The Bolivar bulletin. (Bolivar, Tenn.) 1888-1946, 1902-03-21
HISTORY INDICATED.

EDITOR BULLETIN-ln the sketch
of the life of Ezekiel Polk, by Miss
Smith, / see the fair lady made an
error In the statement that Col. j.
j. Nicely led the only volunteer cav
airy company from our county.
In February, 1862, Capt. J. n.
Schuyler raised and organized cav
airy company of 10 men, mostly
from Hardeman, with a few from
Fayette and Haywood counties.
The company was sworn in about
the goth of February, at New Cas-
tie, when J. n. Schuyler was elected
captain aud w. F. Hancock first
lieutenant. In few days we left
for Burnsville, Miss. There the
old Forrest Regiment was organic
ed, n. B. Forrest being elected
colonel by reclamation and Rev. D.
G. Kelly lieutenant colonel. The
regiment attached to Breckinridge's
brigade. The new company being
untutored in military affairs, was
placed on duty at once, preparing
for the conflict just before US. Its
first service was at Shiloh. None
of Us had ever been under fire and
we were kept out of the fight until
after midday, guarding ford on a
creek. Orders came for the regi-
ment to go forward. Led by Col
Forrest and Capt. j. N. Schuyler,
they were at once rushed into the
midst of the battle. Our colonel
complimented the company for
bravery, and ever afterwards held
them in high esteem.
In the battle, and first charge,
Riley Scott was killed, Robert Pr
tie, Mr.. Gravit, Thomas Mcknight,
r NJ. Traylor (now preaching in
Arkansas) Thompson Allen (since
died of his wounds) were wounded,
and B. Myers and r. A. Boyd capt
ured.
On Tuesday after the battle, the
regiment. while covering the rear
of our army, came in conflict with
a large cavalry force, backed by
two regiments of infantry. Col.
Forrest soon formed his men in
line, and sent forward few men to
try and get their strength and posi-
ton. The Colonel gave orders for
every man TO stand i'll line and not
to fire gun until he gave orders.
The enemy charged on us with rap
id firing. When they had come
near with their guns empty, Col.
Forrest waved his hat and gave
command: go for them, boys !"
DIR. Rhea, now of Whiteville, who
was surgeon at that time, says it
was one of the grandest charges of
the war. The regiment killed and
captured more men than we had in
the engagement. Col. Forrest was
wounded by prisoner after he sur
rendered = (poor fellow, he attempt
ed Forests life, but lost his own.)
The regiment was then in command
of d. c. Kelly, and remained on
the field until the following Satur-
day.
After the battle, the regiment
was camped around Corinth and
was greatly reduced by sickness.
While in camp at Tupelo, it was re-
organized, and Rufe Brook, of the
18th district, was elected captain,
n. Z. Wood frs lieutenant, l. Il.
Crews second lieutenant. Col. For
rest was made general. Col. Balch
was placed in command OF the old
regiment and led the boys in many
struggles, such as the battle of
Corinth, Davis Bridge, Middle
burg (where the federal Colonel
Hog was killed.) Captain Brooks
acquaintance with the country and
citizens saved his company from de-
struction at Britton's Lane, the Har-
deman boys were leading the col
umn, and few hundred yards fur
Their in the lane the eLemy had its
cannon planted so as to rake it from
end to end. Timely warning by a
good citizen saved our lives. Capt.
Brooks at once notified the general
armstrong; While getting the
the enemy fred their
cannon at US.
Col. Balch's command was order
ed at once to charge the enemy and
the first charge drove them from
their guns. DIR. j. j. Neely's old |
company was several miles distant
when the fight began, but came in
full haste to our aid, and met tear
full loss in their first charge. DIR.
Joe Allen and John Bradford, | re-
member, were among the killed,
and d. E. Durrett and Tom Joyner,
Of Bolivar, were wounded Ed
Peters father, Rev. f w. Peters,
W as killed and john Hankley, John
Boyd and Henry Thorton wounded.
After this battle, September 1st,
1862, the command made it's way
back to Mississippi, and in a short
lime was engaged at Iuka. There
our Captain Brooks was captured,
aiken to northern prison and died.
Thus ended the life of good man,
)ure and modest as maiden. but