The National tribune., 1903-09-03
ANOTHER RICHMOND IN THE FIELD.
More of tbs smish-Griers Raid.

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: Comrade
PARROT. Co. II, I'd Iowa Cav, writing of
the ill-starred SmithGrierson Raid, fails
to mention the prominent part taken by
the I'D Ind. M't'd Inf, then temporarily
detached from Wilder's Lightning Bri-
gade and assigned to the Third Brigade
composed of the 1st and I'd Tenn. Cav.
9th Ky. Cav, Sd Ill. Cav, and I'D Ind
M't'd Inf.
When the stand was made on the after
noon of Feb. ~, the I'D Ind. lost q men,
killed, wounded and missing.
From his headquarters, March 10, 1864
Gen. w. S. Smith issued the following:
II. NJ. Carr, Major, Commanding I'D
Ind. M't'i Inf.
Dear Sir: Having learned that certain
false rumors regarding your gallant regi-
mcnt have been circulated in the State of
Indiana for the apparent purpose of in
jurng the splendid reputation it has so
nobly won Oh bloody fields of the present
war, | hasten to do your regiment justice
in the matter.
"All reports to the effect that the I'D
Ind. failed in any case to discharge their
duty faithfully and completely, i'll battle
or out of battle, on the recent expedition
are utterly, meanly, and wickedly false,
and were originated by none but cowardly
stragglers, or by persons who knew moth
ing of the regiment.
TO the I'D Ind M't'd Inf. is justly due
the glory of saving the entire expedition
from rout and ruin on the afternoon of
Feb. 30. On that occasion the I'D justly
established the reputation it has long ell
joyed of being one of the bravest, coolest,
and most irresistible regiments in the
army. You were run over by four regi-
a perfect stampede; yet, nothing abashed,
you waited to fight rather than follow
those who were retreating. The enemy
came upon you three brigades strong
fanking and overwhelming you, yet not a
man moved from his post until Gen. Grier-
son ordered you to fall back, when you
moved off as orderly as was possible I'M
der the circumstances. Your men eXhlb-
tied no signs of panic or that excitement
which is usually exhibited by the best regi-
mentS on such occasions; but every man
appeared perfectly cool and sef-possessed,
even appearing delighted at the prospect
of cutting up the enemy when they should
get him on open ground. In the engage
ment in the afternoon. when the enemy
was finally checked for the day, the indOm-
liable EerOism of the I'D Ind. was glOr-
iously conspicuous. You were assailed in
front and on both TANKS by not less than
eight regiments of the enemy, yet you
held your position, cutting the enemy
down as fast as lie approached, until con-
WINGED that he could never meet you on
equal terms, he moved heavy column on
either flank, and actually fired two vol
leys in your rear. Not desiring to see so
noble a band of men struggling against
such fearful odds and disadvantages, l
ordered you to fall back. Your men Obeyed
slowly and reluctantly, taking their time,
and still keeping up a regular fire upon
the enemy until he ceased to pursue.
Il am sir, really surprised that any one
should credit such ISLANDERS on a regiment,
which, like the I'D Ind, has followed the
flag of Wilder through bloody campaigns,
and which never tlinched though the enc
my met it ten to one; but has earned a
reputation of which its members may be
proud half century hence.
NV. S. SMITH, Chief of Cavalry, Mill
tary Division of Mississippi"
Dec. 81, 1868, Wilder's Brigade was at
Pulaski, Tenn. On the following day
the Gold New Year"-the I'D Ind. was
ordered out ON a four days scout, which
lasted So days. We suffered more from
cold and exposure than in any other Win
ter during our service. Many of us had no
overcoats, and seldom any shelter. Re
turning from that long scout which in
cluded the Smith-Grierson Raid, we re-
joined the Lightning Brigade" at MOors-
vile. Ala, March 26, 1S64.-CHARLES ID.
MCCLURE, Co. III, I'D Ind. Mid Inf.
Newtown, Ind.