The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1907-01-17
LETTER FROM COLONEL R. II. LINDSAY.
SHREVEPORT, La, Jan. "A, 1907.

LETTER FROM COLONEL 3. n. LINO0N
SHREVEPORT, La, Jan. IA, 1907.
W. H. scANLAND, Esq, Editor Bossier
Banner-Dear Friend: I received the
copv of your paper with ga War Remi- /
niscence," which read with pleasure as
knew well many of those taking part, but
as they mention the piano which was being
played on, and yet do not tell how 1t got
into the hands of the Washington Artillery.
| will give you this part of the story as
"a WAR Renaissance.
The Louisiana Brigade, with other troops,
were sent from Tennessee to try and re-
lieve General Pemberton, who was besleged
nv General Grant, at Vicksburg, Miss.
On the morning of the 9TH of July, 1868,
nv Repiment-the Sixteenth Louisiana
was posted on Big Black River. About
10 a. m. discovered citizen coming to-
wards my line on the railroad. | had HIM
arrested, and after questioning him, ne
told me he was Confederate spy trying
to get into Vicksburg, when he was cap
tured, but afterwards released. He said,
81 believe Vicksburg surrendered yester-
day"-the 4th Of July. replied "that
surely General Pemberton would not sur
render on the 4th of july l sent him,
under escort, to General Dan Adams,
Brigade Commander. General Adams
evidently did not believe the story Of sur.
render, from the message he sent me. So
he sent the spy to General Joseph p.
Johnston. On the morning Of July 6, about
a. m. courier brought me an order to
fall back to jackson, Miss, and he added,
.sthe enemy's cavalry are now between
you and jackson, as General Pembefton
surrendered Vicksburg on the 4th . inst.
] After hard and hot march we arrived in
jackson about or s p. NJ. while hard,
drenching rain was falling. Early next
morning we were placed in position on the
fighting line. After day or two skir-
mishing with the enemy, General Adams
ordered me to "burn that large dwelling 2
/ in the rear of my line, if had to fall back.
went through this dwelling and found
much Of value. with such as costly library,
carpets and furniture; but determined to
save the fine piano if had to burn the
house. Finding it would be impossible to
hold my line, had the piano carried near
the Washington Artillery, and my come
mand passed over the ashes of that mag
nifcent dwelling; but the piano was saved,
and was played on by Andy G. Swain
during that fatal charge Of the enemy in
which their loss was not less than one to
two thousand men. killed, wounded and
captured. This piano was left on the bat
tlefield and fell into the enemy's hands,
but was afterwards restored to the rightful
owner. It was subsequently put in excel
lent order, and thirty mine years afterwards
was presented to the Memorial Hail. OF
the Washington Artillery, In New Orleans
Through the kindness of Lieutenant Chal-
aron received cordial invitation to be
/ present at the presentation and reception
l was unable to attend, though received
a copy of the proceedings.
This large and handsome dwelling was
destroyed to prevent the enemy's sharp
shooters from occupying same and conse-
quently harassing our troops.
r. H. LINDSAY,
/ Colonel 18th La. Regt., Gibson's Brigade
{ THE HABIT OF OBsERvATIoN-ssBe OBJ
serving, my son." said Willie's father
Cultivate the habit of seeing and you
will be successful man.
"Yes," added Wilie's uncle. ''Don't
go through the world blindly. Learn to
use your eyes,
'.Little boys who are observing know 9
great deal more than those who are not, :
Willie's aunt put in.
Willie took their advice to heart. A day
passed, and once more he stood before the
s family council