The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1909-09-28
BILLY RIGGS CASE,
BY BRUCE PARKER.
copyright 1901, by American Press -Asso-
ciation.I


things that interested me was the fact
that after a hard days march, when
we men were lying about on the
ground resting, the drummer boys
would choose a convenient place and
play ball. One of these boys of our
regiment turned out to he a young
hero. He was known as Billy. and
his other name was Riggs. He was
fourteen years old and small for his
age.
No one his ever been able to account
for the thunder that won the Lattla
of Missionary Ridge. happened to
see that blunder at the time ii was
made Billy Riggs was the buudcrer.
Our regiment was one of the line at
the base Of the ridge and in one OF
the most exposed positions. We were
suffering under a fire that we could
not return with any hope of hurting
any one, for We We're obliged to shoot
up the side Of Il mountain at an enemy
we couldn't see.
Billy Riggs WIS standing with the
drum corps looking up the side Of the
mountain. Suddenly he made a jump
and, landing on rock in front of him
began to climb. In a few moments he
was sheltered behind preciftous
bank. There he began to drum like
mad. What he did it for | didn't know.
but supposed it was to let the men
know that If they would come up there
they would he under cover. At auv
rate, several men followed Billy. and
d number followed the several. and ii
wasn't two minutes before the regi-
ment, or the bulk of it, was climbing
to Billy's position.
But Billy wasn't there. Realizing
that there wasn't room for 600 men
where he stood and seeing similar
position higher up. he went there and
stood rafting his sheepskin TO let his
comrades know tha1 there was plenty
of room beside him. The most daring
as well rs the most chiyarous left
their cover to make room for others
and followed Billy.
BY this time the regiments on our
right ana left, seeing our game, conclud.
ed to practice it in their own behalf,
In other words, three-quarters of
brigade were climbing the steep. Other
regiments followed. and regilnental
commanders. thinking that an advance
had been ordered. took their COM
mands where they saw others going.
Before the general in chief could send
orders to stop the advance most of
the army was halfway NJ the hill. and
soon after gaining the top the ridge
was wen.
SO it was that what appeared to be
a foolhardy movement led to victory
and is recorded III history as .'the sol
diers' battle" The soldier that led
that army was drummer boy. and
his name was Billy Riggs.
After he fight we men talked the
matter over aud agreed that ii was
sort Of genius in Billy. Of which he
was entirely unconscious. that had
gained an important victory. In other
words, he saw that safety was in an
advance. But the officers either didn't
see his act or declined to attach much
Importance to it.
In time ! was given a commission
in the regular army and ten wears
later as Il major of infantry was as
signed to command Of three company
post west of the Missouri river The
day arrived at my post as / an
preached riding aeross a plain heard |
sound Of drums aud flies playing the |
'Rogues' March" / knew that some |
,ulprit was being drummed out of |
lamp and put spurs TO my horse to see
he ceremony. Entering the gate. I
saw the garrison drawn up In liue |
before which a drum corps was Iead-
ng man with feather behind each
ar. There was something in his walk
hat was familiar to me- / rode to
position where he would pass close to
ne, and when he went by.I was sure
had known him. Hating the squad,
asked his name
Private William Riggs
Billy looked up at NE and recognized
le. There was a curious expression
II his face, Of injured innocence. NOR
.fication and pleasure at seeing one of
is old comrades under such distress
lg circumstances.
Stop this!" cried angrily.
Cur commander" began the ser
cant in command, but | cut him short.
L am commander here | said /
larply. Aud, dismounting. took Billy II
my arms, pulling the feathers from t
ehind his cars at the same time.
BY this time the officer temporarily /,
| command of the post. Il lieutenant :
1t OF West Point several years after
re war had ceased. came prancing
ross the parade to discover who I
as interfering with the execution Of
Is orders. Seeing a gold leaf on my {
BOULDER, he came ON hesita tingiy, look la
e UP ut me as much as to say, WHO n
e you anyway and What do You :
can by embracing a man under pun
hment|' | explained to him that
as the new commandant. that / had =
lown Private Riggs III the civil war q
brave boy and that | preferred n