The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1898-11-24
a RUSH FOR LIBERTY.
Rebel Division Could Not Stop the 9Th
Iowa and Capron's Boys.

IOWA ANA Sapfohs Boys.
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: The ac-
count by Comrade Sanford, 18th ILL., M'td
Inf, OF the work of Caprons Brigade on
Duck River / can vouch for. l was a mem
her of the 5th Iowa. We occupied this part
of the river for two miles above the ford on
the Lewiston pike. The ford was in a
narrow bend OF Duck River. The willy
old fox, Forrest, kept up showing as if he
intended TO force the ford holding our at
tention while he sent division under Chal-
mers and Ross up the river They were
| successful in crossing and getting in our
rear
There was the choice Of cutting our way
out or surrendering. The officers held a
council. None were for surrender. Still
they disagreed as to the mode of procedure
A Major of an Illinois regiment was in
favor of taking a good position and fighting
it ont with Forrest. There were but four
regiments three of Capron's and the 5th
Iowa. Col. Young, of the 9Th Iowa, was
bent on an attempt to cut through the rebels.
Some of Capron's officers opposed q charge
ont without parley. The fact is, it did look
like a foohardy move. Our little Colonel
got his back up aud as he was under no
orders but his own, he yelled out: The 5th
Iowa is going straight out Of here on the
pike; those who wish to follow can. Co.
L, 5th Iowa, forward !"
The Illinois boys cheered US as we started
at trot, saying: Lead out, boys; we will
be close after you" Capron's Brigade was
mounted infantry, armed with the Springfield
Tife-a good arm on foot, but awkward in a
charge on horseback. But the men of Illinois
and Michigan moved their way through the
rebels, scattering them.
When we struck the Johnnies they were on
the ground behind barbados. The Colonel
veered to the right to pass around the end OF
the pile Of rails. His hat was gone, his fiery
red hair fairly bristled as he struck right
and left at the men trying to block his way,
but they gave way and fled. The boys of
Co.'S l. and G were hard at work with saber
and revolver. The Johnnies could not stand
it. They fed into the woods
My horse in trying to leap the pile of rails
got confused and fell. In his struggles to
recover he got out of the way of the passing
horses. found myself ON the ground. When
my horse got his feet was battling with the
fury OF a mailman.
Some Illinois boys came to my assistance,
chasing the rebels pell NELL into the woods,
shouting to me to mount and move out. /
never knew just who they were, but have
never ceased to bless them.
l caught up with some of my own COM
pany in crossing small stream. The horses
were all nearly famished. Many of them
their riders to spur them on. The rebels did
not attempt to follow u.s.
We arrived at Wilson's Headquarters about
midnight Wilson was very much surprised
when Col. Young reported to him his success
full movement OF cutting his way through a
division of rebels with his own regiment and
a part of Capron's Brigade.
Why" said the General, "Capron has
just gone. He reported his brigade to be in
position where they would have to sur
render or be cut to pieces"
We'll, General" replied Young, {" it was
nasty place; but it was dark when we struck
the rebel line, and our men made so much
noise it frightened the JOhnnies Then Ca
pron's lads kept up such a roar of musketry
that they thought they must be up against
the whole Yankee army"
Well, Colonel, you have saved a good
brigade"
From that time until after the battle of
Nashville the 9TH Iowa and 7th Ohio Just
about lived in the saddle. The next day we
were joined by the 18th Ohio, under Capt
Rankin. For time we held in check the
advance of Forrest. 1t seemed to me they
knew every cowpath in the country, for we
could not stop to blow our horses for half an
hour, even in the woods, without suddenly
hearing the below of their old muskets and
the zip-zip of bullet.
Several times we charged them, driving
them back. Once we came near getting am
pushed. We held up just i'll time, for they
came for US, and we bad to get back as fast
as our horses could take u.s. We halted near
Franklin and unsaddled to let our horses
cool; but it was no use; we had to get out.
But then Schofeld took hand it in with the
Twenty-third Corps.-DAN KNIGHT, Co. c,
9Th Iowa Cav, santa Paula, Cal.