The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-24

bishop of Arkansas and Indian Territory, and was also given provisional charge of the mission of Texas and the dioceses of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. Bishop Polk laoored in this broad field for many years successfully, organizing churches throughout this vast territory; but finally the increase of labor was so great that he found 1t necessary to con- fine his work to the diocese of Louisiana.
 In 1856 he projected and organized the University of the South, at Sewanee, Tenn, which has grown to be very prominent and valuable institution or learning
 On June 25, 1861, he was commissioned a major general in the confederate army and placed in command of a territory which included much over which he had presided in the capacity of bishop
 During the summer of 1861 his head quarters were located at Memphis, Tenn, but in September they were removed to Columbus, Ky.
 On November his troops crossed the Mississippi river and fought the battle of Belmont, Mo, the opposing force be- ing commanded by General U. S. Grant The advance of the federal forces from Paducah compelled the retirement of Gen eral Folks troops from Columbus, and in March he joined the confederate army at Corinth.
 At the battle of Shiloh, General Polk commanded the First Army corps, con- slsting of the divisions of Generals Cheat ham and Clark. The returns of this force reported a strength of 91S6 before leaving Corinth. These troops, under the gallant leader did most effective service during both days of the battle. On the 9th they were constantly upon the aggressive, suc- 5,it, tho and on the 7th they contended bravely against the fresh troops under General Buell.. During April, May and June, Gen eral Polk commanded his army corps at Corinth and Tupelo. and in September he commanded the right wing of Bragg s army during the invasion of Kentucky
 On the evening of October !, Generals Polk and Hardee planned the battle of Perryville, and General Polk was the supreme commander until the arrival of General Bragg upon the field on the afternoon of the sth. This great victory added much to General Folks reputation, and on October 10 he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general. His corps was the center of Braggs army at Mur- freesboro, and he and his troops bore distinguished part in that desperate en- gagement.
 At Chickamauga he commanded the right wing or the confederate army, ana contributed largely to that confederate victory.
 In December, 1s63 he commanded the army at Dalton, until relieved by Gen. Joseph D. Johnston, after which he was ordered by the president to take com mand of the troops within the department of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. Here he had several engagements with the forces under General Sherman, suc- cessfully preventing a federal advance in- to the interior.
 In May. 1864 he transferred the bulk of his forces to Georgia, reporting with his troops to General Johnston at Macon. on May 12. For a month he was almost constantly engaged in battle, and on June IA he was killed in an engagement in front of Marietta.
 General Polk was very cultured and possessed most gentle and agreeable manner. and his bearing was strikingly dgnifed and commanding.
 The impression made by his presence is well illustrated by an incident which occurred when, as bishop, he was en- gagged in a stage journey over his dio- ceses.
 A fellow traveller addressed him as Colonel" The bishop smilingly replied that he held no military rank. Excuse me I meant Judge !" said the stranger. Another passenger whispered: That Is Bishop Polk" 'Ah!' said the other, "I