The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-05-29
THE STORY OF THE
Il x * VACANT CHAIR. 90
~@S4~
How Hon. Stevenson Masbburn, Of Worcester,
Mass, HapPeaed to Write This
Famous War Poem.

Maryland shore in clumsy nudscows, ex.
pvci.ns % surprise and capture . Con.
teder2'e camp some distance back On the
Virginia shore, and little o. no preparation
hal been made Ter a hasty retreat. Hardly
had the forces landed and scaled the
steep bluff 10 4 little clearing beyond
before the Confederate troops were aware
or their presence. through a skirm:sh be-
tween the advance guard Of the Union
troops and a company OF Confederate cav
airy. Tals placed the Union troops in a
peculiar position. They had come over to
make an aggressive 1ighg. bat, knowing
that the Caaletae-Stes were aware OF their
Intentions. they deemed il unwise 10 ad.
Y2Scs lG2o & country of which they knew
hStie. There was no preparation for a re-
treat. TIE action Of Gen. Stene n sending
the troops ever in such way was the
occasion 0f much discussion. and he was
coa~t-martIs.ei FOR It after the battle.
The clumsy scows which brought the
troops across were most Of them on the
Island. ana practically useless In a hasty
departure. Not knowing what else TO do.
Col nevens drew his men up In battle
line ia the Little clearing ut the top OF the
bluff and awaited tho attack. The clear
lag in which the troops were stationed
faced the river, ard was surrounded on IL
other three sides by 8 thick growth OF
woods. When the Cenfederates reached
the scene they did nol leave tho woods.
bnt fired on the Uaian troops under their
cover. delng deadly work. They tilied tho
;restops with sharpshooters. who added
to the destruction.
The position of the union forces was
well nigh hopeless, but they fought Ike
heroes. Soon, however, the terrible ire
became too severe 10 endure and the order
10 retreat was given. ana down the steep
bluff 10 tbs waters cage the soldiers
tumbled peil-mell.
Tho Confederates followed close upon
them, taronglng up 10 the edge OF the
buff from which position they shot the
retreating soldiers down like dogs as they
rushly madly up and down the river bank.
crossed in the boats or sprawled out In tho
water swimming for liberty. Escape was
we.i-nish impossible, but many preferred
death to captivity and took the slim chance
offered.
II was during the fight and retreat that
CIRCUITS character, his bravery add train
ing asserted itself IN . manner meyer .
be FORGOTTEN. During the ATTIC. while men
fell on every side. ne ESCAPED unharmed
and his courage ana self-possossion uree6
his Taen to renewed efforts. WhDn The
day was lost ana the mon were forced
to retreat to the river. he seemed 70 b
utterly regardless of hiniA1f IN his 4esirs
to have the wounded convSyed 70 Sho -
posita shore. He crossed the streafn WIN
a boatl0ad of sufferers, and s4o5nf &oo
safely landed, returning TO reader H. a.
slstance 10 others: but the oeNf2 -
made 1t necessary TO abandon dfe bo9Q
, and he was soon obliged 10 psxn1e ~
| the stream to save himself from cap4v&r
! or death lie had reached the middle q
I the river wien he exclaimed % = 0onEN0e
| near at hand: Tell Company D coUlA
| have reached the shore-but-rm aho0r 70
| must sink The waters imm43iAt8y
closed over him and his spirit was ffee4
from the conflicts OF earth.
When h,a death was announced. Con.
Devens, with deep emotion said! Dear
LITTLE feIaaw. he came 10 me a. the ol0so
of the battle and sad: rs there anything
more. colonel. anything more, that can be
done for the men?' ara I replied. Moth
Ing but take care o. aaTself.'"
II was later learned shat Grout aa1<ed
10 be relieved from the duty Of officer ce
the guard, TO which he was detailed on
the day OF the battle. and which would
have kept him In camp and out Of the
fight In which he lost MS life. had he 30
desired.
For some time the Potomac held the
body In It's embrace, but IL was finally
surrendered to loving hands. and later
was tenderiy borne to his native city for