BATTLE OF PAGELAND--A VICTORY TURNED INTO A DEFEAT BY
TREACHERY--DEATH OF GEN. LYON--ON THE TRAIL OF THE KNIGHTS
OF THE GOLDEN CIRCLE.
“Sorrow breaks seasons, and reposing hours,
Makes the night morning, and the noontide night.”
--Shakespeare
“During the two weeks intervening, Dr. Adams was engaged in carefully
writing from his very full shorthand notes the relation of facts as
given by Uncle Daniel. At the appointed time all were again present,
eager for a continuance of this interesting and remarkable history of
events only a short time past, and yet almost forgotten. When all were
seated Uncle Daniel began:
“The time between the sending of my report to the President of
Gen. Anderson's trip and his answer, with further instructions, was
considerable. Finally, I received a letter from the Secretary of War,
who seemed very much gratified about the information that had been
gathered, as also at the manner in which it had been obtained. He
requested that I send or go myself to Canada and ascertain such further
facts as I could in reference to the conspiracy and the movements of
the conspirators. Gen. Anderson, my son Jackson, and myself held a
consultation as to my going. They thought the undertaking too hazardous
for me to attempt, and finally Jackson proposed that he would go
himself, saying that it would be at least two months before Gen.
Anderson could again take the field for active operations; in the
meantime he (Jackson) could be profitably employed in this business for
the Government. This was agreed upon as the better course to pursue.
Jackson was at once given all the secrets of the Circle as far as
the General knew them. He studied the passwords, signs, and their
instructions until the General pronounced him sufficiently well informed
for a first class conspirator. And as soon as he could get himself in
readiness he started for Montreal, C. E., by way of New York. During
all this time the Circle had been busily at work, and the excitement was
increasing all over the country.
“The alarm for fear of the enemy in our rear was producing such a
condition of things as to endanger the safety of the people every
where in the West, and at this time much encouragement was given to
our enemies at home by the many failures of our armies in the East. The
army, as before stated, had been put under a new commander, Gen. Pike,
and the displeasure created among the ranking officers was easily to
be seen by their language and manner towards him. This feeling was
constantly fed by disparaging articles in the opposition press. The
enemy in arms could easily see that this was a golden opportunity, and
they availed themselves of it. They commenced a movement which indicated
an advance against our forces. Gen. Wall, of the rebel army, had by
rapid marches put himself between Gen. Pike and his base. This forced
a movement on the part of our troops to the rear, and necessitated an
immediate attack upon Gen. Wall in order to drive him back from the
threatening position he occupied. The troops were moved rapidly back
in the direction of Cow Creek, where it was intended by Gen. Pike to
assault him.
“The army was at last all collected in easy supporting distance, and
Pike moved out with Gen. Horn's corps and assaulted Gen. Dawn's division
of Wall's army. The contest was a spirited one, and lasted until well
in the night. Dawn finally retreated. During the night all arrangements
were made for an advance. The next morning the General-in-chief of the
rebel armies was moving by forced marches in order to join Wall prior
to any serious engagement, and Pike was determined to attack Wall before
the main army of the enemy could arrive; but, to his utter astonishment,
his forces under Farlin, ordered to join him from the base of supplies,
were not in motion as yet, as he ascertained; and so with Fitzgibbon,
who had been repeatedly urged to come with all dispatch. This left Pike
in such a condition that he must delay his attack, which delay might
bring great disaster to his army. Pike sent his staff officers to notify
those Generals of his desires and intentions, which was done; but all
manner of excuses were given for the delay. Finally, the next day, when
part of his forces had arrived, Fitzgibbon coming up leisurely with his
corps of magnificent soldiers, he was forced to commence the battle in
the absence of Farlin and his corps. He moved out, putting his cavalry
on the right flank, near Siddon Springs, threatening the left of Wall's
army, who were formed in line of battle at or near a small town called
Pageland. Rackett holding Pike's right, Shunk in the center, and
Brig-Gen. David Lyon on the left of Shunk, his left resting on the edge
of a grove of thick timber. The extreme left of the command was held by
Gen. Fitzgibbon's corps. It was understood that Fitzgibbon would attack
the enemy during the engagement on his right flank, and in that way
measurably destroy him. The troops being thus disposed they were
ordered to advance. The battle soon commenced by slight cavalry
skirmishing on our right. Our cavalry having met the cavalry of the
enemy, he, discovering our movements and positions, moved out to
meet us. The firing and cracking of carbines increased, until finally
musketry was distinguishable on the line fronting our cavalry. They soon
asked for support, which was sent, and the enemy driven back. At this
time skirmishing opened in several places on our infantry line, and
continued until our whole line was formed and advanced. The enemy having
advantage in position, did not advance to meet our forces, but held
themselves in readiness to receive any attack that our troops should
make upon them, Wall intending to save his men as much as possible, and
to hold out until the main rebel army should arrive. Finally an assault
was ordered all along the Une, and Wall was driven back to a deep
depression in the ground, behind which, on the rising slope beyond, he
reformed his line. Our forces pressed forward and assailed his left with
great energy. Wall gradually gave way and was being easily driven back,
when all at once a dash was made from the position to which they had
been forced. This onslaught was so vigorous and irresistible that our
forces had to give way and fall back to the main line. Gen. Rackett,
seeing this dash of the enemy, at once said:
“'These are fresh troops. They are re-enforcing from some other part of
the line.'
“This being communicated to the commanding General, he said they must
have weakened the center. In order to test this he ordered an assault to
be made at once upon their center. In this opinion he was correct. The
assault upon the enemy's center dislodged him and drove him in much
confusion back to another position. Our left then moved forward
rapidly with the same result, and the battle was going well and very
satisfactorily. Our right being then re-enforced, the enemy was driven
from his line at every point. Gen. Pike believing that he had the enemy
in a position where he could easily beat him, if his other forces would
come up promptly, sent to the rear to find Farlin, but he could not be
found. He said to one of his staff officers:
“'Does not this look as if I was betrayed?'
“The staff officer, now dead, replied:
“'General, this is what I have feared for some time. The movements of
the enemy look as though they were only fighting for time. You see
how easily they are forced back--in numbers engaged more than equal to
ours.'
“'What of Fitzgibbon on the left? I have not heard a gun in that
direction.'
“'Nor will you,' replied the officer.
“'But he has orders to attack at once. He must attack very soon, I am
sure. How can he see and hear a battle like this without engaging?'
“The officer made no reply. The General thought he would ascertain, and
ordered his staff officer to proceed to the line of Gen. Lyon, and ask
him to feel out from his left for Fitzgibbon, and to open communication
with him. This order being executed, Gen. Lyon reported that he could
not find any force to his left, but at the same time reported that there
was much noise and dust in his front on the main road, and he feared
re-enforcements for the enemy.
“Just then Gen. Mcintosh reported with his command, which had been
marching from Fitzgibbon's rear for some time in order to reach the
battlefield. As soon as he had reported Gen. Pike directed that, as soon
as his command could rest, so as to be in condition to move forward,
he desired him to move up in support of Gen. Lyon; as he feared
re-enforcements were moving to his (Lyon's) front.
“Just about this, time Fitzgibbon had discovered much dust rising in the
direction of the south. He called the attention of some of his officers
to it, and proposed a retreat. But his command did not think a retreat
without losing a man or testing the enemy would look quite soldierly,
and the retreat was abandoned for the present; but in a few moments an
immense flock of wild pigeons (having been by some means disturbed,)
came down like a great cloud, and the roaring sound they produced in
their flight so startled Gen. Fitzgibbon that he thought a large corps
of cavalry were charging upon him. Thereupon he immediately ordered his
men under cover and to prepare for retiring, at the same time announcing
that our forces were evidently beaten. Gen. Mcintosh moved forward and
at once engaged the enemy, and the battle became general.
“The enemy, then evidently being re-enforced, made several desperate but
unsuccessful assaults upon our center; but soon fresh troops were thrown
in its support, and our lost ground regained. Our right at this time
pressed forward, and at once were hotly engaged. Our artillery now
opened from the different positions occupied by our batteries. The
enemy's batteries promptly replied. Our cav airy were ordered to try and
penetrate to the rear of the enemy. Here was a contest between cavalry.
Carbines cracked and rattled almost like the heavy musketry of infantry.
Many a horse was seen going at full speed over the field riderless. Many
a cavalryman fell. At last a charge with sabers drawn was ordered. The
sight, as described to me, was one of grandeur to behold. On to the
charge they went, each saber flashing in the sunlight. Crash went saber
against saber. Sparks flew as if from heated steel. 'Forward?' was heard
on both sides. Flashes of sparks and ringing sounds from the steel as
saber came against saber. Arms were gashed, hands and faces were cut,
heads were cleft, and sabers pierced the bodies of the troopers on
either side.
[Illustration: Henry Lyon is Captured 135]
“Back went the rebel cavalry and on against them our men were thrown,
until infantry came to the enemy's support, accompanied by a battery
of artillery. A deadly fire from both was poured into the ranks of
our horsemen. Our lines staggered, then recovered again, but could not
withstand both the infantry and artillery. They were compelled to fall
back. Many were unhorsed and quite a number captured. Among them was my
son Henry, of the Michigan Cavalry. His horse was killed, and his own
back injured in the fall, so that he could not make good his escape.
(He was sent to the rear. I heard nothing from him for months--only
knew that he was taken prisoner.) But the command again rallied and held
their line on the flank of our infantry. The artillery on the left of
our line were having a regular duel with several batteries of the enemy.
Our center was being sorely pressed again. Column after column assaulted
and checked our advance. Gen. Pike was very anxious about his support,
and repeatedly sent to find Farlin, but the same report was made each
time, 'Not in sight; cannot be found.' At last a report came that Farlin
was some twenty miles away, and moving very leisurely.
“'My God!' exclaimed Gen. Pike, 'my army is sacrificed. These men will
not support me. The battle is to be lost, and perhaps all depends upon
the issue here to-day. To win this battle makes our success sure; to
lose it may be the loss of all.'
“He called an officer and said, 'Take this written order to Fitzgibbon.
He must attack at once.'
“Fitzgibbon was found beneath the shade of a broad oak. He had not fired
a gun; his men were panting for a chance to enter the contest. As the
officer passed along they cried out, 'Why not put us into the fight?'
How is the battle going?' 'Are we driving them?' 'The rebs are being
re-enforced; we can see troops coming down by Pageland.' (The town was
in full view from where they were impatiently waiting for the command
'Forward!')
“Gen. Fitzgibbon paid no attention to the order, except to say, 'Pike
doesn't know what he is doing.'
“The officer said, on returning, Fitzgibbon's men were lying by their
arms, (which were stacked,) and could be put into use instantly.
The General could not believe that the attack would not be made by
Fitzgibbon. The battle now was at white heat--infantry, artillery and
cavalry were all engaged. The lines swayed, sometimes the rebels were
gaining slight advantage, and then the forces on our side. Gen. David
Lyon's command was now all engaged.
“He drove the enemy through the woods where his left first rested. He was
handling his troops well. The commanding General came along where he was
engaged and complimented him very highly for the manner in which he was
succeeding on his part of the line. He then asked David (Gen. Lyon)
if he could hear any firing on his left. Gen. Lyon answered him in the
negative.
“'Is it possible? Are you not mistaken? It seems to me that I can hear
it.9
“'No, Gen. Pike,' said Gen. Lyon; 'you imagine so; for I assure you I
have watched and listened for some movement on my left. There has been
none whatever.'
“Gen. Shunk came up just at that moment and said:
“'Gen. Pike, Gen. Rackett is killed.'
“'Is that so? He was one of my most faithful Generals.'
“He sent an officer back to see that the next officer in rank should
take command at once.
“Gen. Shunk said to Gen. Pike:
“'I fear that re-enforcements for the enemy are coming up. I have just
captured some prisoners, who say they have marched fifteen miles to-day,
and were put into the battle as soon as they arrived. They also say that
the commander of the rebel armies is not more than ten miles away with
at least 20,000 men.'
“'Yes, that may be so; but if Fitzgibbon will attack on the left, as I
have ordered him positively to do, and Gen. Farlin comes up--who is not
farther away than the rebel troops--we will be their equal in numbers.'
“'Do you think Farlin is trying to get here, General?'
“'Why, he knows we are engaged. He is an old soldier and ought to do his
duty.'
“'True enough; but if he did not know his duty, and was not an old
soldier, he might come sooner than he will, knowing it. I do not like to
say so, General, but I have my suspicions that Farlin and Fitzgibbon do
not wish you to win this battle.'
“The conversation was here broken off. The enemy having made a desperate
assault on Shunk's command, he rode quickly away. By this time the
battle was terrific, and the slaughter terrible on both sides. The field
was beginning to look more like a slaughter-pen than anything else
to which it could be compared. Men were being brought to the rear on
stretchers, and also carried by their comrades without stretchers; in
fact, you know it was a very common thing for several men to take hold
of one to help him to the rear when sometimes the soldier had but a
scratch..
“Gen. Horn, who had been in reserve up to this time, came up with his
command and supported Gen. Mcintosh, who was now hard pressed. When Gen.
Horn entered the field he could be heard far away, having a stentorian
voice. He advanced rapidly and drove the right of Wall back far from his
main line; but here, in close supporting distance, lay Longpath, with
his fresh troops. He waited until Horn's line was clear in advance of
the main line, and at once set upon him with great ferocity, driving him
back on Mcintosh, that portion of our line giving way for the moment.
Gen. Lyon's command was then furiously attacked by fresh troops. They
stood the shock, but had finally to give way. Pike witnessed this
terrible fighting, and said again, 'Can it be possible that Farlin will
not get here in time to save this battle?' He again rode up to Gen. Lyon
and asked if he still heard nothing on his left. The General answered
'No.' He then directed him to send a courier through and communicate
with Fitzgibbon. By this time the heaviest fighting was on the right and
center, the firing having slackened on the left. The courier was gone
but a short time, when he returned and reported the enemy marching down
a road to our left and forming at right angles with our line. This was
easily understood, and as soon as possible our left was changed to face
the troops so forming on and across our flank. New troops were thrown in
at this point, to enable proper resistance to be made, their attack on
our angle being made as a diversion.
“This attack now having been repulsed, the enemy were driven back, and
quite a number of prisoners captured; the soldiers became much elated
and commenced cheering, which was taken up all along the line. On our
left our officers took it that Farlin had arrived, or that Fitzgibbon
had sent word that he was going to attack at once and relieve the
situation, the position of the troops facing our left being such that he
could attack them in the rear. But all were doomed to be disappointed.
The rebels forming on our left were troops just arriving and under the
immediate command of the General-in-chief of the rebel army. They were
soon in position, and their skirmishers moving through the woods in the
direction of our refused left. The situation was critical indeed. The
commanding General ordered all the artillery that could be brought into
battery to be placed in position on this flank. The line then held by
Wall on his left could not be abandoned, nor could he draw from his
center, as he was being pressed all along that part of the line. But on
they came through the woods. None but infantry could get through without
great delay. They opened fire. Our line gave way, and fell back to the
support of the batteries. Finally the batteries all opened, and like
the roar of mighty thunders was the noise. The earth shook as though an
earthquake was disturbing it. Fire was vomited forth as though it were
from the mouth of some burning volcano. Destruction and death were dealt
out unsparingly to the enemy. They started to charge the batteries, and
with that hideous yell that they seemed only to employ or understand,
on they came. But finally, when they could stand against the torrent
of shot and shell no longer, they broke to the rear in great confusion.
“Gen. Pike saw the success, and exclaimed: 'If my other troops would
only come up, or Gen. Fitzgibbon attack, the day would soon be ours.'
“But he was doomed to further disappointment. They did not come up,
neither did they attack. The rebel General soon took in the whole
situation. He put his artillery in battery on a hill to the right of
our refused line, so as to concentrate his fire on the flank of our
batteries and force them to change position. This being done he
opened some eighteen guns. This forced a change in the position of our
batteries, and there and then commenced, one of the most destructive
artillery duels that was ever witnessed. Battery horses were killed on
both sides, gunners blown to pieces by shell, officers and men mangled,
Gen. Mosely, on the rebel side, had his head shot off, and a Colonel and
two Captains were blown to pieces on our side. While this duel was going
on the rebel General was reforming his men for another infantry attack
on our left. At this moment Gen. Pike said to Gen. Lyon:
“'General, I hear guns over to our left.'
“Gen. Lyon listened, and answered:
“'Well, General, I believe you are correct. I think I heard a gun.'
“Pike then believed that Fitzgibbon had made an attack, and would compel
the enemy to withdraw their forces directly on our left. But he was
mistaken. No attack was made except the one by the rebels. Very soon
afterwards they had completed their line, and, knowing the value of a
flank attack, again assaulted in the same manner as before. They came
this time with more caution than before, but with a stronger force.
They opened fire on both sides about the same time. The battle was now
renewed all along the line--cavalry, infantry and artillery. The Unes
wavered occasionally on both sides. The left of our line gave way at
first, but rallied again. Gen. Lyon rode up and down his line, cheering
his men. He led them again and again against the seeming adamantine wall
of rebels, and finally forced them back slowly, holding all the ground
gained. By this time our center was penetrated and broken. Our troops
could not be rallied for some time. The rebels seeing our confusion took
advantage of it, and with the intrepidity of so many demons made another
attack on all parts of the line and forced our whole line some distance
to the rear. It looked for an hour as though all was lost. At one time
our lines seemed to be melting away and becoming disorganized. They were
rallied again, however, and formed a new line about a mile in the rear
of our first. Both armies were exhausted. Fresh troops then to our aid
would have settled the fortunes of the day in our favor But they did
not come. Gen. Pike thought that whoever made the first attack would
be successful, and ordered our line forward. They moved cautiously, but
steadily, attacking and driving the enemy back. He kept falling back
until he occupied his first line and we ours. Our left, however, was
soon struck by a division of fresh troops, and was driven back some
distance through the woods with great loss. My dear son, Gen. Lyon,
here, while rallying his men, was shot through the heart and instantly
killed.”
[Illustration: Death of General Lyon 142]
“The old man wept bitterly, and many tears rolled down the cheeks of his
listeners. When he could resume he said:
“If Fitzgibbon had attacked as was expected, our flank could not have
been turned, and the great slaughter that occurred on this part of the
line would have been avoided. Night here closed the day's slaughter with
our left completely turned and our troops demoralized. They passed the
night on their arms. The next morning at daylight the attack was resumed
by the rebels and our army was beaten. Gens. Stepleton and Kearnan fell
on that day, with many other brave officers and men. No battle lost
during the war fell with more crushing effect upon the loyal people than
did the defeat of the Army of the East at the battle of Pageland. The
battle was lost by the failure of Farlin and Fitzgibbon to support Gen.
Pike. They did just what the President and Secretary of War feared they
would do--that was, fail in supporting Pike, the new commander. Their
idea was to dictate the commander or not fight. One would think that men
who had fed upon the charity of the Government from youth to middle age
would be inspired by a more lofty feeling and sentiment. But this is a
mistake. You cannot infuse patriotism by drilling at a college or in
the field. This comes from the nursery of the mother. Nor can you put
brains, commonsense or courage where God has refused it. The question
with these men was, 'Do you belong to a certain chosen few?' If so, that
was put above every other consideration. A volunteer, no matter how
much he might develop a genius for military affairs, could have no
recognition at their hands.
“The fact that Julius Caesar and Napoleon Bonaparte were great generals
without military training except in the field proved nothing. If men
like those who first commanded our army in the East, and who formed the
coterie, had lived during the Revolutionary War, Washington and the
best of his generals would not have been permitted to have commanded a
brigade, if these men could have controlled as they did at the outbreak
of the rebellion. The same feeling has grown among our people since
the war, until the brains of a man cuts but little figure in matters
connected with governmental affairs. He must belong to one of two
classes: either a snob or one who has made a fortune. No matter whether
he made it selling rotten blankets to the Government, worthless arms
for the soldiers, bad meat, diseased horses, small mules, rotten and
poorly-put-together harness, or procured his money in some other way--if
he has it, the conclusion is at once that he is a great man and full of
wisdom. These things are unfortunate in a government like ours. But
this is the tendency, and has been for many years. Dash and swell is the
motto now; it is growing more in that direction every day. But I have
wandered away from my subject. The battlefield of Pageland and its
surroundings was a sight to behold the day after our defeat. The private
soldiers felt outraged and officers were discouraged, and many good
people despaired of our final success. Even the President was more
despondent than he had ever been, but still had faith in God and our
cause. The losses on both sides were very great. The country all around
was by both sides turned into a great hospital. The army was almost
disorganized; it certainly was most thoroughly demoralized. Gen. Pike
was relieved, and McGregor put in command again. Fitzgibbon was sent to
the rear without a command. Farlin was everywhere by every friend of his
country severely censured. Fitzgibbon was denounced as a traitor to his
superior officer.
“The mournful part to myself and family had only in part come upon us.
Dr. James Lyon, having cut one of his hands in making an amputation,
feared bad results from the wound; for that reason he procured a leave
of absence, and accompanied the remains of his brother David home. I
will not attempt to describe to you the depth of grief in our family,
from the oldest to the youngest. It was greater than I now wish to
recall, even though so many years have passed since that melancholy
scene. Suffice it to say that Gen. David Lyon fills the grave of as
gallant and noble a soldier as ever drew a sword. He rests beside his
wife and little daughter Sarah in the cemetery at Allentown.”
“The old man, overcome by this recital, could not speak for some time,
but finally continued:
“Gen. Anderson was very sad. Dr. James was very restless with his hand,
which had commenced swelling and was becoming extremely painful. My
wife Sarah and Jennie (David's widow) were stricken down with fever,
requiring the constant attendance of Mary Anderson and Aunt Martha
for many days before their recovery was assured. In the meantime Peter
arrived, the wound in his foot having broken out again. When he came to
his mother's bedside she said:
“'O! Peter, my son, that horrible dream haunts me still.'
“This dream from the first had a very depressing effect upon Peter,
though he pretended to think nothing of it. We now commenced casting
about to see if there was any way to have Henry exchanged. He being
merely a private soldier, this was not so easy of accomplishment, as
if he had been an officer. During the evening, while we were engaged in
conversation in the parlor, Aunt Martha came in and said:
“'Uncle Daniel, dar's a young lady on de porch who wants to see you very
bad, she say, on mos' obticlar bizness.'
“'Tell her to come in,' was my answer.
“In a moment a very modest and rather pretty young lady walked in. She
was evidently greatly embarrassed. I arose, and extending my hand asked
her to be seated. She sat down for a moment, and then hesitatingly said:
“'Your wife is unwell, I understand, Mr. Lyon?'
“'Yes,' I replied; 'very unwell. She has had a great sorrow recently.'
“'Yes, sir; so I understand. I very much desired to see her, but will
not annoy her at this time. I had a matter about which I wished to speak
with her. You know, women give their confidence to one another; but I
hope you will allow me to give mine to you, as your wife is sick?'
“'Yes, my good girl; you can say what you wish to me.'
“'Well, Mr. Lyon'--she then hesitated.
“'I encouraged her to proceed.
“'Well, I am on my way South, and I wish your good offices in getting
through the lines.'
“'How can I assist you, my child?'
“'I hear, sir, that you are a great friend of the President, and I
thought perhaps you might intercede for me.'
“'May I inquire for what purpose you wish to go South? Do your people
live there?'
“'No, sir; I live in Michigan. I was never farther South than this
place, and this is my first visit here. My name is Seraine Whitcomb. I
am going South to see what I can do to have a young man exchanged who is
now a prisoner in the hands of the rebels.
“'Is he your brother?' I inquired.
“She blushed, and replied:
“'No, sir, he is not a relative; but one in whom I am much interested.'
“I saw through the whole matter at once, but did not press the young
lady further. If I had only known whom she meant I would have embraced
her as the greatest little heroine living. She said she only wished a
letter from me to the President; that she would do the rest herself.
This letter I gave her without further questions. She was so modest and
yet so brave. She took the letter, bade me good-by, and left. As she
went out she remarked:
“'Do not be surprised if you should receive a letter from me at some
future time.'
“After she had gone Peter remarked that perhaps she was sent down South
by the Golden Circle, and I might be bestowing favors on the wrong
person. I said, 'True, but I will take my chances on that girl's being
honest, and, not only honest, but a regular little heroine.'
“Here the conversation on this subject came to an end, and we took up
the condition of the army. Peter said the jealousies between officers in
the Army of the East were strange; that there was nothing of this
kind among the Western troops; that all seemed to have the same common
purpose, and that was success; but, said he, it may be partly accounted
for in this, that we are all alike unskilled in the arts of war, and do
not know enough to get up these conspiracies and jealousies. We are all
volunteers, save two or three, and all obey orders, and go into a battle
to win, each one believing he is doing the best fighting. It seems
that at the battle of Pageland the only object of some of the leading
commanders was to find some way to lose the battle and at the same time
save their own scalps.
“Gen. Anderson said:
“'Well, I do not know how I may succeed as a commander; but I will have
the courage to relieve any man, and send him to the rear, of whom I
may have the least suspicion, whether it be for cowardice, want of
good intentions toward the Government, good faith toward his superior
officer, or for any other cause that might give uneasiness about his
properly performing his duty.'
“'That would seem to me to be the proper course for any commander of
forces,' I replied.”
“Uncle Daniel,” said Dr. Adams, “I am curious to know what became of
those two generals--Farlin and Fitzgibbon.”
“Well, sir, the same power that is now rewarding those who struck us
the heaviest blows, both North and South, is paying homage to these men.
They are both held in high esteem by many people, and you would think
they were the only loyal men that were near the battlefield on that
day.”
“Yes,” said Col. Bush; “to have lost an arm or leg on the Union side
is like the brand of Cain nowadays; but to have been a rebel or to have
belonged to the Golden Circle, or failed in some way by which the rebels
profited or gained advantage, entitles one to a medal or some high
position of honor and emolument.”