Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1899-08-29
"a Matter oil History."

EQltOT spirit :--t$eCenIly, nave Teau
from monthly published north of Ma
son and Dixon's line, an incident in
connection with the battle of the Wilder
ness. When this famous battle was fought
your correspondent was not of proper
age, or size. to shoulder musket, and
therefore, for this and sundry other rea-
sons, is not now capable to criticise.
Such, however, is not his object. Feel
ing doubtful concerning the correctness
of the narrative referred to, will put
what of it cannot digest before those
Il know of severaD spared to us in this
community. and ask these boys Chem
who wore the grey whether or not they
have any recollection of this brilliant { y
coup. 1 now copy what the writer says
is matter of history:
The Confederate forces were behind
breastworks. Sedgwick commanded the
right of the Union line, supported by
Burnside's army. which included the tooth
New York. AS the day wore on the
Union battle line gave way. and rein
forcements were ordered from the rear.
The Io9th and two other regiments were
sent forward. and for time held their
own. Then the regiments on the left of
the Io9th began to waver, and one of
them to retreat in disorder. There was
danger of break in the line that might
end in rout of the Union forces and the
triumph of Lees army. The left flank
of the 1o9th was giving way, when sud-
denly the colonel dashed out in front of
the line, and waving his sword above his
head shouted What the devil does this
mean the 1o9th turning towards Not if
you'll go where lead Forward men,
never retreat!" The roar of the enemy's
artillery twas terrific and men felllike grain
in the path of storm. Those who were
unhurt broke and fed, leaving their col
Onel alone in front of the cneny's guns.
Quick as flash he dashed after the flying
soldiers. Getting behind the retreating
line he wrested the colors from the color
sergeant, and with the flag in one hand,
and his sword i'll the other he cried, eff
you won't follow your leader, follow YOUR
colors; with the flag in front let anyone
face to the rear who dares" The effect
was magical. Fired with an ardor that
neither shot, nor shell, nor charge of cav
airy could stop, the regiment dashed for
word. "A foot more and the works are
ours shouted the colonel. "Come like
the devil, or the flag will be there before
you" On and up, over fallen trees and
stumPs. across bitches and through blind
ing smoke. the men rushed forward in
answer to that rallying cry. A moment
more and they are tumbling over the Con-
federate breastworks. Where the bars
and stars had waved an instant before,
the flag of the Union was flying instead.
Prone beneath it, but uninjured, was the
young colonel who had turned defeat into
victory, and by that one act of gallantry
made possible Sherman's march TO the
sea. Thirty years later, almost to day,
the Secretary of War issued to Gen. Ben
jamin F. Tracy Medal of Honor for
exceptional bravery displayed on the
second days battle of the Wilderness.
Overlooking apparent Inconsistencies
in this matter of history" and giving
Gen. Tracy credit for much bravery, and
also for tumbling over into the breast
works, the question arises what became
of the enemy 50 suddenly 1t is not
written that the colonel captured any,
thing but the breastworks. With apollo.
gies in advance for the expression, 1
would inquire, did you Capt. Geo. H.
Flagg, and you Messrs. cIeon Moore. C.
Horace Gallaher, c. Frank Gallaher,
John w. Locke, David Howell, Thos. G,
Rust. William H. Moore, and others, run
g like the devil3"
Respectfully.