Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 19.djvu/379

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Fort Donelson.

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type of a Christian soldier. I told Dr. Hoge of this incident in his friend's life many years ago, and my impression is, some mention was made of it in a sketch of his life.

SALUTED VIRGINIA'S FLAG.

Soon after Captain Harrison had finished the Psalm we saw coming along the lines all the generals and their aids. Our regiment had no Confederate colors, but only the standard of Virginia emblazoned on its folds, " Virginia, Sic Semper Tyrannis" General John B. Floyd passed us, looking sternly to the front. Generals Buckner and Bushrod Johnson simply touched their caps to our flag. Then came General Gideon J. Pillow, superbly mounted and splendidly dressed.

GENERAL PILLOW'S TRIBUTE.

He reined in his horse and facing our regiment said so that all could hear, pointing to our glorious banner : " I trust to old Vir- ginia my safety and my honor." The effect was electrical, and in- spired the Virginians with renewed hopes and courage.

BUCKNER BELOVED.

But all the officers and men centered their confidence in Buckner. He had drilled our brigade the Sunday evening before at Russell- ville, Ky., and all knew him. He looked every inch a typical mili- tary man and leader. The result showed their confidence was not misplaced. Floyd and Pillow turned over the command to Buckner and escaped in safety. Buckner stood by his men and surrendered with them.

PREDICTION VERIFIED.

On the evening of the first day after fighting commenced, the Con- federates took as prisoner a captain of an Indiana company. He was brought to my camp under guard, and while sitting before the camp-fire at night I asked him who commanded the Federal Army. He replied, "General U. S. Grant." When asked where he came from, as we had never heard of him before, he said : " You will know him well enough before Saturday night, and his initials are ominous, meaning, ' Unconditional Surrender ' Grant." His predictions were

verified, much to our astonishment.

T. D. J.