Evening journal., 1914-07-02

Lieutenant-Colonel Darius b. Liv.
ermore, whose address is Route 2,
Rhea. Oklahoma, contributes to the
National Tribune, Of Washington, an
interesting account Of the campaign
led by General James II. Wilson in
the Civil War. on to Selma, Alabama.
II contains much valuable historical
data. and refers to General Wilson
with drawn saber leading a cavalry
charge The article is as follows:
Editor National Tribune Much has
been written about the Wilson cam
paign to Selma, Ala, but, diligently
as have watched, not the briefest
notice have ] seen Of the part played
by the 1st and I'd battalions of the
Sd Ohio Cav. or the Sd battalion, un-
der Lieut-Col Howland. who was
supposed to report his doing of April
2. 1865.
On that date we had ready for ac-
tion something over 30 men in our
regiment The 1st and I'd battalions
had in line 600
On April ], at about 1890 at night,
we were in camp near Plantersyille.
At daybreak on the morning of the
second. Col. HOwland and myself we're
al breakfast, when a staff officer
rode up. saluted and said.
Colonel, your regiment will be in
the advance today. Gen. Wilson pre-
sents his compliments and directs
that a field officer OF your regiment
and two battaliOns lead the advance
and move out at a fast walk, without
the sound of a bugle You will en-
counter the rebel lines about half a
mile i'm advance. Keep going until
you get to Selma. DO not be stopped
by any small force. The entire COM
mand will support you Throw out
flankers to the right and left about
quarter mile each way, and relieve
every 80 minutes"
Col. Howland then said "The 1st
ana I'd haltalions. in command of
Mai. Livermore, 'will take the ad-
vance and observe Gen. Wilson's in-
siructiOns."
We advanced on the main road to
Selma and soon met q heavy rear
guard of Forests command Rapid
firing from our Spencers soon put
them to flight, and we moved on rap
idly until we reached a crOssrOad,
some five or six miles from Selma.
On the Summerfille Road.
The right led to Selma over the
Summerville. Road We turned on
this road and soon noticed a long
wagon train half mile in our ad-
vance. moving up out Of ravine
with all possible haste to get out of
our way.
( ordered a charge and the com
mand dashed forward with all the
fury of a whirlwind, and took or II
wagons and tcamsters. Among these
wagons was one loaded with Gen.
Dick Taylor's personal ehects-uni
form. sword, belt and other equip
nients. Some of thees articles arc
Row in possession Of members OF the
command and serve as mute wit
nesses of the event
We followed up every advantage
obtained and arrived at the crest o.
high ridge in front uf the main
entrance TO the fortihcations at Sci
ma. We formed in line, concealed
/ from view from the enemy, although
as we moved forward a few PAGES
we could plainly see men on the para
pets moving back and forth with
elistening guns. It was about 2Sl
o. M Within less than 80 minutes
/ Cen Wilson and staff dashed up and
asked about the happenings OF the
advance. and IN a few minutes Gen
Bong. Col. Miller and CO.. Minty
came up. and all entered into an ami.
niated discussion as to Immediately
assaulting the works, which tool
place about p. IN.
The First Brigade, formerly Wild
er's dsmounted, led in the assault
except the 72d ind, which had beer
detached early In the day.
Whirlwind Saber Charge.
About 80 minutes later General Wi
son, at the head of the 4th u. =. th'