The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1910-04-21
GEN. SHELBY AND HIS FLAG.
From the Atlanta (Ga.) Journal.l

From the Atlanta {Ga3 Journal.]
While at Eagle Pass, Texas, a while ago,
a dramatic incident of the Civil War about
which our histories give little or nothing,
was recalled to the writer by old residents
of that historic place. 1t was the burial of
Confederate flag in the Rio Grande River
at that point by Southern soldiers. It was
not the work of traitors to their cause, but
of a small band of men, who, distressed by
defeat and knowing nothing else to do,
tenderly and pathetically buried the flag
they had fought for as they would al
gallant comrade and crossed over into
Mexico in quest of battle.
Gen. Shelby and his men, nearly all
natives of Missouri, acquired no special
distinction in the war. They were at Pitts
burg, Texas when the surrender of Lee
occurred at Appomattox. The men were
greatly depressed and discouraged and
after their journey to Marshall they sepa-
rated, some returning to their homes in
the South, while about five hundred con-
cluded to follow Shelby, march into Mexico
and join one of the two armies then en-
gagged in that country. These men were
much devoted to Shelby and declared that
nothing but death would separate them.
Their remarkable march was made
through Corsicana, Waco, Austin and San
Antonio to Eagle Pass. Here, in the early
part of July, 1866, they expected to cross
the Rio Grande, but while taking rest
planted their guns bearing upon the Next
can town of Piedras- Negras. Governor
Biesca, informed of this action, fastened
to the border, anticipating battle with
American troops. But, learning of their
intention, he importuned Gen. Shelby to
fa1 ~ or T o,l
Coahuila, but after talking the matter over
with his men he decided not to help Gov
ernor Biesca, but to give their support to
the liberal army.
1t was decided, however, before their
march was begun on the morning of July
4, 1866, to unfurl the tattered flag they had
carried through their campaign and bury
it in the depths of the Rio Grande. The
torn banner was spread out and held for
some time by Coils. Elliott, Gordon, Slay-
back and Blackwell and the General
pressed it to his lips. In row boats they
took it out over the smooth, glistening
surface of the water, and, with uncovered
heads and few words by the General and
his comrades, the last Confederate flag to
float in the air was lowered beneath it's
depths.
] The solemn event was few days later
beautifully described by Col. Slayback in
the following poem, which, being un-
familiar to most people, is herewith given
:. as written:
The Burial of shelby's Flag.
A July sun, in torrd cline,
Il Cleaned on an exied band,
Who in suits of gray stood in mute array
On the banks of the Rio Grande
They were dusty and faint with their long, ride,
And they paused when they came to the riverside;
For its wayelets divide with flowing tide
Their own dear land OF youth, hope and pride,
And graves OF comrades who in vain had died
From strangers home in a land untried
Above them waved the Confederate flag
With its fatal cross of stars,
That had always been in the battle din
7 Like pennon of potent Mars.
And there curved from the of their leader plume
That the brave had followed in Joy and GLOOM
That was ever in sight in the hottest fight;
A Haunting dare for soldiers tomb,
For the marksman's aim and the lannon's boom,
t But it bore charm from the hand of doom.
Forth stepped the leader then and said
/ To the faithful few around:
"This tattered flag is the only rag
, That now floats Dixie ground,
And the plume wear from the hat l swear
Of all my spoils is my only share;
And, brave men, declare that no foe shall dare
To lay his hand on our standard there
Its folds were braided by fingers fair;
IT'S their emblem now Of their deep despair.
cts cause is lost, and the men it led
On many glorious field,
In disputing the tread of invaders dread,
Have been forced at last to yield.
But this banner and plume have not been to blame,
No exultant eye shall behold their shame
, And these relics dear in the waters here
Before cross shall burial claim;
And while yon mountains may bear name
They shall stand as monuments to our fame.o
Tears stood in his eyes that had looked on death
In every awful form
Without dismay, but the scene that day
Was subiimer than mountain storm!
IT'S easy to touch the veterans heart
With the fingers OF nature, but not OF art.
!. While the noble Of soul lose self-control,
= Base bOsOms are ever too callous to start
: With feelings that generous nature smart
They buried then that flag and plume
In the rivers rushing tide,
Ere that gallant few of the tried and true
= Had been scattered far and wide
n And that group of Mssouris valiant throng
Who had fought for the weak against the strong
Who had charged and bled where Shelby led,
8 Were the last who held above the wave
The glorious flag of the vanqushed brave,
! No more to rise from its watery grave
To Attend the Reunion.
There will be twenty or more visitors te
the Mobile Reunion from this parish. The
: entire list, so far as we have been able te
learn, is as follows:
DR.. j. A. Parker, Mr.. |. H. Martin ane
L. IS al -