The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-03-13


Ala. accepting a life-size bust, oil
portrait of Emma SAMSON, presented by
the Division to the Department OF
Archives and History of the state, OF
which Mr., Owen is direetor-See Mont
gomery Advertiser, May IA, 10 ana 49,
and June l. 1929
The emotions of personal pleasure L
have in taking part in these exercises are
lost in the suggestions of noble purpose
which underies and gives them meaning
This occasion is one of rare ana oeep
significance and l doubt whether you
all of you at least-appreciate IN the Iull-
est sense its wide import We are the
participants in the formal office OF CIV
ing and receiving, but back of TINS ana
looking beyond it is the exalted sentiment
and resolution, for which your organlza-
tioa stands, that herosm and heroic
conduct and the memory of them shall
not perish from the earth. the full
meaning of this lesson gained, and we
have a value in life beyond heroic in
cidents themselves, or their preservation
on canvas.
In the fall of 1861, the armies of the
Federals advancing from Tennessee, in
Naded North Alabama, and excepting
fe.y months, continued its occupation UNI
Ill 1865. TO their shame be it said that
they burned and pillaged the homes of
defenseless women and children, whose
shreks could oftentimes be heard, as by
were turned, half clad and starving,
into the snowy midnight. During these
years of occupation, with their horrors
of foray and raid, occurred numbers or
Unparalleled incidents of personal brav-
cry. And one of these we now commem-
crate
In the latter part of April 1868, Col. A
d. Streight, with a picked command Of
about two thousand officers and men,
left Tuscumbia for the interior of Ala
bama and Georgia for the purpose OF de-
stroyng the railroads in that country
His objective point was Rome, Georgia
The expedition had been deliberately
planned by the Federal commanders, and
was considered of much Importance by
them Advised of the enemys move
ments, Gen. BraXton Bragg directed Gen.
Nathan Bedford Forrest to check their ad-
vance. This was what Colonel StrelghI
most dreaded, he knew that Forrest was
Eat the head of determined lot of
fighters, made veterans under his iron
hand and absolutely devoted to his SER
vice.
1t may be of more than passing in
terest to take a glance at Forrest through
the pages of DR.. John Allan Wyeth,
whose sllnerb biography of him is more
thrilling than the pages of romance lie
saws that "some of the notable features
in Forests method of warfare Were
the reckless courage in attack; the al
NOS irVariable movement on the HAHN
and rear so demoralizing to an enemy
and especially so when made, as he US
uallv did it. under cover which con-
cealed the strength of the fianking forces;
the quick dismounting of his men 10 llSnl
under cover of every object Whlch al
forded protection; the use of his artillery
which he often carried along with the
troops in line and always placed close
to the enemy; and, finally, the fierce ana
relentless pursuit when his antagonist
yielded
The raiding party having set out, they
pushed boldly through the mountains OF
Lawrence, Blount and Cherokee NOW
EtoWah) counties, with the relentless
wizard of the saddle" at their back,
barrying them and so interrupting their
march that they made but slow progress
Within my limits | cannot recount the
hany thrilling engagements whlch TOOK
place, and the numberless daring oeeos
,f pursuer and pursued.
On the morning of the Ind OF May, ue-
mite FORESTS persistent rush at
streight's rear guard, the latter mad
seached Black creek, in the present
ltowah county, and had crossed that
Fcrooked, deep and sluggish stream, with
becipitcus clay banks and mud bottom
On the only safe bridge in this sectlon
The Federal commander had placed his
hone of escape on the destruction OF this
bridge; and just as Forrest came dashing
up, it was enveloped in the smoke Oh
destruction.
The country around was exceedingly
wild and rugged and the banks OF the
creek too steep for passage on horseback
In this extremity General Forrest rode
| I'm TO a modest little farmhouse on the
I highway not far from the burning bridge,
] and seeing young girl standing upon
! the steps in front OF the dWeiiihs' ne
accosted her and inquired IL there was
across
above or below the destroyed BRIDGE
which his men could use.
This Young girl was Emma Sansom' who
was born in Social Circle, Georgia, IN
1917 and who had been brought by ner
narents TO Cherokee county in 1852. Her
father had died in 1853. She had broth
or who was a soldier in the Confederate
army. She and her sister lived alone with
their mother in this modest country
home.
On this memorable morning in May as
she stood in animated converse with Cen
oraI Ecrrest il was a scene for pain
fer. The young southern girl. her bright
ewes flashing and rosy cheeks glowing:
her mother. attracted by the presence OF
the troops standing in the door gazing
over her venerable spectaeles; the great
leader with eager and impatient look.
his face expectant and determined, his
stat dawn up around him, and his vet
Grams near by in groups, some actually
noddinp in their saddles from sheer eX-
baustion After n few hurried inquiries
General Forrest asked the young girl II
an, would not mount behind him and
show the ford. Turning to her mother
she saw that the delcaey of the prudent
parent was opposed. However, she d1d
not hesitate, but. forming her own reso-
luton Jumped on the roots of a fallen
tree General Forrest drew his horse near
she sprang behind him, grasping him
about the waist and off they dashed
The way was difficult one, even for
practiced rider like General Forrest, but
his guide held her seat without the
slightest evidence of fear. Drawing near
the ford the quick eys of General Forrest
detected the Yankee sharpshooters
springing from tree to tree, and sudden
" an angry mimic whistled by his ear.
The density of the underground finallT
compelled them to dismount. The gen.
eral hitched his horse The girl then
started out ahead, saying that the
Yankees would not fire on her. and they
might fire If he. went first. To this he
objected declaring that he did not wish
to screen himself behind her, that she
was a guide, not a shield The ford was
presently discovered and they returned in
safety. General Forrest then brought up
his axemen cleared out a road. and safe
~ crossed his whole column.
On the morning of the next day, Colonel
Streigh. surrendered, and thus ended one
of the most remarkable cavalry pursuits
and captures known in military annals.
And herein lies the value and significance
of the heroic conduct of Emma SAMSON.