The National tribune., 1911-02-16
CROxTON's FAMOUS RAID.
The Part Gen. John T. Croxton's Bri.
gade Took I'm That Raid, Which Wa:
the Last Fighting of the War.


the Last Fighting of the War.
Editor National Tribune: After read
ing Comrade William P. Steadman's in
teresting article in The National Trib-
une of Aug. %, 1t occurred to me that
many of its readers would be interest
ed in the part Croxton's Brigade took
in that famous raid. The First Bril-
gade, of Gen. Edward McCook's Divi-
sion. was composed of the Sth Iowa
Cav, I'd Mich Cav, 4th KY. Mtd Inf.
and the 9Th KY. Cav, commanded by
Brig. Gen. John T. Croxton.
This brigade moved with the general
command of Wilson's forces from
Chickasaw to Elyton. At this point
Gen. Croxton on the last day Of march
by. order of Gen. Wilson separated his
brigade from the general command and
acted independently, so that its opera
tons have we'll enough been called
"Croxton's raid" When CrOxton cut
loose from the principal command there
was much apprehension among the
members of his staff and soldiers, but
their answering confidence in the in
trepfd Generals ability, bravery and sa-
gacity dispelled all doubt; and we were
soon making our way into the hills of
Alabama, the object being to decoy
a portion of Forests forces from Will
sons. The brigade marched in a south
westerly direction toward Tuscaloosa.
The brigade while nearing the Black
Warrior River was attacked by Brig
calledt- Croxton withdrew to the
northward. thereby persuading the reb-
ell commander that he felt himself de-
feated, which so elated that doty Cen
eral that he at once dispatched the fol-
lowing elegant communication to the
commandant of the post Of Tusca-
loosa:
"Heaquarters. Jackson's Cavalry Divi-
sion,
I'm the Field. April 1, 1864; 4 p. m.
Capt. Hardcastle, Commanding Post,
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Captain: I attacked and dispersed
the Yankee Gen. Croxton's forces to-
day. 1t is scattered in the mountains
and cannot again be collected. Assure
the fair ladies of Tuscaloosa that the
tread Of the vandal hordes shall not
fpollute the streets of their beautiful
city. Respectfully. your obedient serv-
ant-W. H. Jackson, Brigadier- General.
Commanding"
Entirely ignorant of Jaekson's he
roles. Croxton pushed on to the. Black
Warrior River, crossed it some 40 miles
above Tuscaloosa, marched rapidly
down its western banks to Northport
Opposite the city,. captured the bridge
routed the CduetS ana fuiIltid On the
other side, and took possession of Tus-
calooss, of which Col. Darr, of the Sth
Iowa Cav, received the surrender. The
city, when CroXton so unexpectedly
drew nigh, was in state Of joyful
festivity. caused by the afore-quoted
communication from RED Jackson"
but I'VE vandal hordes," says a corre-
spondent. polluted the streets of the
beautiful city, just the same.
T From Tuscaloosa. after DESTROYING TN
military school, ironworks, factories, a
number of guns and other property,
Gen. Croxton recrossed the river, burn
ed the bridge, and moved westward
as tho he would attack Columbus, |
Miss. Returning. for Croxton fire.
quently doubled on his track, he re-
crossed the Black Warrior and struck |
boldly forward in northeasterly direc- |
ton. He was met by Writ Adams's
Cavalry, but brushing them out Of the
way with sharp skirmish, he kept
on his course to Arkadelphia, north
Of the Lipsey Branch of the Black
Warrior River. Here the gallant Gen
eral made a sharp turn. moving his
in southeast direction. TAX
ing in the town of Mt. Pleasant, where
for the first time since leaving the main
at Elyton word was received
from Wilson's movements.
The word that Wilson's forces had
captured Montgomery was received with
giadness by our troopers. Croxton con-
tinued his march to Tailadega. Before
our troops reached that point We were
met by Gen. B. ]. Hill with a consid-
cradle force Of rebel cavalry. Croxton
promptly charged them with saber.
After few brisk volleys from our Spen-
GERS they were put to flight, after which
we promptly moved on the city. Hav-
ng destroyed large quantities of prop
srty and stores, our command moved
On by Blue Mountain, Oxford. Carroll
ton and Newman to Forsythe, Ga. When
within some six miles of Newman, we
we're met by flag Of truce, and here
we first received the word of Lees
and the sad news of Presi-
dent Lincoln's assassination.
Can the reader imagine the mingled
ceilings of our troopers at this news,