The Tupelo journal., 1905-05-19

the neaQ OF one OF the BEST
appointed forces ever equipped
Iby the Yankee nation-complete
in infantry, cavarly artillery and
supply trains. They came forth
with threats of vengeance toward
you and your commander for the
bloody victory Of Fort Pillow
made massacre only by bastard
lly Yankee reporters. Again you
Responded bravely to your gen.
erals call. You met the enemy
and defeated him. Victory was
never more glorious disaster
never more crushing and signal,
from proud and defiant foe, en-
route to the heart of your country,
with declaration, both by negro
and white troops; of no quarters
to Forrest or his men, he became
an enemy beaten, defeated, rout-
ed, destroyed.
You drove the boasted minions
of despotism in confused fight
from the battlefield. Seventeen
guns, 250 wagons, 5000 stand of
arms, 1000 more, are the proud
trophies, which adorn your
triumphant banners. The remain
der is still wandering in the
bushes and bottom, forever lost
to the enemy. There were not
over 5000 Of you that achieved
this victory over 10000 of the
enemy. Had you never before
raised an arm in your country's
cause, this terrible overthrow of
her brutal foe would entitle you
to her deepest gratitude. Again
your general expresses his pride
and admiration of your gallantry
and wonderful achievements.
You stand before the world an
unconquerable band of heroes.
Whether dismounted and fight
ing shoulder to shoulder like in
fantry veterans, or hurting your
irresistible squadrons on the liv-
ling foe, you evince the same
courageous bravery.
Soldiers! amid your rejoicing
do not forget the gallant dead
upon these fields of glory
| Many noble comrade has fallen
a costly sacrifice to his country's
independence. The most you can
do is to cherish memory and strive
to make the future as glorious as
they have made the past.
/ TO Brig-Gen. Buford, COM
manding division, my obligations
are especially due. His gallantry
and activity on the field was ever
conspicuous, and for the energy
displayed in pursuing the enemy,
he deserves much Of his Govern
ment.
He has abundant cause to be
proud of his brigrade command
ers, Coils. Lyons and Bell, who
displayed great gallantry during
the day. Col. F. w. Rucker was
prompt in the discharge of every
duty. His brigade displayed con-
spicuous steadiness, during the
fight. Col. Johnston, command
ing brigade from Gen. Roddy's
command, merits notice for his
coolness and bravery on the occa-
sion, and for the valuable services
rendered by his troops. Nor can
the General commanding forget
to mention the efficient aid rem
dered by the artillery, command
ed by Capt. John w. Morton. He
moved rapidly over the toughest
ground and was always in action
at the right time and his well-di-
rected fire dealt destruction in
the massage Of the enemy.
The General commanding also
takes pleasure in noticing the in
telligent alacrity with which Maj.
C. w. Anderson, Capt. w. B.
Brand, Lieuts. Obey, Donaldson,
Titus and Galloway, Of my staff,
conveyed orders to all parts Of the
| field. They were ever near my
person, and were prompt in the
discharge of every duty.
Soldiers! you have done
much, but there is still work for
you to do. By prompt obedience
to orders, and patient endurance,
you will be enable to repeat these
great achievements. The enemy
is again preparing to break
through the living wall erected
by your noble bosoms and big
hearts. In the name and recollec-
! ton Of ruined homes, desolated
fields, and the bleaching bones of
your martyred comrades, you are
appealed to again.
sThe smoke of your burning
| homesteads, the screams Of your
linsulted women, and the cries of
lstarving children will again
nerve your strong arms with
strength. Your father Of 76 had
much to fight for, but how little
land unimportant was their cause
I compared with yours. They
fought not against humiliation
lbut simply to be independentof q
Eforeign yet constitutional and
| free Government. You are strug-
lgling against the most odious Of
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