Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1893-12-30

of their audacity, and Woodward was
thorn in the side of the union forces in
charge of that territory. A number of
northern officers, noted for their sa-
gacitv and courage were intrusted
with the task of cap turing or killing
Woodward. but he was too much for
them. The southern synpnthizers, of
whom there were many in the vicinity
greatly enjoyed all these fruitless eff
forts to end the career of the audacious
rebel, and the union officers were exas-
perated by the ill-concealed amuse-
ment OF the neighborhood at their ex-
pense.
Finally Maj. Brackett-I think he
was from northern Ohio-volunteered
to put an end to the depredations of
Woodward. BY some means he learned
that the confederate, with small force,
would visit Lafayette one night and an
elaborate plan for his capture was ar
ranged. Soon enough the raider put in
an appearance, as had been expected,
and Maj. Bracket thought his game
was at last corraled- Woodward was
ut last surrounded, as Maj. Bracket
thought, and the signal was given to
the union men to close in. They did so,
but just as they thought the game was
up for the confederate, they We're sud-
denly attacked from several quarters
simultaneously and decentralization en-
sued Maj. Brackett sworc and fumed,
ard the whole force fed pellmell, car
rying the commanding officer with
them. They went at wild pace
through Lafayette, followed by the
jeering taunts of the southern sympa-
th;zers.
Though no one had the temerity to
say it to his face, Maj. Bracllett felt
that he was regarded as u coward, and
he was naturally eHusperated. 1t de-
eeloped later that Woodward's force
mad been greatly inferior, numerically,
to that of Brnckett's. Consequently
he had to submit to a deal of chatting
from his brother officers, aud, being of
sensitive nature, it hurt him more
than he would acknowledge. He
seemed to think that his reputation for
personal courage had suffered, and he
was all but frantic for an opportunity
TO prove that he was no coward. BracS-
EFT was soon after assigned for duty in
the neighborhood of Memphis, where
he did good work. but nothing as he
thought, to repair his shattered reputa-
tion.
"One day, however, the longed-for
opportunity came. At the head of a
skirmishing party he was quietly
marching down the road when sud-
denly he came upon a similar party OF
confedcrates. The unexpected meet
ing threw both parties into confusion,
and before either had chance to form
for fight Bracliett ordered his men to
remain quiet and rode forward. 1t was
remarkable course, and, believe,
without parallel in the history of the
war, but he challenged the command
ing officer of the confederates to per.
sonal conflict.
ut happened that the confederate
officer was Maj. Valentine, whose home
was in Memphis lie was one of For
rests men, and had q reputation us q
man of aggressive personal daring. He
was surprised at the unusual chal'
lenge, but he immediately accepted
and the two officers, in plain view OF
their commo nds, galloped toward each
other with drawn sabers They went
at each other like knights of old, and Il
thrilling duel followed. The horses
turned, charged and reared with won
derful rapidity. The sabers hissed
viciously. Blood was drawn on boti
sides. The officers charged again. Tine
confederate officer made backward
cut as he passed, and the blade struck
Brackett square across the back of the
neck. His head dropped to one side
he reeled and fell from his horse. They
picked him up, but he was dead. The
blow had broken his neck. He had
proved Lis courage, but he died in the
attempt. They buried him by the
roads 10, and the two forces withdrew