The National tribune., 1900-03-29
A SONG OF BATTLE.
Fuller's Brigade and the Way 1t Fought at
Parkers Crossroads.

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: In the
late Fall of 1862, Gen. Grant started on a
campaign for the capture of Nicksburg by
following the line OF the Mississippi Central
Railroad. He had made good progress
and his advance had reached Oxford when
suddenly his whole plan was oyerslrown by
the sudden appearance in his rear of that
daShing raider, Forrest, who, at the head of
Il large force, proceeded to cut his com
munications by seizing outposts, destroy
ing the railroad and capturing his supplies.
Fullcr'S Ohio Brigade was Immediately
dispatched TO Jackson, Tenn, followed by
other troops. We found both citizens
| and soldiers in great excitement. After
| rcconnoitcring for a few days, in order to
locate our adversary, on the afternoon OF
Dee. y We again took cars for Trenton,
and carly on the following morning broke
camp, and without baggage started into
the country, presenting the rather novel
spectacle of infantry pursuing cavalry.
On the afternoon of the 10Th we biyou-
acked on the fair grounds near Huntington.
The weather was cold and quite a coat of
snow lay Oh the ground. Before daylight
on the 31st We were again on the road,
following the direction taken the day be-
fore by Col. Dunham, who also commanded
brigade.
About o'clock the sounds of battle were
heard. and we were ordered forward on the
double-q1ick, and. fortunately, arriving
JUST III Jllt illCh oi ifiE oii potii
sides of the road, by a sudden and vigorous
charge. put the enemy into panic and com
piete rout, capturing many prisoners and a
great number of horses, besides baggage
train and other paraphernalia. 1t was a
glorious victory, and one of which we were
Justly proud; one which ordinarily would
have been clasSed among the important
battles of they war. But on account of the
greater point of interest then centered at
Stone River on the sam" day, our victory
over Forrest at Parker's Crossroads was
lost sight of. and received but a passing
notice from the public press.
Out from his lair rode the rebel chief,
On deeds of carnage and cruelty bent;
Leaving Il trail of sorrow and grief,
Destruction was stamped whcre'er he
went.
Like cyclone swept he all before.
Leaving path that was desolate.
Fire and sword had he in store
For the loyal few of the Southern State.
Burning. pillaging, left and right,
A terror to all who were loyal and true
Such the conditions by day aud night
AT the close of the year i'll 80.
Up from its bivouac, white with snow,
Ere the stars of the morning fade
With purpose firm and with checks aglow,
Marched the boys of Fullnr's Brigade.
The drcary morn, the cherries sky,
Tho landscape dark and chill.
They needed not; but to do or die,
And follow their leaders, will.
While The weary mile on nile they tread,
Thinking of loved ones far away.
Of comrades numbered with the dead,
Of duty's call they must obey.
But harki On the wings of the frosty air
Comes a message that all well knew.
IT'S the boom and rattle and bugle blare,
With the rebel yell of the rebel crew.
Battery forwardr' Clear the way!
Load at will, and bayonets fix"
"Dunham's in need of help, they say
Forward, men, at ii aoubte-qnicke
Right and left their lines deploa. sl=7-s
With hearty cheer their foes defy.
A cheer which to their friends brings JOY,
A cheer that causes their foes TO fly.
Sad were the hours of the closing year,
Sad the message TO homes of grief.
Sorrow TO those that were held most dear,
And shame to the cruel rebel chief.
Yes. shame TO the whole rebellious crew,
That would trample the banner OF truth
i'll dust,
That would sully one star on the azure
blue,
Or weaken our faith in the flag we trust
Honor 10 those who were loyal and true,
All honor 10 those who were not dismayed
In guarding our glorious red, white and
blue,
And honor to boys Of FulIer'S Brigade.
D. I. STATHEM, Westwood, o.