The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-05-27
a SOLDIER WITHOUT FRAR.
Two Federals Killed With a Spade IN
the Thick of "a Bate.
Prom the atlanta (Gd.l journal

1
From the atlanta (Gd.) journal
Let me tell you the story of Benjamin ].
McGinnis, confederate soldier Of phenome-
nal bravery.
He was the orderly sergeant of Company
c. Fortieth Georgia regiment, Stovall's
brigade. Stewards division.
This company was organized in Floyd
county and was commanded by Capt. l. Il.
Mitchell, now one OF Atlanta,s bestcitizens,
himself modest gentleman, aud one who
made a gallant soldleF-7a veteran WHO has
never made any fuss about his record since
the war-one Of the kind that II gives rue
peculiar pleasure to honor. "a % aa-
Well, this grand old Company Cwas uni
| formed and equipped for service by Col. d.
! K. Mitchell, and was named III homer of
| this generous man and true patriot the
Mitchell Guards sai 1- .af sreI
Sergt. McGinnis joined this company at
the first tap of the drum, and staid with
the boys right straight through the war till
| the last gun was fired BE was tnagnifi-
cent specimen of physical manhood. Stand
ing 8 feet inches IN his stocking feet, he
! tipped the beam at 1919 pounds. Sinewy
and symmetrical, active and athletic, ifiga-
ments Of STEEL musclesaof from he was a
young giant without one ounce OF Surplus
flesh to mar lis powerful frame. X a "a
1t was on July 81. a1S64, you remember.
that one of the HARDEST and hottest battles
of the war was fought around this city.af.s
McGinnis was in,iE-apd there It was that
he Performed prodigy of valor. -.
An order was giyep to charge the epenly,
and it was done in double quick tirne; but
just before reaching the enemy'S ranks
the men of the FortiethN became scattered,
and the order was given to halt and reform
The line. 2 toi hiss sw aasutc
d. n "a
running like a deer, aha was too far 1iu ad-
vance of the line of battle to catch tho sound
of his commanders Reiee. ais p Il. a7o,ss
On, on he sped, thinking.o OF course, that his
regiment was following s,
On, while the ballets rained around him
like hail stones from . black cloud. 80 -..-.
His comrades looked in fear and wonder,
expecting every moment TO see him fail,
pierced with dozen balls.
He was charging the enemy alone, and
when within a few PAGES of their hurriedly
thrown up works they might have shot him
down with ease, but the boys in blue were
so struck with admiration at his splendid
daring that his life was spared. and shout
rent the air as he bounded into their lines.
His gun was taken from him at once-and
he was prisoner. But not long.
He squatted behind pile OF upturned
earth to protect himself from the bullets of
reformed the line, and, rushing onward,
soon carried thebreastworks with yell.
In moment Mciiunis was recaptured-
but he had no gun.
The fight ragged fercely, and seeing him
disarmed, his comrades shouted:
go to the rear, sergeantl To the rear
To the reari"
"Never, so help me heaven!n yelled the
hero above the din Of battle.
He stooped-and when his stalwart figure
rose erect. he brandished high in air short
handled spade. ,.,
Wheeling about he faced the enemy, and
began flGh ting like a demon. Two yankees
attempted to pierce him with their bayonets
but quick as lightning, he swung his
spade, knocking their guns from their
hands.
Then summoning all his strength he
brought down the weapon edgewise with
terrific force-oncel twice! with the dead
lest precision7literally cleaylng their skulls
to the neck
AS both men sank down, gasped and gave
up the ghost. cheer after cheer rang along
the confederate ine the enemy were routed
and brave Sergeat McGffnis came out of
the battle without SCRATCH Sergeant
McGinnls is.stil living in Floyd county, his
old home.