The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1895-04-25

"Colonel, do you intend to go South o.

"Colonel, do you intend to go South or
remain North?"
His reply was: "I-shall never bear arms
against the United States; but it may be
necessary for me to carry musket in de-
tense of my native State, Virginia, in which
case l shall not prove rscreant to my duty"
The driver cracked his whip, and as he
rode off Col Lee thrust his head out Of the
| ambulance and said: "Good-by; God bless
You" These were the last words / ever
heard him speak, and the last time ever saw
him. COL Lee was one of the most agreeable
men ever knew; handsome, courteous as q
! knight, pleasant, instructive, and entertain
ing in conversation.
While these things were going on around
our post, others were taking steps to tie the
Army hand and foot, and force surrender to
the insurgents. Gen. Twiggs, who was on
leave of absence, finding that crisis was soon
to be reached and fearing that COL Waite,
who was commanding during his absence,
might not be willing to do just rs the rebels
wished him, gave up his leave, feSdrned, and
assumed command.
Now, it is well known by every officer who
was in Texas at that time that the troops
might have been concentrated, and in that
case could have dispersed the militia of the
State and prevented actual secession. 1t
was this possible concentration by Col. Waite
that Tyiggs feared, and hence his return.
1t was said that after his return the rebel
leaders were greatly encouraged still, they
feared to make a formal demand for the
surrender of all the troops and property
of the Government. To encourage them,
and show his sympathy, he visited the
hotels where these active rebels were
usually found, and openly and boisterously
proclaimed that " if any old woman armed
with a brocm-stick demands surrender l
will accede to her demands" Thus en-
boldened the demand was made and the
most disgraceful surrender the world has
ever known was then and there agreed to.
understand that an effort was made sew
eral years ago to relieve him of the stigma
that should ever attach to his name for this
great outrage, but when that is done let
Benedict Arno!d's reasonable memory be
indicated also. Perish the thought that
Twiggs, Arnold and Judas Iscariot, a no.
torious trio, should ever be canoniZed as
patriots, pure noble, and true.
No one can estimate the damage Twiggs
did to our cause by basely trailing the flag
of our country in the dust, and surrendering
the immense supplies Of arms, ammunition,
clothing and transportation. Twiggs bad
been in the Army for many years, and knew
his duty, and did it not.
At last an order was issued by Twiggs
commanding all the troops to march to In
dianola preparatory to embarkation for the
North. At that point we turned over our
transportation, our horses, and other Govern
ment supplies to the representatives of the
so-called Confederate States.
The Empire City was in the harbor with
the Sd Inf on board, and my command
Cos A and F-and the regimental band
completed the load of that vessel, and at
o'clock we steamed away from Texas bound
for New York via Havana.
On the following morning Van Dorm, with
an improvised gunboat, arrived in the har-
Dor, and captured and paroled all the troops
still remaining in Texas. AT that time Sam
Houston was Governor of the State, and was
called on to take the oath of allegiance to
the Southern Confederacy, which he de-
clined to do. A selfconstituted convention
declared the Office vacant, and inaugurated
the Lieutenant Governor, a willing tool in
the hands of the traitors.
Houston told the people that they were
wild, and advised them to consider well
what they were DOING telling them what
would be the outcome; and in the light of
sub. eqnent events he seems to have been
endowed with the spirit Of prophecy, for the
predictions he made were verified, though
in greater degree. Hopston's name de-
serves to be preserved as an unqualified 10y
alist to his Government. Had his life been
spared, and his age permitted, his services
would have been cheeriully rendered in the
cause of the Union.
About the time Twiggs surrendered many
Of the officers resigned and FASTENED to
Montgomery to join in the rebellion against
the United States. Not one Of the rank and
file of the Army proved q traitor, but all
were true TO their allegiance. This was
greatly to their credit, particularly as their
officers were leaving and inducements were
offered many of them to follow the fortunes
of the South.
Soon after leaving Fort Mason I looked to
the rear, and the heavens seemed to he on
fire. The loyal soldiers of the I'd Cav. bad
set fire to the buildings and they were con-
sumed. / was glad to know that the shin
giles which had protected United States
roops would never prove shelter for traitors.
/ could not order the fort to be fired, but
/ was heartily glad it was done, and never
asked any questions about it.-GEN. K. W.
JOHNSON, U. S. A, st. Paul, Mimi.