The Forrest City times., 1909-03-19


 ously inclined they might send for a government record, which, though only five lines long, tains in 1t the nub of the story of of the most gallant feats ever performed by an officer of the United States army.
 The glory reaped from the achievement consists of little bronze medal voted to the soldier by congress the consciousness of duty well done and five lines in the war department record which few people ever John B. Babcock went into the army al the outbreak of the civil en- listed man. He attracted attention by his gallant " as volunteer, and the year 1868 found him first lieutenant of the Fifth Regular cavalry.
 In the spring of the fourth year of peace after the civil war-that Is to say peace between white men the kiowas, the Arapahoes and the Cheyennes made western Nebraska, western Kansas and eastern Colorado a section of what John Hay might have called "gt-edged hell" Lieut.. Babcock in the absence of his captain, was ordered to the command of troop of cavalry and 10 take the field.
 With his trooper followers Babcock was far in advance of the main command the frontier of Nebraska. They reached the bank of Spring creek on the morning of May 1G, 1869 While there a band of 25O of the best warriors of the plains ap peared in front of the cavalry troops though the savages had come from the ground. Lieut.. Babcock caught sight of the reds in time 10 give him ment two for preparation. He would not and he could not attack for he completely rounded and the savages outnumbered his force more than six to one
 Babcock gave quick order and with his dashed for bit of high ground plateau-like formation with it's fiat surface occupying a little more than The instant he reached the place selected he ordered his troopers to disroount and to intrench themselves well they could The men lost no time in throwing mp earth enough to give them some slight protection from the bull lets which were pouring in.
 Babcock would not get off his horse, although his begged him to do so. and they kept from dragging their commanding officer to the ground and to place of partial safety only by in. stilled discipline and by Babcocks peremptory com mands to leave him alone.
 The Indians advanced within range and protect ed themselves in the hollows of the prairie. They sent volley after voey up the incline to the hilltop and after man behind the poor earthwork protection stricken. Babcock continued his ride up and down the line His blouse cut twice by bullets but his men did not know it.
 Boys. they cant hit thing" said Babcock They've been shooting at and no bullet has come nearer than the north pole. Give 1t 10 em Hold em of and relief will be here in time"
 The shots from the Spencers and Henrys of the savages from most of them, ceased hitting the extemporized earthworks The men lying prone knew that nearly all the projectiles were passing their heads and they knew also that every painted warrior antagonist was turning loose at the figure of the commanding officer riding back and forth on his horse indifferently if there were not Indian the frontier.
 No one in that troop ever knew why Babcock
  he had some "big medicine" with him that turned away the bullets Finally shot cut Babcock's boot and wounded his horse He turned the animal about quickly so that its other flank was toward the men. to whom he sereney said: Those fellows can't hit barn door,"
 The commanding officer continued to ride up and down the line and the bullets continued to cut the air all about him.
 Suddenly every savage head showed at once The troopers slammed in a volley that claimed some victims. The showing heads were followed by showing bodies and in another instant the warriors were erect and running to the far for their ponies. They made off, leaving their dead and wounded behind them. Far the plains Lieut. Babcock, from his horse. the main column ad vancing. Relief was in sight.
 The enlisted men told the story of Babcoek's bravery, and congress gave him medal of honor Later the ofhcer who is now living in retirement distinguished himself twice in action against the Apaches at Tonto Creek and at the Four Peaks in Arizona. There be won the brevet rank of lieu. tenanteoloael 10 add to the honor conferred by his congressional medal of bronzA