Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Reminiscence of Belmont

Corporal Johnson who is here with his Panorama, was wounded in the retreat at the battle of Belmont. The wound paralyzed his right leg and he fell, some 20 yards form the spot were Captain Kittredge of Ottumwa was lying dangerously wounded. A rebel ruffian seeing the helpless condition of the Corporal, ran up and attempted to bayonet him. The Corporal caught the bayonet, and kept the fellow off until another rebel soldier came up, who interfered in favor of the Corporal, and denounced the ruffianism of his comrade. The Corporal expressed a desire to be taken from the field, as a charge toward the place where he was lying was expected from the rebel cavalry; but on recognizing his captain, he was in obedience to a request, conveyed to the place where that officer lay. There they lay until they were carried prisoners to Columbus.

While in the Hospital at Columbus, a subordinate rebel officer came to Captain Kittredge, and remarked tauntingly: I guess Sir, that you have found out that the Confederate troops can fight like devils. How is it that you Lincoln Abolitionists do not fight any better? Just at this moment a rebel Colonel overhearing the remark, stepped up to his subordinate, and taking him roughly by the collar, said indignantly: “No more of that, Sir. I desire you to understand that the wounded prisoners under my care, are not to be abused by you or any body else. The Federal troops do fight, and I am sorry to say that the Soldiers of the Iowa Seventh did fight like hell, Sir!” The reprimanded rebel walked off with a moderately large flea in his ear. – Des Moines Register.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 2

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