The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1909-04-03

ous,v inclined they might send for government
record, which, though only nve lines long. con-
tans in It the nub of the story Of one OF the most
gallant feats ever performed by an omcer OF inc
United States army.
The glory reaped from the achievement consists
Of a little bronze medal voted to the soldier oy
congress the consciousness OF duty well done anu
Ave lines in the war department record which Few
neople ever see John B. Babcock went into the /
army at the outbreak of the civil war az an en-
listed man. He attracted attention BY his gallant |
nv as a volunteer, and the year 1868 found MN
first lieutenant Of the Fifth Regular cavalry
In the spring Of the fourth year OF peace AFTER tns
civil war-that is to say peace between white men
the Kiowas the Arapahoes and the Cheyennes mace
western Nebraska, western Kansas and eastern
Colorado a section of what John Hay might nave
called "giltedged hell" Lieut. Babcock, IN ens
absence of his captain, was ordered TO the co"manu
Of troop of cavalry and to take the field.
With his trooper followers Babcock was TAR ID
advance of the main command on the frontier Oh
Nebraska. They reached the bank OF Spring Greer
ON the morning of May 16, 1859. Wnhe tnere =
band of $50 Of the best warriors OF the plains sP
peared in front of the cavalry troops as though INC
sayaees had come from the ground Lieut. bapcocA
caught sight of the reds in time to give MIN mo
ment or two for preparation. He would not run
and he could not attack, for he was compie.eis SUI
rounded and the savages outnumbered MS iofco
more than six to one
pahcock gave a quick order and with his men
dashed for bit of high ground, pateau-nke
formation with its fat surface occupying = u..'o
more than an acre. The instant he reached tne
place selected he ordered his troopers 10 d'suons
and to intrench themselves as well as tney sou'u'
The men lost no time in throwing up earth enough
to give them some slight protection from inc Duf
lets which were pouring IN.
Babcock would not get on his horse, although M.
men begged him to do 80, and they were ksps
from dragging their commanding once, - - -
ground and to place of partial safety only Dy IN
stilled discipline and by Babcocks peremptory com
mands to leave him alone.
Tho Indians advanced within range and protect
al themselves in the hollows Of the prairie. Iney
sent yolley after volley up the incline 10 ing nle
and man after man behind the poor earthworl
.-r,.ct,on WAS stricken. Babcock continued hi
r,da nm ana down the line. His blouse was cu'
twice by bullets but his men did not know II.
"povs. they can't hit thing" said Babcock
~rheyye been shooting at me and no bullet M
come nearer than the north POLE GIVE II 70
Hold 'em on and relief will be here In no Time
The shots from the Spencers and Henrys OF tn
.avapes or from most Of them. ceased hitting IN
extemporized earthworks. The men lying prom
knew that nearly all the projectiies were passln'
over their heads and they knew also that ever
painted warrior antagonist was turning loose
tra noure Of the commanding onicer riding bac
and forth on his horse a. indiherentiy a. II tner
were not an indian on the frontier
No one in that troop ever knew why baDcoc
3 vas not killed The Indians said afterwards Una
he had some big medicine" with him that turn e
p away the bullets. Finally shot cut Baocock
s boot and wounded his horse. He turned the anim'
e about Quickly SO that its other flank was towar
the men. to whom he serenely said: Those fellow
can't hit barn door,
e The commanding officer continued to ride up ~
n down the line and the bullets continued to c.
the air all about him.
. Suddenly every savage head showed at ono
!. The troopers slammed in . volley that elaine
some victims The showing heads were followed
= showing bodies and in another instant the warrio
= were erect and running to the far rear Tor the
j, ponies. They made Oh. leaving their dead a
: wounded behind them. Far over the piains' Aes
= hancock from his horse, saw the main column
# vancing Relief was in sight
v The enlisted men told the story OF baDcocl
n bravery, and congress gave him medal OF nons
Later the oficer who Is now living In retiremei
r, distinguished himself twice In action against {
- Attaches at Tonic Creek and at the Fouy Peaks
~ Arizona. There he won the brevet rank OF hs
IN tenautcolonel to add to the honor conferred ~
al congressional medal Of brnnzA