Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1908-03-25
THE
!" WIZARD OF THE SADDLE -,
OF THE
WESTERN ARMY.
For The Keowee Courier.

=. so y NF - y H
In April, 1863, Gen. Straight was
sent to cut the railway communities
tions OF Braggs army, and to de-
stroy the arsenal at Rome, Ga. Hard
ly had the Federal cavalrymen emer-
ged from his supports when Gen.
Forrest, prepared to destroy or cap
ture him, was close at his heels. The
moment Straight felt the first stroke
of Forests hand he realized that a
tireless, skilled foe was on his trail
this wizard of the Saddle" this
wolf of the West. Straight at once
knew that there would be no rest or.
peace with such foe on his track,
and Tor ninety-six hours the Federals
were kept pushing on, with Forrest
at their heels. Never, by day or
night, was the Federal column at
rest. Like some insatiate monster,
Forrest followed the Federal column,
and whenevr and wherever found
there was vigilant and aggressive
attack.
In one hundred and sixty-four
miles he fought eight battles by day
and three by night, and in two OF
the latter, where artillery was drawn
by his men within one hundred feet
of the enemy's line, the only guide or
light was the flash of rifles and the
blaze of cannon. Straight was him
self a man Of nerve and resources.
Skilfully arranged ambuscades, fierce
charges and stubborn resistance met
Forrest, and IN a fair proportion OF
the conflicts the Federals held tlreir
own; but they greatly oucnumbered
slaughts Of Forrest, his impetuous
attacks, his unyielding tenacity and
fiery assaults, combined with his
rapid movements, were enough to
paralyze the stoutest heart and make
the bravest soul question the out
come. Like a tireless bloodhound
following his prey, this Wizard Of
the Saddle" pursued the swift-march-
ing Federals, and never for single
instant in those days and nights was
lhSiC OIhSl thou6uI VI pan DuC 10
destroy the invaders,
Straight found friendly guides and
helping hands amongst the Union
men and women of Northern Ala
bama, but these could not hide him
from the eagle eyes or the shifting
arms Of those following the trail, or
stay the avenging hand that was up
lifted In his rear. With horses drop
ping dead in the roads, with meh fall
ing In the unconsciousness of sleep
from their steeds, and with guns
sliding from their paralyzed grasp,
Forrest still pressed the foe. One
half Of his command on the third
day was killed, wounded or broken
dred soldiers, he pursued the Fede-
raj raiders, and on the Sd of May,
within twenty miles of Rome, the OBJ
jective point Of his expedition, Gen.
Straight and his 1900 men laid
down their arms and surrendered to
the Confederate general. who could
then. after his terrible pursuit, mus
ter less tbao five hundred followers.
Eteiy mile of the one hundred and
sixty-four was covered with wars
wreck. Dead soldiers, mutilatel
animals. wounded men and stricken
beasts, broken wagons, abandoned
trains and scattered supplies, told
the story of the relentlesh and pitt
ha IN
eight hours, four battles were fought
anu ninety miles marching were
traversed, with but four hours for
sleep. No war has a more wonderful
example of genius, courage, endur-
ance than this pursuit and capture Of
Straight. II Forrest had done moth
ing else, this one exploit would have
won for him enduring fame.
Gen. Sherman said of him, after
the capture of Straight, Forrest is
the DEVIL" and declared that Forrest
must be killed If 1t took ten thou
sand lives and broke the treasury,
adding, There never will be peace
in Tennessee until Forrest is dead"
He offered $4,000 reward for his
death or capture, and major gene
ralship to him who would destroy
this foe. this Wizard OF the Saddle"
Gen. Forrest was the most wonder
full man the Civil War produced, a
man of wonderful strategy and un-
qualified bravery. The battle ct
Brice's Cross Roads, where he whip
ped Sturgis, will go down the ages
as one of the most brilliant engage
ments ever fought. For military