The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-08-13


known in Texas than Captain Phil Fall OF
Houston. His title Of captain is an af-
terthought MS it were, post bellum at
tachment placed ON him by General Polly,
on whose staff he has done such good and
efficient work during the past two years.
I mention this not to disparage the cap
tain in the least, for he glories in having
been private, and all who know him in
those days which tried mems souls will
testify that there was Ito nobler gentleman,
no truer soldier or no more devoted fol-
lower of the Southern cross than this
same Phil Fall, and that had his reward
been commensurate with his merit there
is no rank to which he might not lay
claim. / don't like to think of Phil as a
captain, but l prefer to recall him as
knew him during the war--as private
one of the men and not very well
dressed or uverclean one at that, He
called himself a man then, though he was
only boy. Yesterday was looking over
some old war papers and scrapbook have
when came across the following, which
was published several years ago, but which
will bear reproduction. 1t is the story
of how Fall and a companion operator
saved Vicksburg:
Just previous to the commencement 81
the late civil war rich planter DR.. Hor-
ace Tebbetts of Pennsylvania Landing,
Louisiana, seventy-iive miles above Nieks-
burg, had telegraph line built, running
from DeSoto. opposite Vtcksburg, TO Lake
Providence.
The line was built for DR.. Tebbett's own
pleasure In order that while spending the
winter at his Pennsylvania plantation the
telegraph news, editorials and other i'm
portant items contained in the Vicksourg
Herald might be wired him each morn
ing. This little line Unexpectedly proved
of immense service to the Confederaoy
alr Lee S. Daniel of General Brecken-
ridges field telegraph coirs was orderea
to Trausyivenia to keep watch, daY anu
night, for The purpose of notifying the
vicksburg authorities of any movement
OF TIE enerly's fleet coming down the
river, as Memphis haze fallen and an at
tempt on Vicksburg was daily expected,
Mr.. Phil II. FAN was detailed and sent
across to DeSoto. The batteries had orders
TO respect his white flag by day and his
red light by night, as it was sure dea.a
to be on The river near those batteries at
night without proper signals
One dark and stormy night, Fall, having
fallen into doze, awoke bearing Daniels
calling hiya as If life and death depended
on getting him. He opened his key and
answered when Daniels exclaimed;
Great God Phil, have been calling you
fifteen minutes. Eighty-two transports
loaded with Federal soldiers and twenty
odd gunboas have passed and their lights
extend uD the river as far as the eye can
reach Hurry over the river and notify
General Smith,
I'm off, goodbye" was Phils response.
The waves were high and the wind was
blowing hurricane, rendering it danger
GUS to cross. but Fall launched his ffal
IL .,.,ll ,nta.A= ta.N
voyage reached the Vicksburg side in
safety.
There was grand ball in progress.
given by the citizens in honor of General
Smith, commanding, and other military
notabes.
Fall presented woe hegone appearance
as he elbowed his way through the daz-
cling uniforms of officers and elegant cos
tunes of ladies, and as he halted in front
of the general the crowd surged around
anticipating something unusual
General Smith scanned his mud-bespat-
tered uniform and sternly demanded his
business
The nothing daunted operator simply
handed him slip OF paper, upon which
he had gotten down the situation.
As he read it the generals face blanched
to an ashy paleness. In a loud voice he ad-
vised the assembled multitude that this
bali is ended The enemy will reach us
tomorrow morning. All non -combatants
must leave the city. Good night"
He grandly left the room, followed by
his officers. The wires to Richmond were
kept red hot, explaining the situation TO
President Davis and ordering reinforce
ments from Jackson and elsewhere.
The big fight At Chickasaw bayou two or
three days afterward resulted Il. the Union
troops being terribly whipped, their re-
treat to their boats and return Up the
river, after which Viokshurg was not again
molested for several months.
A Chicago lawyer. William Plum, wrote
book containing Two large volumes ex-
planning the achievements Of Federal OPP
orators and the value Of field telegraphy
during the war, He gives Fail and Daniel
the credit of saving vicksburg as had 1t
not been for their prompt and faithful dis
charge of duty there in all probability.
would never have been a siege of the
place, as the Federas would have taken
the confederates unawares and unpre-
pared for their immense force
Fall, by service, Is the Oldest operator In
Texas, although he considers himself
young in years.
Mr. Daniel has for years been connected
with the Southern Pacific at Victoria
Rattle nj Rloir'c nndir6