our little mounted force formed the escort
for the body. Garrett had been At West Point
as a cadet with Gen. Morris. who treated this
misguided mau with all the hOnors due 10 a
fallen enemy. Gen. Garnett had served two
terms as a Member OF Congress from Virginia
The flag belonging TO Ganett's Brigade was
the first rebel flag captured IN the war. IL was
a fine satin or blk banner, belonging TO the
"a Ca with this inscription i'm gold letters on
81: washington Rifles, Macon, Ca" IL was
captured from a dying rebel who had broken
or torn IL OF the staff by one Of the aforesaid
mounted squad. IL was sadly bedraggled and
wet, 10 having rainod all day. ] turned the
las over 10 Gen. Morris at his headquarters
on the march, and he ordered me 10 keep il
until night, aud then bring 10 TO him, which
did. However, ] still have the silk cord aud
tassels belonging 10 the Dag, they having be-
come detached from the flag before | turned it
over 10 Gen. Morris and kept them.
The flag Is now In the Indiana State Library,
as learn from recent private letter from Gen.
4. A. Morris, who slil lives at indianapolis, az
the great aye OF 50 years. lie took no moro
active part la the field after the three months
service in West Virginia, but aided largely in
other ways, in organizing troops, etc-M. C.
CoNSETT, Private, Co. Il, 9TH Ind, Bedford,
Iowa