The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1894-01-06
THE rAS WHo HELD THs FORE
a wsr story Rsesrsa ~ = Bm rsssirs i-
Congress.

WASHINGTON. Jan. 6-This IL not 4 good rear
for pension seeking. but perhaps the bill
| which the senate has already passed, without
any opposition for the bensnt OF Frances
Corse, the widow OF Gen. John Murry Corse.
has reasonable chance for enactm emit. Al all
events. It has given the committee who re-
ported the bill chance to put on offlelal record
an account Of one OF the very thrilling events
OF the civil war.
Although Gen. Corre was q cadet at West
Point. he rem ain ed there less than two yeare
leaving the academy in 1855. When the civil
war broke out lie took service in the volun-
teers as Major Of tho Sixth Iowa Infantry lie
had already risen to be a Brigaiier-Genernl
when he performed the exploit at ANatoonA
which made him famous Sherman at TINT
time early in October. 1884. was hurrying
northward aftor the fall OF Atlanta, to protect
his line Of supplies. which Hood was attack
ing. Allatoona was threatened by Frenchs
Confederate division. and Corso was in COM
msnd there Gen. French sent by flag Of truce
a motto informing him that he was surround
cd. and to avoid needless effusion OF blood
call on you to surrender your forces at once
and Internationally. Five minutes will be
allowed you TO decide. Should you accede to
this you will be treated in the most honorab bic
manner as prisoners OF war" The reply Of
Gen. Corse was prompt and emphatic: Your
communication demanding surrender OF my
command | acknowledge receipt Of, and re-
spectfully reply that we are prepared for the
needless eiruslon OF blood whenever 1t is
agreeable to YOU"
The battle which resulted was furious and
ended in the withdrawal OF the Coufederntes
only after heavy losses on both sides, Corss
o ss ,eWe Ia Eed and s w SS o besides
2l2 missing. while French's losaes were sup
posed to be much more severe. Within the re-
doubts Col Ned1eld had been killed and Coils.
Tourteotte and howett wounded while Gen.
Corse was shot across the face. the hall cut
ting his ear. This last miahan was referred TO
In hia famous despatch sent the following day
to Gen. Shermnn's alde-de-cnmp: am abort
cheek bone and an ear. but am able TO whip
all hell yet"
The senate committee. reported that Corse's
Sherman's army from great embarrassment
and probable dsfest" At all events IL was n
gallant exploit. II IL also said that he re-
reived In all five wounds. but never applied
for u pension. although he would have been
entitled to n high rate NJ pension from the
close OF the war to the time OF his death. and
would probably have drawn from the Treas
ury more money than the Government will
ever he called upon to ray undor the pending
bill The widow was not willing Mt first TO
have the question OF n pension for herself con-
friends present the matter. especially on le-
half OF her toy Of 81 years" The further state
mont Of the committee that the property left
by Gen. Corse at his death was supposed 10
amount only to about $50 presumably lntiu-
enced this decision. Tho pending bill has
plenty Of presidents: but whatever the result,
. very interesting story has been recalled.