The National tribune., 1893-07-13
GEN. zoLLICoFFER's DEATH
Personal "Reminiscences of the Adjutant of
the Gath Ohio.

Personal "Reminiscences of the Adjutant OF
the Gath Ohio.
| NAPT. VAUGHAN, of the 4th KY, in
| 81 THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE of recent
~ date, gives several facts relating to
Gen. Zollicoffer's death. Permit
me to add an incident or two that came
under my own observation after his death.
A few days after the battle of Mill Springs
/ was under medical treatment at a hotel In
Lebanon, KY, when a man stopped over
night at the same place. He was dressed In
citizens clothes, and kept himself somewhat
secluded. / noticed he carried crooked
root five or six feet long into his room, ad-
joining mine, and in doing SO concealed it
with his cloak from those about him.
He saw my curiosity was awakened, and,
10 forestall any further suspicious, asked me
! into his room, and we struck up an agree
able friendship. Learning that was from
northern Ohio, he said he lived in Franklin,
Tenn, and had partner in dentistry from
my own County, with whom was well ac-
Quainted before the war. he told me his
name was Cliff; that he was Surgeon in
Zollicoffer's regiment, and that the queer
looking stick standing near him he had dug
up when the General fell from his horse, and
that some of Zollcoffer's life-blood was on
the root; that his remains were below,
locked in safe place, and that he had them
in charge to take to Nashville.
His version of the Generals death was
substantially as several others have given it,
He enioined secrecy in what he told me, as
he feared relic-hunters would give him
trouble.
1t was at the house of this same DR.. Cliff
that Gems. Schofield and Stanley took short
nap and good dinner on the Both of No
vember, 1864, just before the desperate bat
tie of Franklin opened, and, as DIR. Hildreth,
his partner has said, was as good Union
man at heart as either of his guests that
day.
ZOllicoffer stood very high in the estima-
ton of the citizens of Nashville, had repre-
scented them in Congress, and for years his
name had become familiar to the reading
public, for it always appeared at the foot of
every recorded vote-list in the House. He
raised the regiment he commanded mostly
in his own city. and it was composed of the
very best Of the young men-the elite of the
town.
A Mrs. Johnson, one year after, related to
me in very graphic language the effect the
news of the battle had on the people Of
Nashville. 1t had been reported to them
that their boys were In need of warmer
clothing and better fare They therefore de-
cided on grand festival to be held at the
market-house on the public square, where
every body was urged to bring in liberal COLI
tributions Everybody was enthusiastic.
The ladies were particularly efficient in get
ting the long tables tastefully decorated
with Confederate emblems and flags. Never
before had there been so much spirit and
goodwill shown as on this occasion Mrs.
7 Lnt~n I'll 4 I,
day set with basket of dishes to help
complete the arrangements. She had about
four squares to go. She noticed that there
were but few persons on the street, and
these shot by her without looking up.
1t seemed to her something was wrong,
and this apprehension increased every step.
So well convinced was she before she reached
the market-house that she observed several
groups of sad faces, and she dared not listen to
find out what was the matter. Weak and
trembling, she approached an old Methodist
minister, when she exclaimed:
Brother B, for Gods sake tell me
what's the matter with the people this morn
ing?"
"Why, Sister Johnson, Zollicofer is killed
and his regiment all cut to pieces"
She added, " / was so stunned / dropped
my basket and broke several dishes"
Notice was given for everybody to take
back what they had brought, and almost
every family in the place went home to
mourn for a dear friend but before night
they got more authentic news that their
boys, though badly whipped, were mostly
able to make good time to the rear.
Every veteran knows how long the boys
will continue to repeat some word or phrase
that has no historical significance, such as
Grab a root" or Here's your mule"; but
one expression heard every day after Mill
Spring in our part of the army was this:
Whats the news?" ooh! Zollicoffer's
killed. "-CWooDRUFF, Adjutant, Gath Ohio.
Peru, o.