The National tribune., 1902-10-02

Richard Dick Taylor, had surrendered to
the United States forces, and the terrible
four years war of the rebellion had closed
Notwithstanding the terms of the arti.
cles of capitulatiOn to Gen. Grant, signed
by Gen. Lee at Appomattox, April 8, 1863
which formed the basis for the surren-
der of all Confederate troops-there was
still one Confederate brigade, commanded
by Col. John +. NewsOm, Acting Brlga.
der General, at Jackson, Tenn, which had
not vet laid down their arms aud surren-
dered.
This delay in surrendering his command
on the part of Gen. Newsom was unac-
countable, and was the subject of much
unfavOrable comment and criticism by the
Federal troops at Memphis. The most
current rumor assigned for Gen. Newsom S
failure to surrender was that at the
beginning of the war he commanded guer-
rillas who had committed many acts in
violation of the rules of modern warfare;
that these old charges were still held
against him, and would result in his con-
viction and punishment, should he appear
within the Union lines. These charges,
however, could not be traced to an author
itative source, and, like many other camp
rumors. were possibly untrue.
On the morning of May 4, 1863. Maj.
A. Q. Davis, 11th Ill. Cav, received the
following order. (See p. 612, Vol. NLIN,
VI OHlOh anu SohiSh
crate Armies, War of the Rebellion, Sc
ries u:
"Headquarters District of West Tennes-
see, May 4, 1865.
Mai Davis. Commanding Detachment 11th
Ill. Cav:
"You will proceed this evening with a
detachment Of 100 men from your regi-
ment on board the steamer Marble City,
to Fulton, where you will debark and
march at 4 o'clock in the morning of the
9th, via Ripley. You will endeavor to
surprise and capture any rebels or guer- gl
rillas there may be either at Brownsville
or Ripley. At Brownsville you will es-
tahlish military post.
Report to me through Col. Shanks as
often as there is opportunity, etc.
&C. G. Washburn, Major General"
In compliance with the above order the
following companies were detailed and Or
dered to report to Maj. Davis for the ex-
petition to Brownsville, Tenn: Co. D,
Capt. Thos. T. Munhall; Co. F. Capt.
Wagner; Co. /. First Lieut.. John Davis;
Co. X, Capt. John Mcfarland.
Promptly on time the battalion march
ed and arrived at Brownsville, 80 miles
northeast of Memphis, and % miles (by
main road east of jackson, on the even
ing of May 5, and went into camp.
Pickets were posted on the different
roads, and every precaution taken to
guard against attack by the enemy.
Reconnoitering parties were sent to the
vicinity of the rebel brigade, and reported
1t still at Jackson.
On the morning of May II, shortly af-
ter / had returned from making the
rounds of the picket posts, one Of the re-
serve pickets galloped up to my quarters
and reported a squad of rebel cavalry ap-
preaching from the direction of Jackson,
bearing flag of truce. Hurriedly mount
ing my horse rode to the picket post in
time to hear the videt challenge the ap-
preaching officer with the flag, who i'm
mediately obeyed the command to halt,
and at the same time dismounted.
rode forward and met him. He in
troduced himself as Capt. McCarty, Off
Ger in charge of the flag Of truce, and
bearer of sealed dispatches from Gen.
Newsom, commanding Confederate troops
eral troops at Brownsville. He also in
troduced a Capt. McClintock, who accom-
panied him.
Information Of the arrival Of a flag Of
truce was Immediately reported to Maj.
Davis, who in return instructed me to
escort the officer bearing dispatches to his
headquarters. These instructions l obey
ed, after having first ordered refreshments
to be conveyed to the rebel escort, who
them.
On the return of Capt McCarty, under
escort, general handshaking between
Yanks and Rebs was INDUCED in, prepara-
tory to the departure of the latter. When
about to depart, Capt. McClintock called
me aside and said: Captain, had l been
assured two years befo'e Of such kind
treatment by the Yankees as we have re-
ceived he'e today, I then would willingly
have laid down my AIMS and surrende'e ed.9'
Mounting their horses and inviting us to
come and see them, they bade US good-by
and marched away.
The dispatches received by Maj. Davis
from Gen. Newsom were forwarded to
Gen. Washburn at Memphis.
The excitement caused by the arrival
OF the flag Of truce had subsided, and all
was again tranquil in camp.
Officers and enlisted men were how
ever, becoming restless at their retention
In service, and anxiously awaited orders
to be mustered out ard discharged. They
had faithfully and uncomplainingIy serv-
ed their country for four years, had fought
many bloody battles in its defense, and
now, that war was over and the old flag,
without star erased, foated majesticalIy
over an undivided Union, their thoughts
naturally turned to friends at home, and
they longed to be with them.
On the night Of May 49, as I entered
my quarters to retire for the night, an
orderly entered and informed me tn. t
Maj. Davis requested my presence at his
headquarters. reported at once 1 was
then informed by the Major that he was
In receipt Of important dispatches from
Gen. Washburn, to be delivered to Con-
federate Gen. Newsom at Jackson. He
then proceeded to read the following or
der Vol. 49, p. 40, War Of the Re
bellion, Official Records of the Union and
Confederate Armies, Series u:
Headquarters, District Of West Tennes.
see, Memphis, Tenn. May IA, 1865.
"Maj. A. ]. Davis, Commanding u. S.
Troops, Brownsville, Tenn.
Major: l have your communication
Of the 11th instant, forwarding communi.
cation from Col. Newsom. You will rec.
ognize no truce said to have been entered
into between Gen. Meredith and Col
Newsom. You will notify Col. Newsom
and send him a copy Of the inclosed order
from Brig.-G Marcus ]. Wright, G. s.
A. Confederate soldiers reporting to
you will be paroled and allowed to &c
home. and such as desire to take the oath
Of amnesty will be allowed to do So
send some blanks. You will keep a rec
ord of all such and report to the Provost
Marshal here. Officers will net be allow
ed to take the amnesty oath, without frs
obtaining permission Of the Department
Commander. Officers reporting here viii
be paroled upon the terms agreed upon b!
the terms Of the surrender of Gen. Dicl
Taylor.
sc. c. Washburn, Major-G General"
On the conclusion of the reading Of thi
order the Major informed me of the con