The record-union., 1894-02-20
PROVED HIS COURAGE.
The Desperate Duel Provoked by a
Federal Officer During the War

Federal officer During the War.
War times and adventures were the
burden Of the conversation among half
dozen veterans of the civil war the other
day at Bowling Green, KY, a reporter for
the Democrat being present: II have
read many stories," said one of the old
soldiers, ''of individual exhibitions of
bravery during the war, but l witnessed
a duel between two officers of high rank
that had | read it L would have believed it
the product of imagination. During the
early days OF the war the kederals, who
had already driven the rebels from South
ern Kentucky, were much troubled down
in Christian County by Colonel Wood
ward, who, l believe, lived near Latay-
ette, in that county. He was in the habit
Of visiting his home with a small
party of skirmishers, and he always
carried away with him a numer of
horses and supplies. The raids were uni
formly successful because of the audacity,
and Woodward was a thorn in the side OF
the Union forces in charge of that terri
tory. Finally Major Brackett-I think
he was from Northern nOnio-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. Sure enough, the raider put in
an appearance, as had been expected, and
Major Bracket thought his game was at
last corraled. Woodward was at last sur
rounded, as Major Bracket thought, and
the signal given to the Union men to close
in. They did so, but just as they thought
the game was up for the rebel they were
suddenly attacked from several quar-
ters simultaneously and demoraliza-
ton ensued. Major Bracket swore
and fumed and the whole force fled pell-
nell, carrying the commanding officer
with them. They went at a wild pace
through Lafayette, followed by the jeer-
ing taunts Of the Southern sympathizers.
1t developed later that Woodward's force
had been greatly inferior numerically to
that of Brackett's. Consequently he had
to submit to a deal of chatfing from his
brother officers, and, being of a 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 cow
ard. Bracket was soon after assigned
for duty in the neighbOrhood of Mem
phis, where he did good work, but moth
ing, as he thought to repair his shattered
reputation.
One day, however, the long looked for
opportunity came. At the head of a
skirmiShing party he was quietly march
ing down the road when suddenly be
came upon similar party of confederates.
The unexpected meeting threw both
parties into confusion, and before either
had a chance to form for fight Bracke EFT
ordered his men to remain quiet and rode
forward. 1t was a remarkable course,
and, l believe, without a parallel in the
history of the war, but he challenged the
commanding officer of the rebels to a
personal conflict. 1t happened that the
rebel officer was Major Valentine, whose
home was in Memphis. He was one of
Forests men, and had reputation as a
man of aggressive personal daring. He
was surprised at the challenge, but he
Immediately accepted, and the two Off
GERS, in plain view of their COM
mands, galloped toward each other with
drawn sabers. They went at each other
like knights of old, and a thrilling duel
followed. The horses turned, charged
and reared with wonderful rapidity. The
sabers hissed visciously. Blood was
drawn on both sides. The officers charged
again. Bracket made savage cut at
Valentine, who lodged. The officers
charged again. The rebel officer made a
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 his courage, but he died in the
attempt. They buried him by the road
side, and the two forces withdrew with
out firing a shot.