The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1892-02-16
ELK HORN BATTLE,
IN WHICH M'CULLOUGH AND M'IN-
TOSH WE'RE KILLED.
The Tragic Death of Two Gallant Con-
federate Generals in Ono of the
Early Fights of the War.

In all the articles that have been written
since the war between the states descriptive OF
the battles fought between the federals and
confederates, of the mention of the heroism.
bravery and gallantry displayed by the diff
ferent generals and leaders on both sides,
have noticed the conspicuous absence of tho
names of Generals Ben Mccullough and
Chilly Mcintosh, and failure to mention the
heroic and noble part they took, though short
and brief it was, as both fell on the same
bloody battlefield, only short space OF time
intervening between their deaths, in the early
part of 1862 literally pouring their life's blood
out on tho altar Of liberty, and willingly
courted death for that which they conceived
and believed to be right. That may induce
some moro facile pom, who was better &C
ouanted with these dead heroes, to write OF
them, and that may leave some slight record
by which the future historian may be guided,
and, therefore, save these gallant knights
names from obscurity and oblivion, is i'll part
nv purpose for this rambling, imperfect
sketch.
1t was about the first days of March, 1862.
McCuIough's and McIntosh's troops had been
in winter quarters since about the middle OF
December, 1861. We had selected for our
quarters broad level plateau, directly over
looking the Arkansas river, in the northern
portion of the state of Arkansas.
Here we had been for two and one half
months, with only q little guard duty to per-
form consequently we had very enjoyable
time. General Mccullough had about the last
of February returned from visit to tho secre-
tary Of war at Richmond, and looked more
genteel, and presented neater appearance
than we had ever seen him. He was
dressed in q suit of gray corduroy-the
confederate gray costume had not then made
it's appearance, his coat was cut
after the sacque. pattern he wore soft brown
SLOUGH hat the only evidence sof the military
was three stars on his rolling coat Ecolar and
heavy pair of brass spurs. He always rode as
fine and spirited horse as could be had, and
moro graceful rider was hard to find. His
horse was deep sorrel, and carried himself
with that grace and style as conscious OF the
value of the burden he bore.
Generals Mccullough and Mcintosh were
both officers in the old United States army
when the war began, had known no other
home but the camp, having been on the from
tierservice for years they were disciplinarians,
hut not ripid nor over-exacting, and everyone
Of their men truiy lloyyce.s. them, and yielded
implicit obedience to their authority. Shortly
mond we were surprised one afternoon, just
before dark by receiving an order to cook up
three DAYS rations, and be ready to move at
a moments warning. This was McCullough's
style-a minute mamie did not know what
it was to be caught unawares, and had an in
domitablo will and untiring energy, and his
tactics were similar to the lamented Stone
wall. here today, but where in the morning.
always surprising the enemy; striking them
when they least expected, and coming from
quarter they thought it unnecess airy to guard
AS werode away on that clustering March
morning from our encampment, whore we had
snent two and a half months so pleasantly,
with the light streaming out through the open
6eaped up in the lfreplaces, how truly did tho
adage appear ''that blessings brighten as
they take their flight" Soon we were strung
out on the road, with our heads pointing north,
but whore we were going only tho higher Off
GERS knew.
1t was about that time Of the year when the
trees were beginning to she'd their coats of rus
set brown and brightest yellow, preparatory to
taking on their bright new suits of livoried
green, for it was on the morning OF the It'll OF
March, 1862, that two contending bodies OF
men, numbering some 5000 on one side and
1900 on the other, met.
At the spot where these contonding forces
had met was quite an elevated plateau, and
!
over and across this ridge meandcred q broad
public road, and upon the very highest point
of the ridge stood large old building, in the
center of which were pair OF large doors, and
directly over these doors were nailed pair OF
large elk horns, and, by reason OF these, the
building was known and called Elk Horn
tavern. This building had once been q
hosiery, and the overland stage, in the early
days before tho building of Railroads.&c. making
its trip out and to the great plains. would stop
to feed the passengers aud change horses.
Here the battle of the 7th, Sth and 9th of
March, 1862, was fought. and is, therefore,
known and called by two names, as most all of
the important battles have.
If federal soldier who was engaged in this
fight should speak of it, he would mention it
as the Pea Ridge fight; should q confederate
alude to it, he would talk of the Elk Horn
tavern fight.
1t must have been about 10 o'clock on the
morning of the 7th of March, 1862, that we of
McCulough's brigade were startled, as we
were pursuing orr march along this old mi!l-
tary road by the firing of cannon some dis
lance ahead OF US, and on tho other side OF the
ridge. Soon We were halted, depoyed into
battalions and filed into the woods that lay on
both sides of the road. 1t was the work of
few moments for the pickets to be thrown out,
Then forward, and accommodating began.
1t was only a short while afterwards when
we heard the rapid discharge of cannon and
the rattle of musketry. which was evident
that inc 1lRnJ was Oh, ana WliaJ we IdU Dccu
looking for and expecting for the last three day
had happened-we had encountered the fed
erals. AS we turned out of the main road into
the woods General Mcintosh dismounted his
command Che was in command OF the cavalry,
we had been dismounted for the fight, and our
horses sent back to winter quarters on account
of the scarcity of forage), and had caused them
to open ranks, and between the two lines of
men and horses we filed into the woods. The
last time l saw General Mcintosh, he
stood at the head OF his command,
with his bride rein thrown loosely
over one arm, and as we passed down between
his lines he raised his hat in salute to US, a
broad pleasant smile illumlned his fine feat
urcs, and with some word of cheer he waved
us on. 1t was only short while thereafter,
and at the commencement Of the fight, that he
was instantly killed at the head OF his COM
mand leading charge; Us General McCul-
Tough he never said CO. but it was always
COME never ordering his men to do that lie
was not willing and ready to do himself He
was also q trained soldier, had seen long and
hard service i'll the old army on the frontier,
sacrificed all for his native land and the prn-
cples he firmly beloved to be right. He was
lineal descendant and close rela-
two of the celebrated Indian
chief, General William Mcintosh, who is
buried in an adjoining county. General
Chilly Mcintosh claimed to be Cherokee,
and was born, l believe, i'll Cherokee, Ga
He had that beautiful olive complexion, an
eve that sDarkled with animation, had great