The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1900-12-08

each other six times. Col. Con. Rea W az
Shot through he upper part of both
legs. From THE wound be suffered q
great deal aud was confined TO his
room for more than sixty days. This
incident created profound sympathy
for him throughout the State, espec-
Tally among the Masonic fraternity, as
he was known as very bright men,
Der of high degree.
Iu less time than year, after recov-
ering from his wounds, he sold "The
Republican" for hand
some sum of money and settled down
10 the practice OF his profeseion-the
law. Here we find him, with peace
and plenty, and surrounded by low
ing and loyal family, when the tocsin
OF war, was sounded throughout the
land. With Mississippi's loyal sons be
answered to the call of his country.
and had the very great honor of COM
manding one OF the first companies
that left the State of Mississippi for
the seat of war. This command was
enlisted for sixty days by authority OF
the Governor, and before the state had
seeded from the Union and was part
Of The Confederate troops that invest
ed Forts Pickins aud Morgan. at or
near Pensacola, Fla. Al the expiration
of the 60 days, this company was dis
banded aud the entire mem bershlp ell
listed in the 18th Mississippi Regiment,
which served in Virginia during the
entire war. On bis return home from
Pensacola, Capt. Constantine Rea was
appointed to Captaincy in the regu-
lar army by the President, and assign
ed 10 duty in the Ordnance Depart
ment and ordered to report to the
Secretary of War. He was made the
purchasing and contracting agent for
the government for the first year OF
the war, and kept in his possession, at
all times, pass from the Secretary OF
War, which permitted him TO pass 10
aud out Of the Confederate lines at his
will. In 1862, be was ordered 10 re-
port TO General Price at Fort Smith,
Ark and on his arrival was placed in
| command of the Ordnance Depart
| menl for that army. When the con-
federate forces evacuated that section
OF country be sought active service
and upon his own application was
| authorized to raise command for the
war. Soon after the granting OF bis
application, we find him with mill
tary company, known as the Soon
Rea Warriors" organized and equip
ped in Lauderdale county, and which
was also known as the Senior
Company of the 46th Mississippi Reg
ment, then on and doug duty il
Vicksburg. Captain Rea's ability as 1
taclician was soon known, and be wa
esteemed and valued very highly as
military man. While in the capacity
of company commander, he was de
tailed on the military court of ID,
Trans Mississippi Department. thel
sitting at Vcksburg, aud was mad
the Judge advoca'e of the court. HI
served with distinction in the battles o
Chicasaw Bayou and Seige of Vicks
burg. After the surrender, and hay
ing been paroled, the army was ord
cred 10 Enterprise, Miss. He wa
then promoted TO the Office of Majo
Of his regiment, and the miliiar.
court having been ordered to resum
business, be was detached once agail
on this court as its judge advocate.
While doing duty in this capacit,
be was solicited by large number o
! s. ~ CT 10
candidate against Ethel Barksdale TO
Congress. This solicitation was q sur
prise to him, aud as be aud Mr. Barks
dale had been lifetime political friends
he was reluctant to accept the candi
dacy; but the pressure was great AM
he decided 10 make the race. Majo
Rea was badly handicapped to begi
with-he being a soldier and Majo
Barksdale being free to 60 and com
as it suited his fancy. However, tn
race WAS made in friendly spirit, am
Bsrksdale was elected by q small ma
jority. Major Rea always remember
ed this campaign very pleasantly an
had the satisfaction of having carrie,
every county where they held join
debate, which was splendid tribute l.
bis ability ss political orator. Coul
Major Rea have canvassed the Who'll
distriei In join, debate the result woul
have been quite different.
Very soon after this event in hi
life the army was exchanged and tn
command was ordered to Dalton, Gs
But before the command could marc
across the country Sherman began hi
march to the sea, and the Vicksbur
boys had the pleasure of joining tn
Army of Tennessee at Kingston. d.
our arrival Major Rea was ordsre,
TO organize Battalion of Brigsd
Sharpshooters, which was compose
of the bragesl and best officers an,
men Of French's Division. This com
mand was organized and went to til
front of the Division on the firing lin
in May, and remained day and night
until The 18th Of August, when the
were temporarily relieved. 1t wa
here that Msjoror Res was wounded 4
one Of many hundred engagements i
which this Battalion was engage
during its short aud eventful life. Fl
was promoted 30 Lieutenant Colone
and he not only suffered with terri
bic bullet would, but it soon becam
necessary 10 ampHtate his leg, whic
required great sacrifices and endur
auce, aud there are many who will RI
member, at this late day, the her
soldier, as be calmly submitted to th
surgeons knife. | remember we
how happy we were at the successfU
operation aud hopefulness of the pa
iient; but this was only the prelude t
| nraot anrroD V, a 70 taye o.c