The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1892-05-12

flank to the left of the army to support the
hard pressed Thomas Lytle, seemingly marked
by death for its own, received three severe
wounds. the last one mortal and he died on the
field which lie had refused to leave. When
killed he was in the thiekest of the fight
steadying the men of the 24th Wis. up to a
new limo OF battle, herocally and ably en-
deavoring to stay the threatening tide OF dis
aster.
Thus persisted this brilliant and promising
American. As soldier he was respected and
admired by the entire army. Gen Sheridan
said in his official report of this battle: " In
him Uytle) the country lost an able Gen.
eral and the service gallant soldier"
Col. Slas Miller of the gallant Both ILL.,, who
succeeded Lyle in command of the brigade,
uses this language in his official report: while
rallying the men to the formation of this line,
our noble and beloved commander fell two or
three times wounded previously. During this
action he had persisteutly refused to leave the
field but CALAMITY doing more than his duty
to the men he loved and who worshiped him,
he sacrificed himself without reluctance. No
words or eulOgies OF men can add any luster to
his deeds of heroic daring, or render more hon
ored ard revered among men the name and
memory of William II. Lytle."
will quote in full Gen. Rosecranss hand
some reference to Lytle's death:
As Brigadicr- General Lytle fell leading gallant
charge against the foe advancing retreating
troops. may be excused for departing from the
strict rule of mentioning those officers whose good
conduct could be properly officially noticed by the
General commanding only. This brave and gen.
erous young officer, whose first wounds were re-
ceived while fighting under my command at Car
nifex Ferry where he fell, desperately wounded,
at the head of his regiment, was also badly wound
ed and taken prisoner ut the battle of Perryvie,
where he repelled desperate onslaught of the
enemy.
On rejoining the Army of the Cumberland with
his well-cRrned rank Of Brigader, he was assigned
second in command to Gen. Sheridan When he
fell gorionsly on the field of Chickamauga, Ohio
lost one of her jewels and the service of it's
most patriotic aud promising general officers.
w. S. RosEcRANs Major General.
Lytle was the only Union general officer who
lost his life on the field of Chickamauga. 1t can
we'll and truthfully be said that some other
could better have been spared than he.
Notwithstanding his military fame already
earned, Notwithstanding tho high encomiums
passed upon him by his commander and brother
officers, judge that William Hanes Lytle is
already better and will be longer remembered
as the author of the little poem which forms the
best part of this paper, than a soldier of the
Republic. That it is so is not dscredt table to
the understanding and tendency of our civil
izaton, as l think, though it cannot be doubted
that the poet-sodier himself would vince with
pain and disappointment could he return to
earth and realize the truth.
Howbet, much as ones admiration for
Lytles melancholy and yet passionate verses
may surpass and naturally tend to divert the
from his professional achievements, /
for one can never forget his tragic and glorious
fate the banks Of the Chick amauga.-
LESLIE j. PERRY, Washington, ID. g.