The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-08-02
SAVED INGERsOLL's LIFE.
How Major Cox Protected the Colone
from Forests Wrath.
Washington Post

Washington Post.
Robert G. Ingersoll, when in Washington
some years ago, sought out Hon. n. n. Cox,
OF Tennessee. and expressed his gratitude
for the preservation Of his life by that gen.
tleman thirty odd years before 1t Is quite
an interesting story, a thrilling episode or
the great war between the States.
One morning. the winter OF lso2-eS. Cen
eral Forrest had ordered Major Cox TO take
go men and go into Trenton, Tenn, to see
what he could find there" There had been
q rain the day before. followed by severe
frost. The roads were in wretched condi-
ton, and Cox made rather slow progress
In his journey of fifteen miles. When he
conntryman who had just come from Tren-
ton. Cox at once discovered that he was
Southern man. and placed implicit reli-
represented S It" to him that there was full
regiment Of federal infantry in the stock
ade around the railroad depot. and that they
could whip a thousand men.
Cox sent an orderly back to Forrest with
note explaining the situation, and Pro-
ceeded slowly on his march to Trenton
great clatter OF horses hoofs behind. and
up rode Forrest like a thunderbolt at the
take this damned town" he O roa red snS so
they bolted into Trenton at a Gilpen pace.
and yelling like mad. They charged in
front and were repulsed. Forrest then made
flank movement, charged again, and the
federal commander surrendered Forrest,
Cox and half dozen other Confederates
entered the stockade, and the federal SOL
diers proceeded to ground their arms. They
were sullen about II, and let go their guns
with much reluctance. They felt that IL
was most unnecessary surrender. and that
honor, too, had been sacrificed. 1t came
into Forests mind that they might renew
the fight and take him prisoner. Turning
| to Cox. he said:
Major Cox, order General Buford to
| march into town with his division"
Cox knew that Buford was fifteen miles
away, but he saluted and started to execute
| the order. The federals were bluffed, and In
q very few minutes they were without arms:
G.. 1ngersoll. He walked up TO him and
| said: Are. you not that Yankee colonel we
| captured the day before yesterday?"
Il am" was the reply.
| What are you doing in hereT said Cox.
81 came here to take the train for the
| Great God!' said Cox, IF Forrest finds
you In here with his parole IN your pocket
| he will stand you up and order a squad
| out and shoot you full of holes''
81 can't help that" answered Ingersoll.
| 1.-THE facts are as told you"
smuggle him through, and so he did. For.
| rest never knew of IL. Cox said IL N--3dld
| have been just like Forrest to have Inger-
| soil shot and investigate afterward.
| A good story Is told Of how Ingersoll's
wit saved his life when he was first cap
| relied shotgun leveled upon him at less than
| ten PAGES. Ingersou threw up his hands and
exclaimed: Don't shoot, my friend, don't
| shoot; have been anxious TO recognize the
| last half an hour!"
| The rebel threw up his gun and exploded
| In laughter. Ingersoll surrendered 10 him,
as that Yankee colonel whose wit saved
his life"