Page updated 08/12/2004.
When the Union lines advanced towards Corinth, a battery was planted on an eminence commanding a considerable, portion of the country, but completely shrouded from view by a dense thicket. Scouts were sent out to discover the exact position of the rebels, and were but a short distance in advance, to give a signal as to the direction to fire, if any were discovered.
One of the rebel commanders, unaware of the presence of the nationals, called around him a brigade, and commenced addressing them in something like the following strain:
“Sons of the South: We are here to defend our homes, our wives and daughters, against the horde of Vandals who have come here to possess the first and violate the last. Here upon this sacred soil, we have assembled to drive back the Northern invaders —drive them into the Tennessee. Will you follow me? If we cannot hold this place we can defend no spot of our Confederacy. Shall we drive the invaders back, and strike to death the men who would desecrate our homes? Is there a man so base among those who hear me as to retreat from the contemptible foe before us ? I will never blanch before their fire, nor —"
At this interesting period the signal was given, and six shells fell in the vicinity of the gallant officer and his men, who suddenly forgot their fiery resolves, and fled in confusion to their breastworks.
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Page updated 08/12/2004.