Year: 1878

In the Army of Tennessee Austin's battal-
ion always occupied the post of honor and
greatest danger. In the advance that bat
TALON was in the front; In the retreat 1t hung
upon the rear, q safeguard to the Confod-
crates, and cloud threatening at every step
to burst in destructive fury upon the ad
vancng enemy. Who Is on the front ?'
"Austins battalion Then, boys, we can
lie down and Sleep" Such were the words
heard O. hundred times among the troops
of the Army of Tennessee to which was
attached Austins battalion of sharp-shooters.
Whose tongue could SO graphically picture to
the minds eye q soldier and q hero as do
these brief questions and answers inter
changed between battle-scarred veterans in
tho gathering gloom Of the night when they
knew not, until they were assured that
Austns battalion was on the front II they
could snatch few hours of repose from the
toll and danger Of battle?


Austin's battalion. famous throughout the
armies Of the Confederacy for its discipline
and fighting qualities, was formed out OF the
remnants of the Eleventh Louisiana Regi-
ment which distinguished itself at the battle
of Belmont and which was literally shot to
pieces at Shiloh. In both of these battles
Major Austin so distinguished himself by his
coolness, Judgment and gallantry that he
was appointed to the command Of the bat
TALON Of sbarpshooters organized out Of the
shattered regiment


We have not the space here to relate the
history of that fighting battalion. It is well
known to all the survivors of the Army Of
Tennessee that it was q fighting organi-





of the army to which 1t belonged 1t was
almost constantly under fire, and Ned Aus
tin, on his famous little black pony was al
ways in the advance, "feeling the enemy"
OF in the retreat always fighting and hold
ing him In check At the opening OF the bat
tie Of Chickamauga Austin's battalion was de-
ployed as O skirmish line. Here, led by their
knightly commander, they performed q feat
unparalleled we believe, in the war; they
charged and captured battery, and held itfor
half an hour In front of the Federal army
until the Confederate line arrived and secured
it. Major Austin was always IN the front,
leading and directing his famous battalion
He seemed to wear q charmed life, and bore
himself in battle as il inspired with that be-
lief.


At the battle of Nashville his battalion was
literally torn to pieces; after that terrific
conflict there was not enough of it left to
compose o corporal's guard. It was exter-
minated in q tempest Of fire Only its lnightly
leader and few powder burnt and exhausted
followers were left. After that battle our
friend was assigned to the staff of Gen. Ste
phen D. Lee, on which he served until the end
with the same courage and fidelity which had
distinguished him and endeared him to the
hearts of his battalion, and. indeed, to the
whole Army Of Tennessee.


But why continue the story? This gallant
soldier, this noble gentleman and genial COM
panion was yesterday afternoon followed by
his friends to his last earthly resting place in
Washington Cemetery. Attacked only a few
days ago by marsh fever, he was rapidly re-
covering, when, Tuesday morning, he was
seized with apoplexy, which speedily ter
minated his life. When the news spread
abroad upon the streets q feeling Of sadness
overspread the city. His multitude Of friends
were stricken with sorrow, and the people
generally realized that a true and gallant
gentleman had passed out Of our midst for
ever.


Major Austin was born, we believe, In this
Guy, anu, aJ Jne blIle Oh his ueaLl, WAS only
3S years of age. Though still young man,
he had distinguished himself in the army, at
the bar and In politics. AS a soldier he was a
rigid disciplnarian, though beloved by his
men, who gioried in his galIantry in battle
and enjoyed his genial temper in the bivouac
He practiced law on the highest plane, and in
bis social relations he was generous and gen.
tle and most fascinating companion. What
ever faults he may have possessed-and who
of us have them not?-they sink into insignifi-
cance beside his many noble and loveable
qualities and charitable characteristics.


He has done the work of a true man:


Grown him with honor-love him.


Weep over him tears of woman.


Stoop manifest broWs above him"