The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1897-12-11
Toombs, Threat.


From the Chicago TiIHes-Herald:
When General Robert ToolNbs of Geor-
gia was young man in his twenties he
raised volunteer company and Joined
General Scott, who was then conduct
Ing a campaign against tie Indians in
Florida.
Even in his early youth Toombs was
noted for his self-confid8nce and his
aggressive bearing.
He was without military training,
and had never submitted to rules and
discipline, at college, or anywhere else.
The youngster had an imperious will,
and regarded no humaR being as his
superior.
Naturally, when he met General Scott
it was case of oil and water-they
would not mix.
Private James White, who served in
a Georgia company during that war,
laughs to this day over a tilt between
Captain Toombs and General Scott.
The general knew the character of
his red enemies, and he was in no hur-
ry to attack them in the pc sition which
they had chosen. He waited day after
day, determined not to mDve forward
until he was satisfied that ne would be
successful, and would NOT uselessly
cause the sacrifice of many valuable
lives.
The delay did not suit the Georgia
captain. He fretted fumed and swore,
and did not attempt to conceal his con-
tempt for the slow methods CT his COM
mander.
One night Toombs felt that he could
stand it no longer.
The indignant captain paid visit to
the generals tent, where he fund Scott
engaged in a pleasant conversation
with dozen officers of high rank.
The Georgian was man Of superb
physique, the finest looking American
Of his generation, and when he marched
into the tent with flashing eyes and a
defiant look everybody gazed Gxpectant-
ly in his direction.
General Scott greeted him pleasantly
and invited him to join the circle of
military men who were telling stories
of camp life.
General Scott" said TooJnbs, in a
stern tone. 81 desire to know, sir,
whether the army will march against
the enemy within the next few days"
81 am not ready yet to answer that
question" replied the general with
smile.
Then, SIR continued the youthful
captain, Il will notify you that unless
the army marches tomorrow propose
to go forward with my company into
the very heart of the Indian territory"
When this astounding declaration
was made the officers almost tainted,
and they expected the general to ad-
minister a whitening rebuke
To their establishment SCott never
changed his genial expression. His
eye twinkled with good hun or, and he
turned a serene and benignant face
upon his audacious visitor
Every well, captain" wan his quiet
answer in a soothing tone very well,
captain, use your own pleasure, by all
means. Take your company tomor-
row and march into the In1ian coun-
try. We may follow you q few weeks
later. But don't wait for us. Take
your company and go ahe;El. Good
night, captain"
Private White says that when
Toombs heard this a look Of bewilder-
ment. disappointment and anger came
over his face. but not word fell from
his lips. He saluted the com mander
and bowed himself out.
did he march his company against
the enemy the next day." was my nat
ural question.
mo-" replied White, "he said moth
ing more about it. He remained at his