Noxubee County MsArchives Military Records.....The Noxubee Squadron Of The First MS Cavalry, Part 1 
Civilwar 1st MS Cavalry, CSA
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The Noxubee Squadron Of The First MS Cavalry, Part 1
THE NOXUBEE SQUADRON OF THE FIRST MISSISSIPPI CAVALRY, C. S. A., 1861-1865.
BY J. G. DEUPREE.

PROLEGOMENA.

  It is the purpose of this writer briefly to sketch the history of the Noxubee
Squadron of the First Mississippi Cavalry, i. e., Cos. F and G. known at home as
the Noxubee Cavalry and the Noxubee Troopers. Of course; it will be impossible
to give a full and detailed account of every skirmish or battle, to mention
every personal incident or noteworthy deed, to give the particulars of every
casualty, or even simply to note the death of every victim of battle or disease
incident to military life. Having kept no diary during the war, having access to
little written by surviving comrades, within reach of no comrade with whom he
may confer orally, and beginning this delightful task too late in life to recall
perfectly scenes and events once vividly impressed on memory's tablet, the
writer must inevitably omit many things that would appeal to descendants of the
gallant horsemen that composed this squadron. It is his purpose, however, to
produce a readable and reliable story and to give some characteristic features
of camp-life, marches, skirmishes, and battles, though necessarily omitting far
more than he gives. The four years of the war demanded of the cavalry arduous
and continuous service, rendering it impossible even ta outline all this Noxubee
Squadron was called upon to do in picketing, scouting, repelling invaders,
raiding, covering the flanks and rear of our armies, or fighting dismounted in
the trenches with infantry. The writer must content himself, therefore, with a
selection of scenes and events which he would undertake to portray.

  I must say that the history of any other company of the First Mississippi
Cavalry, if written up in detail, would be equally full of patriotic and daring
deeds, as is the story of either of the Noxubee companies. In fact, every
squadron and each company of the regiment has often won distinction and
commendation, and I only regret that the scope of this paper precludes the
attempt to write up the many gallant actions of other companies or squadrons, in
which a Noxubee company did not participate.

ORGANIZATION.

  In the fall of 1860, after Lincoln's election, political excitement ran high
in Noxubee County, Miss.,-the dominating question being whether the Southern
States should secede separately or all together. That the Union was to be
dissolved seemed a foregone conclusion. A large majority of slaveholders,
however, had voted for Hon. John Bell or Hon. Stephen A. Douglass. while most of
the non-slaveholders had voted for Hon. John C. Breckenridge. A policy of
coercion on the part of the Federal Government seemed probable; and after the
expiration of Buchanan's administration and the inauguration of Lincoln, the
invasion of the South was expected. Self-protection suggested measures of
resistance. The Noxubee Rifles, Capt. George T. Wier, had been organized,
drilled, and equipped for years, and were ready for active service. Now seemed
to be a propitious time to organize a company of mounted men. Accordingly, on
the last Saturday in November, when Macon was filled with people from all parts
of Noxubee County, a meeting was held in the Court House. After some discussion,
Hon. J. L. Hunter, past sixty years of age, who had been a captain of cavalry in
his youth, upon urgent solicitation undertook to organize the troopers. Mounting
his blooded stallion, meeting the volunteers in the open field not far from
Purdy's Corner, he soon brought order out of chaos, drilling the men briefly in
evolutions by fours and platoons. After marching several times up and down Main
street, he halted the company, had them dismount, hitch horses, and repair to
the Town Hall for the election of officers. The old Captain declined to allow
his own name to be voted on, stating that age and decrepitude forbade him to
serve, but urged the selection of the best officer possible. Upon the first
ballot, by unanimous vote, Judge H. William Foote was elected Captain with three
efficient lieutenants; three sergeants and four corporals were appointed; also,
a bugler, Mr. J. J. Hunter, who like many others in the company had followed
hounds in the chase and could sound a cow's horn to perfection. Money was
raised: carbines, pistols, and sabres were ordered; and the meeting adjourned.

  The company grew rapidly by accessions, as they met every Saturday for drill.
Many enlisted from old and prominent families,-Beasleys, Boyles, Brooks,
Jarnagins, Jacksons, Whites, Yateses, and others. Sometimes, squads of brothers
and cousins enrolled together. For example, there were: Bush, A. H,; Bush,
Albert; Bush, Anderson; Bush, J. D.; Dantzler, J. L.; Dantzler, J. L,., Jr.;
Dantzler, G. H.; Dantzler, T. M.; Dantzler, Jack; Deupree, J. L.; Deupree, J.
G.; Deupree, J. W.; Deupree, T. J.; Deupree, T. M.; Deupree, W. Daniel; Deupree,
W. Drewry; Deupree, J. Ellington; Deupree, J. Everett; Greer, A.; Greer, F. B.;
Greer, F. J.; Greer, J. H.; Greer, J. A.; Hunter, C. M.; Hunter, H. M.; Hunter,
H. D.; Hunter, W.; Hunter, J. J.; Hunter, J. W.; etc. Many families had as many
as three or four representatives. It was, indeed, an aggregation of citizens of
every class and condition; planters, overseers, merchants, clerks, doctors,
lawyers, officials and politicians, men of means and men without,-but all alike
inspired with patriotic fervor and determined to repel invasion, sacrificing
even life itself, if need be, on the sacred altar of their country.

NOXUBEE CAVALRY.

  In due time, sabres, carbines, and pistols came. Buckling the sabres on the
left side, swinging the carbines on the right, and putting the pistols in our
belts, we were so heavily armed that we found difficulty in mounting.
Afterwards, we learned to keep pistols in the holsters on our saddle-horns, and
by practice became adepts in using sabres or carbines at will, whether mounted
or dismounted. We drilled regularly, and progress was made. Captain and
lieutenants studied the tactics diligently. Men and horses, with almost equal
facility, learned to discriminate and execute the various commands. Drills were
frequent in firing carbines, shooting pistols, and using sabres. Maneuvers were
practised on foot, as well as on horseback, for several consecutive weeks.

  At length, excitement grew apace. States began to secede, South Carolina
leading off, followed by Mississippi. Governors called for troops. The seceded
States sent delegates to Montgomery, Ala., to form a Provisional Government, for
the Confederate States of America. The Federal Government raised large armies,
threatening to coerce the South. Several companies from Noxubee county had
enlisted in the Confederate service. Lieutenant J. L. Deupree, private J.
Ellington Deupree, and other cavalrymen had withdrawn from Foote's company and
joined the Noxubee Rifles under Capt. Wier, fearing the war would end before the
cavalry would see active service. Seeing a tendency to disintegration, Capt.
Foote, on the next drill-day, rode in front and said it seemed to him that the
time had come when duty called at least a part of the company to volunteer for
active service at the front, and ordered all who would volunteer thus to ride
ten paces forward. About half the men obeyed and Capt. Foote put himself at
their head. They withdrew and organized the Noxubee Cavalry with seventy five
privates by electing H. W. Foote, Captain; Hampton Williams, First Lieutenant;
C. M. Hunter, Second Lieutenant; and T. J. Deupree, Third Lieutenant. The
necessary non-commissioned officers were appointed, and T. J. Deupree and Sam
Day were directed to recruit the additional men needed by the following
Saturday,- which they did.

  In April, 1861, when "Faith as to Sumter" had not been kept by the Federal
Government, when Lincoln had called for 75,000 men to invade the South, and when
the tocsin of war had thus been sounded, the people of Dixie Land rushed to arms
almost en masse, with a precipitancy and unanimity unparalleled in the history
of the world. Until then, they had differed widely as to the policy of
secession, though not as to the right to secede; but now, confronted with the
menace of subjugation, the South resolutely armed herself for protection, and
all differences vanished. This is an inalienable right, inherent in every
people, in every age and clime. At that time the masses were intelligent as to
public affairs. All knew that the power to coerce a sovereign State had been
denied the Federal Government by the Convention that adopted the U. S.
Constitution. They knew, too, that this sacred Compact between States had been
shamelessly trampled underfoot and denounced by Abolition leaders as "a covenant
with Death and a league with Hell".

  Before April, 1861, comparatively few military companies existed in the
Southern States in anticipation of war. Now, volunteer organizations became
well-nigh universal. Everywhere, with the approval of older and wiser heads,
girls and matrons'gave picnics and encouraged enlistment, while men and boys
gallantly fell into line. Noxubee County, Mississippi, one of the richest and
fairest of all the South, was no laggard in this glorious and patriotic
movement. The first company to leave for the seat of war was the Noxubee Rifles,
which was entrained at Macon for Virginia early in April. It became Company F in
the Eleventh Mississippi, winning fame and glory on many bloody battlefields.
The Rifles were feted and honored by the people of Macon; able and patriotic
addresses were made by Rev. G. H. Martin, pastor of the Baptist Church and by
Hon. Israel Welch, a private in the company and afterwards a member of the
Confederate Congress.

CAMP GOODWIN.

  The Noxubee Cavalry impatiently witnessed the farewell ceremonies incident to
the departure of the Rifles, longing to go with them and wondering why they,
too, had not received marching. orders. No longer satisfied with weekly drills
on the field east of Calhoun Institute and west of Cedar Creek, the Cavalry
repaired to Camp Goodwin, a few miles below Macon, on the Noxubee River, for
more intensive drilling and more persistent instruction in all that pertains to
military service on horseback. Here we had ample room for all movements by twos,
by fours, by platoons, or by company. Bathing and fishing, as well as hunting,
were enjoyed greatly. The good people, from far and near, coming every day to
see our drills and parades, never failed to spread most bountiful picnic
dinners, which we eagerly consumed. At night we held moot courts, in which
culprits were tried for alleged offenses against "law and disorder" of every
kind; and, also, we had public debates on various questions of "sense and
non-sense", ranging from the ridiculous to the sublime. Our lawyers and college
graduates led the debates. It may be incidentally remarked in passing that such
trials and debates gave diversion to camp-life long after these embryo soldiers
became war-seasoned veterans in the Confederate service.

  Our stay at Camp Goodwin culminated in a flag-presentation. The fair ladies of
the county had designed, and procured in Mobile, a silk banner at a cost of not
less than $100 in gold. It was, indeed, exquisitely beautiful, about four feet
square and of the best possible material. Its colors were rare and radiant, and
it was fringed with golden tassels. On one side on a white field, it was
dedicated to the Noxubee Cavalry; and on the other, were the patriotic words:
"Dulce et decorum pro patria mori". Most gracefully and in charming phrases, the
presentation-speech was delivered by Miss Mattie Haynes, and the response was
eloquent and patriotic by Mr. J. E. Deupree, now living in Fannin County, Texas.
Not a cloud flecked the sky while we were in Camp Goodwin, and this flag was
presented on as fair a day as was ever known in our Sunny South. The Company had
been formed into a hollow square with the eleven young ladies representing the
eleven seceded States occupying the fourth side of the square. Though nearly
three-score years have passed since that glorious day, its precious picture
lingers still in my mind as clear and as distinct as an event of yesterday. But
my old and feeble pen cannot portray the scene so that readers may comprehend
its beauty and brilliancy. I shall not try. All know that a beautiful woman is
the prettiest thing on earth, and a fine horse next; and the combination simply
defies description. The whole time at Camp Goodwin was most delightful to us
all, and ever since then it has been a place of blessed memory to every survivor.

UNION CITY

  Early in June, the company occupied the Fair Grounds in Macon, preparatory to
entraining for Union City, Tenn. Additional carbines, pistols, and sabres had
been procured from Jackson to supply our new recruits. Intensive drilling was
practiced. Messes were organized, eight or ten men to each and a two-horse wagon
for transportation of baggage and cooking utensils, and two servants, one to
cook and the other to groom horses. Personal servants attended many officers and
privates who owned slaves. We all fared well and looked forward joyously to the
time when we should meet the enemy. At length, the day came when we were to
break camp and leave Mississippi. Horses, baggage, and wagons were put aboard
the train: officers and men kissed their good-byes to loved ones, some shedding
copious tears, but all rejoicing that we were going toward the front. We had a
pleasant trip and reached Union City without the loss of man, horse, or baggage.
Capt. Foote reported promptly to General Frank Cheatham, who was in command of
several thousand infantry and a small battalion of cavalry, to which we were
assigned as its fourth unit. Capt. John Henry Miller had been elected Major, and
the organization was known as the First Battalion of Mississippi Cavalry. Other
companies were added from time to time till there were ten, when it became
famous as the First Mississippi Cavalry. Now the battalion was composed of the
Pontotoc Dragoons, Capt. A. B. Cole; the Thompson Cavalry from Oxford, Capt. A.
J. Bowles; the Bolivar Troopers, Capt. F. A. Montgomery; and the Noxubee
Cavalry, Capt. H. W. Foote. Major J. H. Miller was a Presbyterian clergyman,
thoroughly educated, descended from military ancestors, tall and straight as an
arrow, chivalrous and eloquent. Though about fifty years old, he was overflowing
with energy and military ardor, and as active and alert as the youngest trooper
in his command. General Frank Cheatham was a veteran of the War with Mexico,
frank and genial, for whom all subordinates entertained the profoundest respect
and affection. Constant drills and reviews were the order of the day, combined
with picketing and scouting. We grew more and more impatient to draw nearer the
enemy, as we read daily reports from Virginia, South Carolina, and Missouri.
News of the Battle of Manassas and the complete defeat of the Federals made us
believe that the war would soon end and that we should never see an armed enemy
nor fire a shot in actual battle. Alas! how little did we appreciate the grim
determination of the Northern soldier! At length, drilling and scouting became
too strenuous for Lieut. Hampton Williams, nearing three-score years of age, and
he resigned, R. O. Wier being elected Third Lieutenant to fill the vacancy
created by the promotion in sequence of the other lieutenants.

NEW MADRID, MO.

  Late in August, baggage, tents, and ammunition, were loaded on cars for
Memphis, and the men were ordered to cook three days rations and prepare to
march. Much speculation was indulged, but no one outside of headquarters knew
the purpose of the movement nor the destination. However, we marched westward
and in due time found ourselves on the bank of the Mississippi several miles
south of New Madrid, Mo. Thither we were transported in steamboats. Here within
a few days was concentrated an army of 10,000 men of all arms. We now felt
closer to the enemy, for every day came rumors of fights between the Federals
and Jeff Thompson's State Guards, composed of Missourians and Indians. These
were reported sometimes north near Charleston and sometimes west near Sikeston.
General Thompson's men were armed mainly with old-fashioned squirrel rifles.
Experienced in the use of these weapons, inured to hardships, largely destitute
of fear, and thoroughly at home in the saddle, they were antagonists not to be
despised. The General himself was a wiry little man, active as the traditional
cat, and a noted horseman. His mount was a milk-white stallion with large black
spots, like a circus horse; and he dashed along like a boy on his first pony,
invariably followed by his big Indian orderly flashily dressed in the garb of
his tribe. Wherever and whenever they appeared they were cheered vociferously.
Occasionally, straggling men from this command passed through our camp, telling
many stories, hardly credible, of their battles with the enemy, as well as
evidently fictitious tales of Jeff Thompson's Indian contingent.

WATKINS' FARM.

  General Gideon Pillow, famous veteran of the War with Mexico, commanded our
Army of Liberation, so designated because we supposed we were about to march to
St. Louis. To lend color to this supposition, Maj. Miller's cavalry were ordered
to report to General Thompson, west of Sikeston. Cole's and Foote's companies
were thence sent towards Benton, in Scott County. We camped on Watkins' Farm,
where we had a most delightful time in spite of hard service in picketing and
scouting. Fat beeves were plentiful, as well as flour, lard, and bacon. Details
were made daily to shoot beeves for the companies. This scribe recalls that one
day, when ordered to shoot a beef, he fired his Maynard, and lo! not one beef
but two fell dead instantly! The ball had passed through the head of one and the
heart of another. To the gratification of all, our meat rations were unusually
liberal that day. In this connection, I transcribe from the MACON (Mississippi)
BEACON, dated Sept. 11th, 1861, the following

LETTER FROM CAPT. H. W. FOOTE.

                                  Camp Watkins, near Benton, Mo.,
                                       August 18th, 1861. 
My Dear Mr. Ferris:-
  We have been about three weeks in this delightful country,- far too good to
give up without a struggle on the part of the South. The granaries are all
overflowing with this year's harvest, and every prospect promises an abundant
crop of wheat in the coming spring. The rich lands and the good appearance of
the country in every respect justify our claiming and holding Missouri. The
people, so far as I can judge, are with us in sentiment. Prudence has kept them
silent. Those daring to express themselves have been molested in divers ways;
some with personal violence, others by having their property confiscated and
carried away, while the homes of many have not escaped the torch. The farm
adjoining our camp has suffered heavily; a fine steam-mill, a large barn, two
thousand bushels of wheat, and many other valuables were burned by the Federal
Germans before we came to this neighborhood. Homes have been entered and
bayonets pointed at innocent women by the marauding brutes; some private
citizens have been captured; large fields of corn have been destroyed; horses,
mules, negroes, and cattle, have been driven away; and every conceivable species
of mischief and destruction has been done by these cowardly wretches. They have
come, as many as 600 in a body, and forced their way everywhere, their
headquarters being a stone church in the town of Hamburg, built by Roman
Catholic Germans. This is their general rendezvous, about three miles from the
county site of Scott County.

  We shall probably leave here tomorrow night. When I write again, I may have,
in all probability, something more important to communicate.
                               Until then, adieu.
                                       (Signed)
                                            H. W. FOOTE.

  We were ordered back to New Madrid. A movement now occurred, for which
doubtless there were good reasons, though they have not yet come to light.
Tents, baggage, infantry and artillery were put on steamboats, and the cavalry
marched down the river fifteen or twenty miles and bivouacked on its bank. The
boats came and were tied up. Next morning we were ordered back, boats and all,
recalling the famous historic incident, when

    "The King of France with his ten thousand men
    Marched up the hill and then marched down again".

HICKMAN, KY.

  Early in September, the cavalry were ferried across the river and rode to
Hickman, Ky., whither General Cheatham and a brigade of infantry had gone on a
steamboat. Dense columns of smoke were visible far up the river; women and
children were screaming in the streets, as we arrived; bugles were sounded; and
guns were placed in commanding positions to resist an expected attack, for a
large force was believed to be coming down, threatening the capture of Hickman.
First to come in sight was a little Confederate stern-wheeler, the Grampus
painted black, with a six-pounder on her bow and commanded by Captain Marsh
Miller wheeled the Grampus around and opened fire on his pursued by two
formidable gun-boats, which were constantly firing at him. As he came under the
protection of our batteries, Capt. Miller wheeled the Grampus around and opened
fire on his pursuers with a six-pounder. His shots fell short. Now the
twelve-pounders on the bank began to fire, and the gun-boats thus threatened
with destruction quickly withdrew out of range. General Pillow with infantry and
artillery had hurried forward by land but reached Columbus just a little too
late to intercept the Federal gun-boats.

COLUMBUS, KY.

  Our cavalry on reaching Columbus found General Pillow in possession.
Additional forces were soon assembled and General Leonidas Polk assumed command.
Capt. Tobe Taylor's company from Panola was here added to Miller's battalion,-a
most valuable accession, for Captain Taylor became one of the best officers the
regiment ever had. The Pontotoc Dragoons had become so numerous it was deemed
expedient to divide the company, Captain Cole retaining the larger portion, and
Adjutant R. A. Pinson being elected Captain of the new organization. Our camp
was on the river bank about one mile south of the railroad depot. When off duty,
we enjoyed nothing more than to gather on the bluff just north of Columbus to
see gun-boats pursue Capt. Marsh Miller as he returned from his daily scouts up
the river, which here flowed without a bend from north to south for many miles.
Sometimes the Grampus was gone so long we feared she had been captured; but at
length she would be seen in the distance under a full head of steam and with her
shrill whistle doing its utmost to be heard all down the river; and beyond were
the gunboats, firing as they came. After getting under protection of our land
batteries, the Grampus never failed to turn and "pop away" with her six-pounder,
much to our amusement and doubtless to the amusement of the Federals as well.
But the enemy would turn back before coming within range of our guns. At length,
we procured a big gun, christened "The Lady Polk", which we all confidently
expected to destroy the gun-boats; but on its first fire it exploded, and killed
and wounded several of our best gunners. Scouting, drilling, parading,
picketing, and reviews kept us busy. Rumors of intended attacks on Columbus
never ceased. By accessions of three other companies our battalion became a
regiment of nine companies, and our Major became Lieutenant-Colonel Miller in
command.

BELMONT, MO.

  Col. Tappan's regiment of Arkansas infantry and Beltzhoover's battery were on
the west bank of the Mississippi in Belmont, Mo.; also, Montgomery's and Bowles'
companies from our regiment of cavalry. Gus Watson was with Montgomery, one of
several brothers, all men of means and note, all good poker-players, who before
the war had made frequent trips on palatial steamboats up and down the
Mississippi, ostensibly on business but really to indulge in the fascinating
game. From their reckless style of play arose the well-known expression "to play
like the Watsons", still frequently heard, I am told, by poker-players
everywhere to this good day. Gus Watson had equipped Beltzhoover's battery at
his own expense and was with it, though holding no office. He usually
accompanied Capt. Montgomery in his scouts near Bird's Point, which was held by
a considerable force of Federals. Once, Montgomery with thirty picked men met a
Federal captain with more than fifty, well-mounted and fully equipped. Quite a
fusillade occurred, in which both sides stood their ground for some time; but,
at length to Montgomery's gratification, the Federals by twos and fours began to
wheel out of line and give way. Pursuit was inadvisable, as Montgomery was far
from any supporting force. Riding up to the abandoned Federal line, he saw
stretched in death a fine-looking young man wearing the chevrons of a sergeant,
his Burnside carbine by his side on the ground. This was the first man killed in
open fight between the opposing troops from the hostile armies, encamped at
Cairo and Columbus. The dead Federal was left with citizens to be buried; his
sabre was given to Gus Watson, and his pistols and carbine to cavalrymen not
fully equipped. How many Federals were wounded and carried away was never
ascertained. Montgomery had five horses killed and one man so seriously wounded
that his right arm was amputated near the shoulder. The men were proud to get
back to camp and relate the incidents of their victory. The whole camp turned
out to greet them and to hear their account of the "battle", news of which had
already been wired to the Memphis papers. Montgomery and his men were heroes of
the hour. Active scouting and picketing continued. On Nov. 7th, the cavalry were
the first to meet Grant's reconnoitering force, consisting of one brigade of
infantry with the usual complement of artillery, probably more than 3,000 men,
marching south down the west bank of the Mississippi, hoping to capture the
whole of Tap-pan's force. Our cavalry did valiant service, gallantly receiving
the first shock and bravely skirmishing against great odds so as to delay their
progress as much as possible, in order that Tappan might prepare his infantry
and artillery for the impending battle. Even as it was, Grant came on so rapidly
that Tappan was not fully ready and his men were driven to the water's edge and
some of them into the water. Here they resisted heroically. Lieutenant-Colonel
Miller, who had been commanding other companies of his regiment north of
Columbus, in anticipation of an attack, after becoming satisfied no attack would
be made on Columbus, crossed the river and put himself at the head of his
squadron in Belmont. While Miller was holding his position on the flank of the
infantry, the commanding officer rode up to him and said: "Col. Miller, lead
your men into action, Sir, and give the Yankees hell". Miller saluted and
replied: "That is the command I have been waiting and wishing to hear". Putting
spurs to his horse he ordered and led the charge of his two companies against a
battalion of Federal cavalry and drove them in utter confusion from the field.
His favorite horse, "Arab", which he had raised on his own plantation, was
killed under him in this action. Meantime, Cheatham's brigade had been ferried
across and by rapid marching hoped to cut off Grant's retreat. This he almost
succeeded in doing, being greatly aided by the cavalry in pursuing the fleeing
enemy. But Grant's men were too fleet of foot to be overtaken. They boarded
their boats and steamed away.

  On the next day, Foote's company, the Noxubee Cavalry, were sent across the
river to relieve Montgomery and Bowles, and to supervise the Federals who came
down under a flag of truce to bury their dead on the battlefield. Some of us
followed General Cheatham on the steamboat, whither he went to meet General
Grant, whom he had known well in the Old Army. After awhile the Generals stepped
to the bar to take a social glass, it being Grant's treat. As they lifted the
liquor to their lips, Grant said, "Here's to General Washington, the Father of
his Country", when Cheatham promptly added, "and the first great Rebel"; and
simultaneously they drank the amended toast. We found a few wounded Confederate
soldiers aboard, whom the Federals had collected from farm-houses in the
neighborhood; and General Cheatham promptly and very properly ordered them to be
removed to shore, for it was clearly in violation of the laws of civilized
warfare for men under flag of truce to capture prisoners. To us, who had as yet
little experience in war, the battlefield presented a ghastly appearance; and
the Rev. G. H. Martin, who was up from Macon on a visit to his many friends in
our company, was so heart-sickened he could scarcely endure the sight, and as
soon as possible cut short his visit and returned home. Our dead were all
decently interred. The Federals buried theirs hastily, without coffins or
blankets; in one instance, laying 41 clad, just as they fell, in a single long
trench and covering them with earth to the depth of about two feet. After the
work was completed, the Federals departed in their boats and we were recalled to
Columbus.

COLUMBUS, KY.

  One morning at Cheatham's headquarters, there suddenly appeared Ned Saunders
from California. His father had been a noted criminal lawyer in Natchez; and, as
far back as 1851, had been a pronounced secessionist. After the triumph of Union
sentiment in the memorable campaign of that year, he left the State and made his
home in California. When he became of age, Ned Saunders joined General Walker,
the great fillibuster, in his expedition against Nicaraugua and won the grade of
Major-General in Walker's army. While Walker was de facto President of
Nicaraugua, Saunders was married, Walker performing the ceremony. After the
defeat of Walker's army, Saunders managed somehow to effect his escape and thus
did not share the fate of Walker. Receiving the necessary authority through the
help of General Cheatham, Saunders raised a company of scouts, including his
younger brother, and did excellent service till the war ended.

CAMP BEAUREGARD.

  For many weeks parties of our cavalry made long rides through all portions of
the Jackson Purchase, finding ample evidence of Southern sympathy. In fact, the
whole population seemed to be loyal to the South, for those really in sympathy
with the North were discreet enough to keep quiet. We believed then, as we
believe now, that people had a right to think for themselves and to follow their
own convictions, so long as they did not interfere with the rights of others. In
the light of this principle, we could not but enjoy an amusing incident some of
our cavalry witnessed. Not far from Mayfield, while riding along a public
highway, they passed a farm-house; and on the verandah sat an elderly gentleman,
whose surplus adipose hung low enough to cover his femurs, as he rested his
pedal extremities on the ballusters in front of him. He gesticulated wildly and
shouted lustily: "Hurrah for Jeff Davis and the Southern Confederacy!", while in
another part of the house a little girl was seen struggling with might and main
to haul down the Stars and Stripes, symbolic doubtless of the real political
sentiments of the family. As a matter of course the fat old gentleman "got the
horse laugh" from the troopers. Through the purchase, however, we rode to little
purpose, for the Federals rarely ventured beyond their lines about Paducah and
always carefully evaded meeting the rebels. This hard service, nevertheless,
made us take on the ways of the soldier and taught us valuable lessons of the
bivouac, which stood us in good stead, when afterwards we were compelled to use
scanty resources to the best advantage. There was another benefit: a goodly
number of recruits joined us, and these Kentuckians all made valiant soldiers.
Some of our companies, including the Noxubee Cavalry spent the latter part of
the month of January at Camp Beauregard, near the village of Feliciana, which
proved to be for us a charming little place. Our younger and marriageable
soldiers, especially, enjoyed the society of the many fascinating young ladies,
most of whom were genuinely Southern. Then, too, we lived well, drawing rations
freely from adjoining farms and finding a plentiful supply of chickens, turkeys,
and guineas, as well as "peach and honey". None of us neglected our
opportunities. But like all good things, life at Camp Beauregard must come to an
end.

SHILOH.

  A change had come. Grant captured Forts Henry and Donelson and was moving
towards Pittsburgh Landing on the Tennessee River. Confederate forces were
concentrating at Corinth. Columbus, Ky., was evacuated and Miller's regiment was
to cover the retreat. When Polk's army had reached Lexington, Tenn., on April
24th by order of General Polk, Col. A. J. Lindsay, an Old Army officer, was
assigned to the command of the First Mississippi Cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel
Miller retaining his grade and being subordinate to Colonel Lindsay, as he was
too good a patriot to resign when a battle was impending. Though at the risk of
being somewhat tedious, to show how a great battle appeared to a private in the
cavalry, this writer will here practically repeat much of an article he
previously contributed to a publication by the Mississippi Historical Society.

  While in Jackson, Tenn., enroute to his new regiment, Colonel Lindsay received
a telegram directing him to march immediately to Monterey. He accordingly
dispatched a courier with instructions to this effect to Lieutenant-Colonel
Miller, and Lindsay himself overtook the regiment a few miles from the village
and at once modestly assumed command. His quiet dignity and soldierly bearing
won immediate confidence and respect, so that ready obedience was accorded him
from the first. Later, the men held him in high esteem after witnessing his
coolness under fire, as he sat amid shot and shell with a leg thrown over the
horn of his saddle and puffing away with seeming unconcern at his corncob pipe,
though at the same time displaying instinctive knowledge when to move, where to
move, and how to move.

  There had been no pursuit of our army and no fighting on the retreat from
Columbus; but the feeling now prevailed that we should fight and not retreat, as
our soldiers all believed that the disasters of Forts Henry and Donelson should
be retrieved. We knew that the exultant enemy was steaming up the Tennessee and
the Cumberland; and there was universal joy in our ranks, when at Purdy, Tenn.,
we wheeled eastward towards the Tennessee River. As we moved on, we heard more
and more of the mighty converging of Confederate forces. The roads grew worse.
Wrecked and abandoned wagons and caissons in the mud gave ample evidence that we
had been preceded by many commands of infantry and artillery. As we advanced we
found roads, woods, and fields filled with troops, eagerly pressing forward and
intensely anxious to meet the invaders. From couriers and stragglers we heard of
numerous commands ahead. They told us of troops from Kentucky, from Tennessee
from Alabama, from Louisiana, from Arkansas, and from Florida. Forrest's cavalry
and Terry's Texas Rangers were also mentioned. We heard that the invincible
Albert Sidney Johnston, the iron-hearted Braxton Bragg, the superb John C.
Breckenridge, and the wary Beauregard would be there. To think of the presence
of these great leaders made all hearts bouyant. We of the army from Columbus
knew General Albert Sidney Johnston. We had often seen his majestic form as he
rode with his staff to view the fortifications of Chalk Bluff and to inspect the
troops of our warlike Bishop. We had often seen him standing on the bluff, when
his gigantic form and eagle eye showed to best advantage, inspiring all with
undaunted heroism. Johnston's very looks betrayed the born commander, and under
his leadership we felt assured of victory on the morrow.

  On the night before the battle, our regiment bivouacked in the tall timbers on
the very edge of the battlefield. We were, indeed, much nearer the enemy than
any of us imagined. We knew that for miles and miles the woods were full of our
friends, but we knew not that we were within easy range of Grant's rifled
artillery. It has seemed a mystery to me ever since, how there could have been
so perfect quiet amid the mighty hosts of those two opposing armies on that
ominous night. No bugles sounded, no bands played; there was no firing, no
cheering, no loud talking, no noise, and no disturbance of any kind. Whether
this stillness resulted from orders of our great commander, I do not know; but I
do know that all was then quiet along the Tennessee. Verily, it was but the calm
before the storm. On our part, we were happy that the long retreat had ended;
and in all my life I can recall no sounder or sweeter sleep than I enjoyed that
night with my saddle for a pillow, grass and leaves for my bed, and the silent
stars as sentinels smiling propitiously from above.

  April 6th, 1862, a holy sabbath day, dawned clear and bright. We were awakened
from our dreamless sleep by myriads of songsters in the boughs above us. We made
hasty breakfast from the remnants of rations issued and cooked two days before.
As soon as it was light enough to see, the clear ringing notes of Cox, our
regimental bugler, called us "to boots and saddles". Hardee's advance had
already encountered in the gray of dawn the 25th Missouri and the 12th Michigan,
which a brigade commander in Prentiss's division had on his own initiative sent
forward to reconnoitre, because of an indefinable conviction that all was
somehow not right in his immediate front. At the sound of the sharp rifles, the
pent up enthusiasm of Confederates could no longer be restrained and

    "At once there came from a deep and narrow dell
       As wild a yell.
    As if all the fiends from Heaven that fell
       Had pealed the battle-cry of Hell".

  The regiment was formed promptly into line and then wheeled by companies into
hollow squares; and in the centre of each company, the captain read the following

ADDRESS OF ALBERT SIDNEY JOHNSTON.

  "Soldiers of the Army of Mississippi, I have put you in motion to offer battle
to the invaders of your country. With the resolution and discipline and valor
becoming men fighting, as you are, for all worth living for or dying for, you
cannot but march to a decisive victory over the agrarian mercenaries sent to
subjugate you and to despoil you of your liberties, your property, and your
honor. Remember the precious stake involved; remember the dependence of your
mothers, your wives, your sisters, and your children, on the result; remember
this fair, broad abounding land, and the happy homes that would be desolated by
your defeat.

  The eyes and hopes of eight millions of people rest upon you; and you are
expected to show yourselves worthy of your lineage, worthy of the women of the
South, whose noble devotion in this war has never been exceeded. With such
incentives to brave deeds, and with the trust that God is with us, your Generals
will lead you confidently to the combat,-assured of success."

  I can never forget the fervid and impressive eloquence with which this address
was read to our company by our gallant Captain H. W. Foote. It fired all hearts
and awoke still sterner resolution in the breast of every trooper. Those brave
words have lingered for more than fifty years in my memory, clustering like a
halo about the name and the fame of the great commander on the battlefield of
Shiloh.

  The ground on which our line rested at its first formation was a heavily
wooded plateau without brush or undergrowth. We could see the lines of our army
for long distances on the right and on the left as they advanced with marvelous
precision and in perfect order through the open woods, with regimental colors
flying and all the bands playing "Dixie". It seems but as yesterday when we
watched those advancing hosts and listened to those martial airs. The engagement
had soon become general, and the enemy were evidently yielding to the
sledge-hammer blows of Hardee's corps. The First Mississippi Cavalry marched
forward on the right of Cheatham's division, keeping in line with it until just
before engaging the enemy, when Col. Lindsay was ordered to pass to the rear.
Then Cheatham's infantry became heavily engaged, while we remained close in
their rear for about two hours. The enemy were driven steadily, with no
hesitation or confusion on our part. The rattle of musketry, the booming of
cannon, the screaming of shells, the whistling bullets,

      "The rocket's red glare,
      And the bombs bursting in the air",-

all united to create emotions within us that words cannot describe. The
deafening sounds, the stunning explosions, and the fiery flames of battle seemed
to pass along the line in great billows from right to left.

  Being in the rear of Cheatham's division, we were not under direct fire till
about 10 o'clock, when the infantry were lying down in front of us, and our
cavalry became a target for the artillery and sharp-shooters of the enemy. A
Federal battery began to play upon us with a good degree of accuracy. We could
hear the heavy missiles whizzing around and above us; and some of them, too,
were distinctly visible. One great shot I shall never forget. As it came through
the air it was clearly seen. Capt. Foote saw it as it ricocheted, and spurred
his horse out of the way. Lieutenant T. J. Deupree was not so fortunate. This
same shot grazed his thigh, cut in two the sabre hanging at his side, and passed
through his noble stallion, which at once sank lifeless in his tracks. It also
killed a second horse in the rear of Lieutenant Deupree, and finally striking a
third horse in the shoulder felled him to the ground without disabling him or
even breaking the skin. That ball was then spent. My own horse, "Bremer", in the
excitement and joy of battle raised his tail on high, and a cannon-ball cut away
about half of it, bone and all; and ever afterwards he was known as "bob-tailed
Bremer". Many solid shot we saw strike the ground, bounding like rubber balls,
passing over our heads and making music in their course. Colonel Lindsay at this
time counter-marched the regiment and took shelter in a neighboring ravine.
Thus, while in supporting distance of the infantry, we were often under fire,
unless protected by the nature of the ground, by dense thickets, or by deep
ravines.

  During this great battle, the Noxubee Cavalry held the right of the regiment
and was always in front when marching by twos or fours from one position to
another on the battle-line. I rode beside my cousin J. E. Deupree, comrade and
mess-mate. Being on the right of the company, Joe and I were the first two of
the regiment, and in this favored position we were in close touch with the
regimental officers, so that we could hear every order given or received by
Colonel Lindsay. By close attention to these orders, we would the better
comprehend the movements made and more intelligently observe the progress of the
battle. This cousin we called "Texas Joe" for distinction's sake, as at one
time, there were three Joe Deuprees in the company. As the name given him
indicates, he was from Texas. He was perfectly willing, however, to serve with
Mississippians under that beautiful flag, which he received so eloquently at
Camp Goodwin about a year before. Yet he could not but long to have the "Lone
Star of Texas" to float above his head. Joe had been a student of law at
Lebanon, Tennessee, in April, 1861. Secession broke up the school, and the
students of the Cumberland University dispersed to their homes in order to
prepare to enter the Confederate service. On his way back to Texas, Joe found it
convenient to visit his relatives in Noxubee County, Mississippi, and was
persuaded to enlist with them in the Noxubee Cavalry, believing that the war
would be fought entirely east of the Mississippi and that, if he proceeded to
Texas, he would simply have a long and toilsome ride back in order ever to get
into battle! By agreement with Captain Foote, however, he was to be transferred
to a Texas regiment if ever he chose to do so. This he did some months later and
soon thereafter was captured. In consequence, he spent more than two and a half
years in prison on Johnson's Island. Some day, it is hoped, he will write out
and publish his sad experience.

  Once on Sunday morning, General Cheatham rode up and inquired as to the health
of his "Hell-roaring Battalion of Cavalry". His coat was all torn by a
minie-ball; and when asked if he were wounded, he assured us to the contrary and
rode away amid the cheers of his admiring friends. He evidently thought not of
self, though ever anxious and vigilant for the welfare of his command, doing all
possible to promote their success as well as to save them from needless exposure.

  When the infantry again pressed forward, Col. Lindsay received an order to
report to General Bragg, by whom he was directed to support a body of infantry
further up the hill. Then came an order through a staff-officer of General
Breckenridge to place the regiment near General Jackson's column. Here we waited
till another staff-officer brought an order to Colonel Lindsay to move the
regiment with all possible speed towards the river. We rode in a sweeping gallop
till we came to the place where General Prentiss had just surrendered, when
Colonel Lindsay reported to General Polk for orders. It was now after 5 o'clock,
and Col. Lindsay was directed to take command of all the cavalry on this part of
the field, to go up the river, and to cut off the enemy's retreat. In obedience
to this order, Col. Lindsay attempted to collect other cavalry, meantime
directing Lieutenant-Colonel Miller to take command of the First Mississippi.
The ever impetuous and daring Colonel Miller at once put himself at the head of
the regiment and shouted: "Charge boys, charge! Colonel Lindsay says, Charge!"
Then we rushed at full speed for more than a quarter of a mile, yelling like
devils incarnate. A Federal battery was observed about three hundred yards
ahead, with horses attached, evidently intent on making its escape. But on
discovering us the artillerymen turned, unlimbered, and made preparations to
open fire upon us. But we came on them so rapidly, they could neither fire nor
escape. Every man, every horse, and every gun was captured. By this time Col.
Lindsay, who failed to find other cavalry, had ridden to the front of our
column. Giving orders to Col. Miller to send this captured Michigan battery,
with its six brass Napoleons and all its caissons, under escort to General Polk,
and seeing another battery just across a deep ravine, he put himself at the head
of Foote's company, the Noxubee Cavalry, and rushed forward to seize it. We at
once captured one of the caissons, but coming upon the battery we found
ourselves in the immediate presence of Federal infantry drawn up in line,
evidently belonging to Nelson's division of Buell's army, who were just taking
position on the field. They fired at us; but, from excitement, they fired so
wildly and so high in the air, that we all escaped unharmed into the ravine and
there rejoined the regiment. Some years ago, I may state in this connection, at
a Reunion of Blues and Grays on the battlefield of Shiloh, Dr. T. J. Deupree and
I had a brief but delightful interview with that great soldier and cultured
gentleman, General Don Carlos Buell, in which he told us that he well remembered
seeing that little company of cavalry dash into his lines like dare-devils, as
if resolved to rob him of his battery, nolens volens, support or no support. He
seemed greatly astonished when we told him that we escaped without the loss of a
man or a horse, and he said he saw no reason why every saddle had not been
emptied by the volley his infantry fired into our ranks.

  Col. Lindsay reported to his superiors what he had seen. Some of us had
watered our horses in the Tennessee. Grant's army was crowded in disorder and
confusion about the landing, every one anxious to make his escape across the
river; men and even officers were afloat on logs, making their way towards the
opposite shore. A semicircle of artillery, mainly siege guns intended for use at
the anticipated siege of Corinth since most of their field batteries had been
captured, was about all that intervened between Grant's army and destruction, in
as much as but few of Buell's men were yet in line of battle. This was, indeed,
the supreme moment for a general and sweeping advance of the Confederates to
drive the Federals into the river or force a capitulation.

  I shall not attempt to describe the splendor of the Federal camp nor the
boundless army-stores and munitions that fell into our hands; nor shall I tell
of the efforts made by Confederate officers to prevent pillaging, nor speak of
the Irishman with his captured barrel of whiskey, nor of the dead and dying, nor
of the horrors of the hospitals, nor of the burning woods ignited by Federal
shells and causing untold agonies to helpless wounded till God in mercy sent
rain from heaven to extinguish the flames. I shall not tell of the long hours of
picket and vidette duty on Sunday night, nor of the wretched condition of our
soldiers, so utterly exhausted that they slept like dead men in spite of the
shells hurled incessantly upon them from Federal gunboats and in spite of the
torrents of rain that so thoroughly deluged the ground upon which they bivouacked.

  Monday morning, the reinforced and thoroughly reorganized enemy took the
initiative. The 25,000 men of Buell's army, comparatively fresh, added to the
survivors of Grant's, say about 15,000, made a total of some 40,000 men against
which the Confederates could muster scarcely 20,000, none of whom were fresh.
The battle began at day-light and raged furiously from right to left for about
six hours. Notwithstanding the heavy odds against them, even at 1 o'clock the
Confederates had not receded from the position in which they had concentrated as
soon as it was certain another battle must be fought. But their ranks were
fearfully depleted. They had, indeed, been able to hold in check the superior
numbers of the enemy only by brilliant and sanguinary charges, involving fearful
loss of life. At this hour, fewer than 15,000 men were in line. Seeing,
therefore, the unprofitable nature of the struggle, General Beauregard
determined not to prolong it further. Accordingly, about 2 o'clock, the
retrograde movement began, and it was executed with a steadiness that would have
done credit to veterans of a hundred battlefields. Col. Lindsay had been ordered
to take position on the Bark road, and during the day we had supported
successively the divisions of Breckenridge and Hardee, and in the afternoon we
covered the retreat of Hardee. Along with Forrest's cavalry and Wheeler's,
skirmishing with the enemy and at times driving him back, we retired sullenly
and were among the last to leave the field.

  As a fitting conclusion of this story of Shiloh, I submit a brief extract from
the official report of General Hardee:

  "General Johnston about 1 o'clock on Sunday afternoon brought up the reserve
under Breckenridge. Deploying it in echelon by brigades with admirable skill and
rapidity, he turned the enemy's left and, conducting the division in person,
swept down the river towards Pittsburg Landing, cheering and animating the men
and driving the enemy in wild disorder to the shelter of their gunboats. At this
moment of supreme interest, it was our misfortune to lose the commanding
general, who fell mortally wounded at 2 o'clock, and expired in a few moments in
a ravine near where Breckenridge's division had charged under his eye. This
disaster caused a lull in the attack on the right, and precious hours were
wasted. It is in my opinion the. candid belief of intelligent men that but for
this calamity we would have before sunset achieved a triumph, not only signal in
the annals of this war, but memorable in all history".

  Before resuming the thread of my narrative, I pause long enough to insert just
here a list of those members of the Noxubee Cavalry who took part in this great
battle of Shiloh, since their descendants in years to come will find pleasure in
reading their names:

  H. W. Foote, Captain; T. J. Deupree, 2nd Lieutenant; C. M. Hunter, 1st
Lieutenant; R. O. Wier, 3d Lieutenant; W. H. Foote, 2d Sergeant; G. H. Dantzler,
3d Sergeant; F. M. Mauldin, 4th Sergeant; W. D. Deupree, 5th Sergeant; L. E.
Eiland, 1st. Corporal; F. E. Carlton, 2d Corporal; G. W. Praytor, 3d Corporal;
J. C. Jarnagin, 4th Corporal; and privates, W. E. Beasley, A. J. Boswell, Mike
Callahan, E. C. Clements, W. H. Crawford, J. Courtes, F. S. Cox, J. E. Deupree
(Texas Joe), J. G. Deupree[,] W. D. Deupree, Jr., W. V. Dooly, W. W. Douglass,
S. B. Day, J. A. Grant, F. B. Greer, J. Greer, A. Greer, T. J. Goodwin, O. M.
Higgins, J. E. Hardy, G. W. Hinton, H. M. Hunter, W. Hunter, W. A. Hughes, H. C.
Howlett, J. B. Hudson, H. C. Haynes, W. J. Hudson, C. S. Jenkins, P. H. Jones,
R. H. Joiner, W. Jackson, S. Jackson, R. W. Keown, N. Lynch, A. J. Lyon, M.
Lyon, J. J. May, J. McCormick, L. Perkins, T. M. Pierce, W. Pagan, W. B. Porter,
M. Ruff, W. R. Randall, George Sherrod, A. G. Wesson, J. C. Williams, R. I.
Walker, W. P. Wilson, K. E. White, H. Yates.

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL JOHN H. MILLER.

  When our army reached Corinth, the First Mississippi Cavalry was stationed on
the left wing at Chiwalla. Here Lieutenant-Colonel Miller tendered his
resignation. Patriotism and ardent courage prevailed over sensitiveness till
after the battle, when indignation asserted itself that he had been superseded;
and he returned to Pontotoc to resume his work as minister of the gospel, a work
dear to his heart and for which he was peculiarly fitted. To show how he was
esteemed by the regiment, I shall make an extract from a private letter written
some years ago by Colonel Joseph E. Deupree, of the Texas Division of
Confederate Veterans, now residing near Bonham, Texas. The extract follows:

  "Of course, you remember, John, how we captured that Battery on Sunday
afternoon. Lieutenant-Colonel Miller was temporarily in command. He had just
dismounted for some purpose when you and I exclaimed: 'Look! Colonel, they are
Yankees!' He looked and instantly saw they were Yankees and perceived what they
were doing. Springing to his feet, he shouted, 'Charge, boys, charge!'; and
flinging himself into his saddle, he put spurs to his horse and led the charge.
I can never forget those words nor the Colonel's excited manner at the time. . .
I always loved Colonel Miller. He was a brave man, a patriot, and a Christian.
He should have due credit for his quickness of comprehension and prompt action
at that critical moment. The slightest hesitation would have resulted in the
annihilation of our company, if not the destruction of the regiment; for, as you
remember, we were in front. Never a more timely order was given, and never one
more gallantly and promptly obeyed. Yes, John, from that day till now I have
always felt that I owed my life to Colonel Miller, and I was very sorry when he
saw proper to tender his resignation. Honored and blessed be his memory!"

  In concluding this tribute, I quote a condensed statement of facts concerning
his untimely death, as portrayed by Dr. John M. Waddell:

  "Brother Miller was on his way to Ripley to fulfill an engagement with brother
Wm. A. Gray, pastor of this church, to preach for him; and, as he drew near to
Ripley, on Sabbath morning, March 22d, he learned that the village was held by
Colonel Hurst's regiment of renegade Tennesseeans. Knowing that he was
particularly obnoxious to them because of his strong Southern sympathy, his zeal
and his military services, he determined to go back to Pontotoc. About two miles
from Ripley, he met two of Hurst's men, escorting two prisoners. He was too near
to attempt an escape by flight. They overpowered him, dragged him from his
horse, and shot him through the head and through the heart. Either wound was
mortal. They robbed his person of $60, a gold watch, gold spectacles, silk hat,
sermon, and a set of artificial teeth leaving his dead body lying in the road
where the foul and dastardly murder was committed. Negroes drew the corpse to a
place of safety till it could be sent to Ripley. The murderers reported that
they had killed a 'Secesh Colonel,' because he had resisted arrest. But the
testimony of the prisoners who had witnessed the tragedy was altogether
different. By request of Mrs. Buchanan, a devoted friend, the body of Colonel
Miller was given into her care and subsequently taken to Pontotoc for interment
beside several dear little ones, who had preceded him to the glory-world."

COMPANY F, THE NOXUBEE TROOPERS.

  After the Noxubee Cavalry went into active service, the Noxubee Troopers still
maintained their organization, holding themselves ready for any emergency. In
March, 18G2, they tendered their services to the Confederate! Government, being
officered as follows: James Rives, Captain; Charley Dowling, 1st Lieutenant; R.
O. Beasley, 2nd Lieutenant; J. R. Bealle, 3rd Lieutenant; and Mirabeau Craven,
Orderly Sergeant. Being mustered in at Columbus, they began their march through
the country to Corinth. At Cotton Gin, Lieutenant Dowling was standing beside
his horse, when the animal shook himself and thus caused a pistol in the holster
on the saddle-horn to be discharged. The ball struck the Lieutenant in the leg
and lodged in his heel. He was sent home and in a few days he died of the wound.
Thus, even before getting to the army, a most valuable officer was lost,-a
lieutenant, honored and loved by the entire company, as well as by countless
friends at home. Reaching Corinth April 6th, the company proceeded on the 7th
towards Pittsburg Landing. In the late afternoon, they met Beauregard's army.
Falling in with other cavalry, they helped to cover the retreat. On the 8th, the
company was regularly assigned to the First Mississippi Cavalry, to be known
afterwards as Co. F and to form with Co. G the Noxubee Squadron. The regiment
was near Chiwalla under the command of Col. A. J. Lindsay, and Captain Frank A.
Montgomery, Senior Captain, was second in command. I may take occasion to remark
here, that Colonel Lindsay was a fearless soldier and a most capable officer
when in action, but ordinarily he seemed lacking in vigor and energy. His chief
pleasure when in camp, and about his only employment, was a game of solitaire.
Consequently, most of his duties fell on Captain F. A. Montgomery. Some weeks
later, at our reorganization, Colonel Lindsay left us to go west.

  While at Chiwalla, Lieutenant R. O. Beasley in command of a picket was
surprised and fiercely assailed by a battalion of Federal cavalry. He stood his
ground bravely till his small force was overwhelmed. On coming back to camp, the
men reported that Bishop and Lieutenant Beasley had been killed. On
reestablishing the picket post after the enemy had withdrawn, the body of Bishop
was found, and then it was supposed that Lieutenant Beasley had been wounded and
captured. The locality was hilly and densely wooded; and on the following day
some men on picket going down the hillside discovered Lieutenant Beasley, still
alive but unconscious. A bullet had struck him in the centre of his forehead;
and he had evidently walked down the hill, possibly in search of water, for he
had unbuckled his sabre and his pistol was lying beside him. He lived some hours
and died the soldier's death. About this time, too, another gallant member of
this company and a prominent and useful citizen of Noxubee County, Dr. T. M.
Deupree, died of measles. Thus the Noxubee Troopers in less than one month of
service lost four of their best members. It may not be amiss just here to
mention that the two sons of Lieutenant Beasley, William and Jerry, members of
the Noxubee cavalry, afterwards gave their lives for their country.

  As the First Mississippi Cavalry one moonless night moved along a narrow road,
through a heavily timbered country, some miles northwest of Corinth, the Noxubee
Squadron in front and Lieutenant Wier commanding the advance-guard, we were
suddenly halted by the ringing words, "Who comes there?" to which Lieutenant
Wier replied: "Friends." "Advance, friends, and give the countersign" was the
next challenge. This scribe, being one of the front four and within twenty paces
of the challenger, suspicious and apprehensive, quietly reined "bobtailed
Bremer" to one side and waited till Lieutenant Wier had ridden forward and the
Federal officer was heard to say: "Give up your arms and dismount". He then
wheeled and rode at full speed till he met Captain Foote at the head of the
Squadron, to whom he reported what had occurred. Our column was halted for the
night, but early in the morning we advanced and easily swept the Federal cavalry
from our front. Wier and his party of six were sent to Chicago and held as
prisoners till the end of the war.

  The character of our service for some weeks may be gathered from the following
letter written by comrade H. D. Foote, and published in the MACON BEACON:

               In camp near Bethel, Tenn., April 30, 1862. 
Dear Mr. Ferris:-
  We have had another little round with the enemy, which is considered a very
small affair, but for the information of folks at home I will relate it.

  On Friday morning last our Colonel was ordered to march with his regiment from
Lexington to Purdy, a point between Lexington and Corinth. We arrived at Colonel
Brewer's camp Sunday at 12 o'clock, pitched our tents in the woods remaining
quiet till Monday night, when our sweet sleep was disturbed by one of our
pickets coming in with a report of a Federal advance, which however proved to be
a false alarm. Next morning, Tuesday the 29th, pickets came in from the Savannah
and Pittsburg road and reported the enemy advancing in heavy columns of cavalry
and infantry. A heavy skirmish was kept up by the sharpshooters on the
respective sides for several hours, or until about 2 o'clock, when the enemy
retired and has not been heard from since. Their strength is a matter of doubt,
variously estimated at from 1,000 to 3,000. Ours did not exceed 500.

  While their sharpshooters were engaged with us, others among them less
courageous, remained in Purdy to apply the torch to dwellings of men who dared
to be Southern in sentiment. It was trying to the feelings of our men to see
those dark clouds of smoke rolling up from the burning houses of honest,
patriotic citizens, innocent and helpless women and children.
                           Yours truly,
                                 (Signed) H. D. FOOTE.

REORGANIZATION.

  Bragg withdrew his army to Tupelo. Many enlistments, originally but for one
year, had expired, and reorganization was imperative. The First Mississippi
Cavalry, as did most of the army, reenlisted for the war. The election of
officers was superintended by Col. A. J. Lindsay, who then bade us an
affectionate farewell. Capt. R. A. Pinson was elected Colonel by a majority of
one over Capt. H. W. Foote; Capt. F. A. Montgomery was elected
Lieutenant-Colonel; Capt. E. G. Wheeler, Major; Lucius Sykes, Adjutant General;
William Beasley, Sergeant-Major; T. B. Dillard, Quartermaster; Robert Ligon,
Commissary; Dr. C. L. Montgomery, Surgeon; and Dr. A. C. Ferrell, Assistant
Surgeon. The officers chosen for Company G were: J. A. King, Captain; T. J.
Deupree, First Lieutenant; S. B. Day, Second Lieutenant; W. H. Foote, Third
Lieutenant; and J. A. Greer, Orderly Sergeant. In Company F, J. R. Bealle was
elected Captain; Mirabeau Craven, First Lieutenant; Scribner Smith, Second
Lieutenant; John Lyle, Third Lieutenant; and Thomas Stevens, Orderly Sergeant.
The Captains chosen by the other companies were: J. R. Taylor, J. L. Simmons,
Charles Marshall, T. B. Turner, W. V. Lester, J. R. Chandler, Gadi Herrin, and
G. N. Wheeler.

ABBEVILLE.

  Within a few days after our reorganization, Col. Pinson was ordered to report
to General Villipigue, whose headquarters were then at Abbeville, Miss. Here our
squadron was in camp near a large mill-pond in an old field that furnished
excellent grazing. We were in the habit day after day of hobbling our horses and
turning them loose to graze to their own satisfaction. One morning as Sam
Jackson and a number of others were fishing in the mill-pond, Sam's sorrel pony
quietly, hobbled as he was, walked into the pond to drink. He soon was in deeper
water than he needed for mere drinking purposes; and with his head tied down
close to his fore-foot, he became strangled and was drowned before anyone
reached him. Poor Sam, after a long and solemn pause, out of the deep anguish of
his soul, though to the amusement of his comrades, exclaimed: "Now, isn't this a
hell of a tale to write home to Pap?" He wept, they laughed. However, they
cheered him and helped him. He bought another horse, of which he took better
care, and ever afterwards as before made a valiant and faithful soldier. We were
here for several weeks, and our horses grew fat and sleek. One after another,
companies were detailed to burn cotton in the Delta to prevent its falling into
Federal hands. It was an unpleasant service, and no incidents worthy of note are
recalled. The Bolivar Troopers, Captain Gadi Herrin, were fortunate in being
allowed to disperse and spend a few days at their homes, and our
Lieutenant-Colonel F. A. Montgomery was also delighted to be in command of the
companies thus detailed, as it gave him likewise an opportunity to spend some
days and nights with his family.

COLDWATER RIVER.

  We were next ordered to report to Col. Wm. H. Jackson, afterwards known as
"Red Jackson", in camp on Coldwater River, not far from Holly Springs. We were
now brigaded with the Seventh Tennessee Cavalry, a most gallant regiment, with
which we served either in the same brigade or the same division till near the
close of the war. Jackson was a thoroughly trained soldier arid rapidly grew in
favor with officers and men. Though lacking, perhaps, in brilliancy and dash, he
certainly possessed solidity, good sense, and firmness, so that he won the
implicit confidence of Van Dora, Forrest, and Joseph E. Johnston,- enough to be
said of any soldier. We soon began a series of marches and countermarches
through northern Mississippi to Tennessee and back. Each expedition closely
resembled the one preceding and following, and to attempt to narrate a tithe of
the incidents that occurred in them would be tedious to writer and reader. I
shall, therefore, touch only some of the higher places as I proceed with this
narrative. On one of the expeditions, which I cannot now clearly differentiate
from some others so closely like it, a detachment from our command failed by a
very narrow margin to capture Gen'l U. S. Grant at the home of Josiah Deloach.
This adventure doubtless gave rise to the story, long current after the war,
that because of the timely warning given Grant by Deloach, that after he became
President he appointed Deloach postmaster at Memphis.

  There was soon gathered here the largest cavalry force we had yet seen. In
addition to Jackson's and Pinson's regiments, there were the regiments of Wirt
Adams and Bob McCullough and, perhaps, one or two others. General Frank
Armstrong, who had but recently been made a brigadier-general, arrived from
Virginia, assumed command, and proceeded to cut the M. & O. R. R., on which
Rosecrantz' army at Corinth depended for supplies. As we, advanced by way of
Grand Junction, we encountered a Federal force near Middleburg on August 20th.
Here the Second Illinois Cavalry under Colonel Hogg made a gallant charge upon
the Second Missouri under Colonel McCullough. Colonels Hogg and McCullough met
with drawn sabres and fought desperately till Tom Turner, a young Missourian, by
a well-aimed shot killed Colonel Hogg and, in all probability, thus saved the
life of his own colonel. Captain Champion and some other Missourians were
killed, as well as some Federals.

MEDON AND BRITTAIN's LANE.

  After cutting the railroad at various points and  tearing up many miles of
track, we crossed the Hatchie River and moved towards Medon. Near the depot we
found a strong Federal force well posted and protected by cotton bales. A charge
on horseback by Co. E of Jackson's regiment resulted only in the useless loss of
several good men and the serious wounding of Captain Bassett. The Noxubee
Squadron and two other companies of the First Mississippi were ordered to
dismount and prepare to assault the Federal position. But, just as we were
adjusting the line-up, large reinforcements for the Federals began to arrive,
when much to our gratification we were ordered to remount. We withdrew to a
creek and bivouacked for the night. Early on the morning of September 1st, 1862,
we began our return to Mississippi by a road leading towards Denmark, Tenn. We
were all greatly fatigued and decidedly hungry, having been away from our wagons
for a week. No one now expected further fighting but all anticipated a long and
tiresome march, as we were headed south. The Noxubee Squadron was in front of
our regiment, and Lieutenant-Colonel Montgomery was riding at its head with
Captain J. R. Bealle of Co. F, a genial, jovial gentleman, who somehow seemed
unusually reticent, for he was usually full of life and fun and frolic; and like
General J. E. B. Stuart, was a fine vocalist and took delight on the march in
entertaining all within reach of his far-carrying voice, by his comic,
semi-sentimental and patriotic airs. What could be the matter with Captain
Bealle now? Colonel Montgomery could not tell, till Capt. Bealle quietly
remarked that he was deeply impressed by a presentiment that he was to be killed
this day before getting back to Mississippi soil. Colonel Montgomery told him
laughingly that his presentiment signified nothing and that he himself would
also be laughing at it by to-morrow, adding that we would not see another enemy
on this raid. But before this remark was finished, firing was heard a mile in
front, and we were ordered forward in a gallop. Jackson's regiment in Britain's
Lane, not far from Denmark, had met a force which had been sent out from
Jackson, Tenn., to intercept us. It consisted of infantry, artillery, and
cavalry, and was strongly posted directly across our line of march. The Seventh
Tennessee, Jackson's regiment, charged at once and dispersed the Federal
cavalry, which retreated in confusion towards Jackson, Tenn., and were not seen
again in the battle. But the infantry were too numerous and too well posted to
be dealt with so effectively. They held their ground valiantly. Our regiment,
having come up at full speed, were dismounted and gallantly led in a charge by
Colonel Pinson against the brigade of infantry lying flat on the ground just
below the brow of the hill and firing their rifles in our faces. It was
intensely hot and our men suffered greatly but never faltered. Federal batteries
and rifles soon cut down the corn in the field through which we advanced, but
forward the rush continued. Though this was to many of the men their first
baptism of fire, yet in it the regiment as a whole displayed a steadiness which
forecast that admirable courage afterwards exhibited on many bloody fields. The
ground was rough, broken by ditches and gullies, but the men moved across it in
hot haste and speedily drove the infantry of the enemy from their chosen
position. They retreated precipitately to the next hill. Then Colonel Wirt Adams
led his regiment, formed in a column by fours, in a brilliant charge through a
lane against the battery, which was captured and sent to the rear. The Federal
infantry, now reenforced and on a wooded hill, poured a withering fire on Adams'
column and compelled its withdrawal. I take occasion just here to remark in
passing that General Adams was a splendid gentleman and chivalric soldier, whose
sad fate years afterwards it was to become involved in a street-duel in Jackson,
Miss., with Mr. John Martin, a newspaper editor, in which both participants were
killed.

  Our loss in this action was considerable, especially in the First Mississippi.
But how any one escaped alive from that cornfield is among the things
inexplicable in war. One of the most prominent of the more than half-hundred
killed was Capt. John R. Bealle of Co. F, the Noxubee Troopers, whose
presentiment was quickly and all too surely realized. Lieutenant Matthews of
Marshall's company was also killed. Captain Chandler was so seriously wounded as
afterwards to be unfitted for field service, and he became a surgeon and
rendered valuable help in hospitals. Lieutenant Craven was made Captain of
Company F, Lieutenants Smith and Lyle promoted in regular sequence, and Thomas
Stevens was made Third Lieutenant. We had force enough to envelop the enemy and
it should have been done. Pinson and Montgomery both urged a renewal of our
attack by a flank movement which inevitably would have resulted in the capture
of the entire Federal force. But this was not to be. To the surprise of all, we
abandoned our position under orders to withdraw and thus lost the fruits of our
costly victory. Instead of attacking separately and successively, all our
regiments should have united in the attack, and complete destruction or capture
of the enemy would have rewarded our effort.

CAMP ON COLDWATER.

  By a circuitous route we got back into the road some miles south, and without
again meeting the enemy reached our camp, all of us exceedingly hungry and
anxious to draw rations. Within a few days, General Armstrong left us. It was
said that he had prematurely assumed command as brigadier-general, it being some
months before he actually received his commission, and that "Red Jackson's"
commission, when received, really antedated that of Frank Armstrong. We all know
that afterwards Jackson outranked Armstrong, for Jackson commanded our division
when Armstrong commanded our brigade. Soon all the other cavalry were ordered
elsewhere, leaving but Jackson's and Pinson's regiments under command of
Jackson, as senior colonel.

OUR ENCOUNTER WITH GRIERSON.

  It goes without saying that our men were discouraged by the results of the
raid under General Armstrong, as it seemed that we paid dearly for what little
we had gained. The weather continued hot and dry, and horses were in bad
condition. True soldiers, however, when well treated in camp, rapidly recover
from the effects of any disaster, great or small; and horses seem instinctively,
in this regard, to follow the example of their riders. How sweet was the rest
now! But it could not be long. Van Dorn and Price were planning the details of
an assault on Rosecranz at Corinth. Lieutenant-Colonel Montgomery was ordered to
take four companies of the First Mississippi, including the Noxubee Squadron,
and four of the Seventh Tennessee, and go in search of Colonel Grierson and his
Sixth Illinois Cavalry, who were on a raid from Memphis. The Noxubee Squadron
was in advance, followed by the two other companies of Mississippians and by the
four companies of Tennesseeans. We passed through Byhalia and Cockrum and
crossed Coldwater on the road to Hernando. Turning north, we recrossed the
Coldwater on a rude bridge at Holloway's, about ten miles northwest of Byhalia.
We seemed to be making but an ordinary march. When, however, we reached the
foothills of the east side, word was passed down the line that Grierson had
crossed the bridge behind us and was preparing to fall upon our rear. He had
thrown his regiment into line on both sides of the road. In consequence, there
was more or less commotion in our ranks along with some degree of excitement. An
order was promptly given by Montgomery to wheel about by fours and countermarch
to meet the enemy. This movement put the Tennesseeans in front. Immediately,
there were signs that the enemy were near. In fact, they were really much nearer
than we had suspected. The Tennesseeans and Mississippians were thrown into
column, front into line by companies,-the first company unfortunately very near
the enemy, who had stealthily advanced on foot, well concealed by the dense
undergrowth. They instantly opened a brisk fire with their carbines, which meant
certain death to men and horses of the front company of Tennesseeans. As a
matter of course, there was a bolt to the rear, and what is known to all
participants as the Coldwater Stampede began. Nothing could surpass it in
excitement and confusion. When the first company in retirement had reached the
second, great momentum had been acquired and the excited horses were beyond
control, as they dashed headlong through the ranks of the second company, which
(including both men and horses) instantly caught the infection of
demoralization; and the same happened in succession to all the remaining
companies as the on-rush passed over each, so that all were involved and the
rout was complete. True, some men spoke encouragingly to comrades, even
denouncing the retreat as cowardly, thus manifesting in-born courage or personal
pride and self-esteem. But however much some were inclined to stand firm,
concert of action was out of the question; then those, who at first had resolved
to fight, were soon getting away as fast as the others. While we did not take to
the woods, there was no delay in crossing a high staked-and-ridered-fence into a
cornfield with the rankest growth of crab grass we had ever seen. We ran down
the rows till we had crossed the entire field and put another fence between
ourselves and our pursuers. Now, everybody was willing to halt, and the command
was at once reorganized and brought into line. Smarting with shame and
mortification, these Mississippians and Tennesseeans, would have then and there
put up the best fight of their lives, could they have been promptly led into
action. Various reasons were given for the disaster, but none brought
consolation. Clearly, we had been outgeneralled by one of the shrewdest and most
alert of Federal cavalrymen, indeed, the first to achieve a reputation on his
side as a bold and successful raider.

  In describing this affair in his "Reminiscences", Lieutenant-Colonel
Montgomery writes, as follows: "Taking three or four days' cooked rations
without wagons, I moved as rapidly as possible and crossed the Coldwater on a
bridge not far from Hernado, with scouts out in every direction to see if I
could hear of Colonel Grierson. But I could not locate him; and, as I had been
gone about as long as had been contemplated, I recrossed the river by the same
bridge in order to return to camp. I had proceeded, perhaps, two miles from the
bridge, had gotten out of the bottom into the foothills, when Captain Jack
Bowles overtook me and reported that he had a small party of scouts and had been
skirmishing with Grierson beyond the Coldwater about five miles from the bridge,
and that Griersen was coming on this way. I at once countermarched and went to
find him, which I did much sooner than I expected. The Coldwater bottom where I
reentered it was all woods so dense that we could see but a little way. We had
proceeded to within about a half-mile from the bridge, when our advance after
firing a few shots came back in hot haste. I had barely time to form; in fact,
my lines were not fully formed, when I saw that Grierson's whole regiment was
impetuously charging. After one ineffectual volley, my men gave way for awhile
with the loss of two killed in Wheeler's company and several wounded in the
command and, perhaps, some few killed. Confusion lasted but a short time, for
the men were easily rallied; and, in our turn, we advanced. Colonel Grierson
having found a larger force than he expected, retired immediately; and, before
we reached the Coldwater, he had recrossed and torn up the bridge. I had no
means of repairing it, and besides I could not have overtaken him. Remaining on
the ground that night and giving each of the brave men who had fallen a
soldier's burial in a soldier's grave, I returned to camp. While these patriots
fell in no great battle, they were heroes all the same, and they deserve all the
honors that can be paid to our heroic dead, most of whom sleep in unknown
graves, remembered, perhaps, as in this instance, by a few surviving comrades."

  Among others killed, I recall the name of John Allen, of Co. E, Seventh
Tennessee; and the substitute of Cy Jenkins of the Noxubee Cavalry was also
killed, whose name I cannot recall; but Cy was ever afterwards reported as dead.
With some other intrepid spirits of our Squadron, W. G. White of the Noxubee
Troopers stood in the firing line till his horse was shot and killed under him;
and, as the Squadron fell back, White was captured. He was sent to Cairo,
Illinois; and, within a few weeks, he was sent down the Mississippi River to
Vicksburg and exchanged. Soon afterards, he rejoined his company and did valiant
service till the end of the war.

  "Shortly afterwards", says Colonel Montgomery in his Reminiscences, "Colonel
Jackson made full inquiry into this affair in the presence of all the officers
of the two regiments, and not only acquitted me of all blame but praised my
conduct."

  Later, however, Jackson did prefer charges against Montgomery, as to which
Colonel Montgomery states, "I was courtmartialed and promptly acquitted".

AFFAIR AT POCAHONTAS.

  Our camp was moved nearer to Holly Springs on a road leading north. Grant had
many garrisons posted east of Memphis and was concentrating a large army at
Grand Junction, where he could be supplied by the two railroads there, evidently
preparing to invade Mississippi. About the middle of September, Jackson with his
own and Pinson's regiment had been ordered to reconnoiter in the direction of
Corinth. Going by way of Ripley, and thence turning north, then proceeding till
he had reached the main Corinth road, parallel with the railroad, he turned
east, intending to cross the Big Hatchie where the railroad crossed it. But late
in the afternoon as the sun was setting, Pinson's regiment in front, we reached
an old village, called Pocahontas, perched on quite a hill, whence the road
sloped gradually down to Davis' Bridge, perhaps half a mile away. The village
seemed deserted, but we caught here a Federal cavalryman from whom we learned
that his regiment had gone into camp just across the river. He had eluded the
guard and was on a private foraging adventure for himself and his messmates.
Pinson promptly informed Jackson of the proximity of Ingersoll's Eleventh
Illinois Cavalry with a company of U. S. Regulars, going into camp beyond the
river. Jackson's laconic reply was, "Charge them". Pinson, without the loss of a
moment, led his regiment in a sweeping gallop across the rickety bridge,
overrunning the pickets, straight into the camp of the enemy, many of whom were
gathering corn from a field just across the road. The Seventh Tennessee brought
up the rear, waking the echoes with a rebel yell. Firing was promiscuous, but
casualties were few. Pinson was the only Confederate wounded. Riding up in the
gloom to a squad of men he supposed to belong to his regiment, he found them to
be Federals and ordered them to surrender, when one of them fired on him. Here,
Pinson manifested the spirit and courage of the hero, while he was borne to the
Davis' residence on a cot we had procured for the purpose. There was good reason
to believe the ball had penetrated his intestines and that he was mortally
wounded; but he spoke cheerfully to anxious inquirers and said smilingly: "Boys,
it is a small matter; I shall soon be all right again".

  The spoils were great. We brought off 150 fine Illinois horses with their
accoutrements and arms, and captured some 60 unwounded prisoners; but most of
the enemy effected their escape in the dense undergrowth to the left of the
road. These fine horses, pistols, and sabres, should have been distributed among
our men who needed them, and their inferior animals and equipment turned over to
the ordinance department. This could have been done under a board of survey in
such a way as not only to increase the efficiency of our command but also to
stimulate the men for future enterprises. But we did not get even a halter. All
went to supply the needs of other commands. There was one particularly fine
horse among those captured, evidently somewhat of a pet with his owner. Jim
Weatherby, a Tennesseean, from Somerville, was not slow to discover the fine
qualities of this steed, as well as his "smart trick", and he soon had him
cantering along, as if he had owned him always. But alas! this beautiful brown
with two white feet had to be turned in, and Weatherby was disconsolate.
Thereafter, when legitimate captures fell in our way, "mum" was the word.
Colonel Pinson was sent home in the care of a surgeon. As Colonel Jackson was
determined to get off with the prisoners at once, we marched nearly all night
towards Ripley.

ASSAULT ON CORINTH.

  It was the last of September. Van Dorn was ready to move against Corinth with
Price and Lovell as division commanders. The movement began from Ripley with an
army well equipped, well fed, and in fine spirits. As there had been no rain for
many weeks, the dusty roads and scarcity of water made severe the necessary
marches to effect the concentration of the troops. But the prospect of a
successful assault on the works of Corinth with the capture of Rosecrans and his
army made buoyant the spirits of our soldiers. Jackson's cavalry led the way,
with Montgomery in front in command of the First Mississippi. We had ridden
about ten miles and reached Chiwalla hills, when we encountered a considerable
body of Federal cavalry, which Jackson ordered the Mississippians to charge. We
did it in gallant style and readily swept the Federals from the field, pursuing
them several miles. This was the first day of October.

  The next day we picketed the roads, while preparations and dispositions were
made for the assault. On the 3rd, the earth trembled with the roar of artillery
and the rattle of small arms, as Price drove the enemy before him north of the
M. & C. railroad. It was a struggle to the death, in which both sides lost
heavily. The Federal positions had been strengthened by heavy earthworks and
fallen timber, making very difficult the approach to the main fort. All day it
went well with the Confederates, though the killed and wounded were numerous.
Being in the rear, we saw much of the progress of the battle. It was, indeed, a
bloody spectacle to see the dead and wounded borne back for burial or surgical
attention. Our army held the position it had won and bivouacked on the field.
Early on the 4th, the battle recommenced with renewed fury. About noon, Colonel
Jackson was ordered to go round Corinth to the Iuka road leading east from
Corinth, supposedly, to intercept the enemy, who were thought to be making
preparations to escape; for we had heard that Price had captured the town. Our
brigade circled the town, passing many deserted picket posts and not seeing an
enemy, though we were at no time more than a mile from the courthouse,
invisible, however, because of intervening forests. Meanwhile, the thundering
cannon and rattling musketry were heard incessantly till we had come to the Iuka
road. Suddenly all firing ceased and oppressive silence followed. We could form
but one conjecture,-that the enemy had surrendered. Not being able to get
definite information, Jackson retraced the route he had come, until we reached
the road by which we had advanced on Corinth. Here, much to our surprise, we
found our army retreating. The Federals, however, were too badly demoralized to
make a vigorous pursuit. When Price was in Corinth, Lovell failed to come to his
support, and Price could not hope to hold the place against the heavy
reinforcements Grant had sent. During the night, McPherson's division from
Jackson, Tenn., had come in and were preparing to overwhelm Price. Also,
Hurlburt's division had marched down from Bolivar to Davis' Bridge, in order to
dispute our passage. With McPherson in our rear and Hurlburt in front of us, we
were apparently trapped. Shrewd generalship on the part of the Federals should
have captured our whole army. But Van Dorn boldly attacked Hurlburt at the
bridge, while the Confederate trains were ordered to take the only possible road
of escape, that up the Hatchie River. Our cavalry preceded the trains; and,
having crossed the Hatchie by a ford, we attacked Hurlburt's rear. Then for some
hours there were two Federal and two Confederate forces, one of each facing two
ways and fighting both in front and in rear. Van Dora, however, drew off at the
proper time and followed his trains, fording the Hatchie where we had crossed.
Then the cavalry fell back behind the infantry and covered their retreat. The
infantry on the march rearward drank all the wells dry, and all the creeks were
without water, so that the cavalry, men and horses, suffered greatly from
thirst, while the Federals pursued almost to Ripley. Often as many as a dozen
times daily, the First Mississippi were ordered to hold an assigned position
till further notice; then the enemy would advance in strong lines of infantry,
supported by batteries of artillery, and brisk fighting would continue, till we
were ordered to retire to a new position, where the same program would be
repeated. We grew very hungry, for our rations had all been devoured several
days before and the infantry, as they preceded us, had exhausted what supplies
we might otherwise have found along the road. Finally, to our great delight, the
enemy ceased to pursue us as we drew near to Ripley, and we were permitted to go
to our wagons. For the first time in many days we had a much-needed rest with
all the rations we could devour. The hillsides were covered with dewberries,
ripe and delicious; and, as sugar was issued to us in abundance, we feasted in
luxury.

  It may be well incidentally to explain just here, that the cavalry on leaving
Ripley in the advance on Corinth had started with three days' cooked rations,
and that under such circumstances a cavalryman, hoping to lighten the weight for
his horse as well as relieve himself of more or less annoyance, usually consumes
all his rations at once and trusts to luck for something to eat when hunger
overtakes him. On this expedition, however, we had all been too constantly in
the presence of the enemy and too actively engaged with them to find time and
opportunity to forage for man or beast, and in consequence had begun our retreat
from Corinth with our stomachs as thoroughly empty as our haversacks. Day after
day for several successive days, we had simply tightened our belts in lieu of
eating. It is not astonishing, therefore, that when we did get back to camp, we
all ate ravenously.

  While covering the retreat, let me say, that the First Mississippi elicited
praise from Colonel Jackson, who complimented especially the conduct of Captain
Gadi Herrin of the Bolivar Troopers, Captain Craven of the Noxubee Troopers and
Lieutenant Foote of the Noxubee Cavalry.


Additional Comments:
Volunteer transcription

Extracted from:

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PUBLICATIONS OF THE
MISSISSIPPI HISTORICAL SOCIETY

EDITED BY
DUNBAR ROWLAND, LL. D.
Secretary

CENTENARY SERIES VOLUME II


JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI
PRINTED FOR THE SOCIETY
1918

DEMOCRAT PRINTING COMPANY MADISON, WISCONSIN


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