Caddo- My Home Town

Grandma Folsom

Caddo Herald

September 14, 1917

Gone Home

            When the rose petals fall and scatter we all know there has existed beauty, fragrance, and blessings, and so on last Friday morning when the word passed from lip to lip that “Grandma Folsom is dead”, everyone learned anew of the purity of heart and mind which had animated and inspired the simple and humble, yet great and grand life she had lived here. We looked upon that mortal body as it lay in that handsome white couch casket, the peaceful repose upon that face, the aristocratic profile, all blended to make death beautiful. There was no sting to that death, and in that face one could plainly see the assurance that she had gone to be forever with the God and Father who she so loved and served.

            “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God”, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” “He that loveth not knoweth not God, for God is love”.

            The great love and tender mercy which ruled Mrs. Folsom’s life work were abundantly and generously demonstrated in raising nine orphan children. In 1850 when Mr. Joel Nail was a nursing baby, she went to Arkansas and brought home with her “Baby Carr”, with whom she shared her own baby’s nourishment. and this child later became the aunt of Mrs. A.B. McCoy.

            An Indian woman once came to her home with a pitiful and neglected looking baby. Mrs. Folsom’s mother’s heart was grieved at this and she began to plan to get the child. The woman was a great tobacco user and when she was going to leave she asked Mrs. Folsom for tobacco. and she told her that she would give her tobacco for her baby. The woman at once traded and Mrs. Folsom kept the child for a while when it became sick and died. Two of the children she raised were beside her in death, and were heard to say “I have lost the best friend I ever had on earth.”

            “To the pure all things are pure.”

            In early years she was a devout member of the Methodist church in Caddo- in later years she embraced the Christian science faith and the funeral services were conducted at her home by Mrs. M.A. Franklin, the Science Practitioner here. The body was accompanied to the Nail Cemetery near the old Nail Crossing. There in that quiet and dear old country forest lies the mortal remains of a good woman, away form the noise and turmoil of life; away from the strife and toil that so often make us wander from and forget God and the hour when we are to meet him face to face. How good for the living to go to such a spot for a season and to have time to think! In the depths of that silent forest enclosed by an iron fence, in the midst of the square and stately cedar and beneath its drooping branches a family monument with four sides. One side bore the name of the first husband, Jonathan H. Nail, to whom she was married in 1848 near old Doaksville, and from which union our Mr. Joel Nail is the only child. The next side is in memory of her second and last husband, Daniel H. Folsom to whom she was married in 1867. The third side bears the name of her only and beloved brother, J. H. Foster whom she raised and with who he always made his home. The fourth side was a blank, and in that space her own name will be placed.

            In 1866 she planned and bought this monument- leaving the one side for her own name. Mr. Joel Nails says he well remembers the day the monument came and was placed there and the calm, the stillness, when they all looked upon that blank. No word was spoken but all knew. Mr. Joel Nail, her only surviving blood heir, and Mrs. Vivian Locke, and D.O. Nail, Sr., her only surviving grand children. During her last illness she was in Mrs. Locke’s home where she so loved to be and where nothing was spared to make her last days happy and comfortable.

            Her mantle of generosity has fallen upon Mrs. Locke, and we commend to all these loved ones that they be as she was, “ready to see God”.

Respect

Caddo Herald

March 12, 1915

O.E.S. Resolutions

            Whereas, God, in His infinite wisdom, has seen fit to call from the scenes of her earthly cares and labor to Himself for Life Eternal our beloved sister,

            Mrs. Emily O. Harrison

            And Whereas, in her removal from our midst, the Caddo Chapter Order of Eastern Star has lost a valued and beloved member; her husband a faithful wife, her children a fond mother, and her relatives a dear loved one; therefore be it

            Resolved, by Caddo Chapter No. 52, O.E.S., that we shall greatly miss her presence, counsel and companionship; and that we commiserate with her loved ones who are left upon earth. We would point them to the source of joy, comfort and hope, for solace in their great grief.

            Be it further resolved, that a copy of these resolutions be furnished to the family of deceased, a copy spread upon the minutes of the Chapter, and a copy be published in The Caddo Herald.

            Mrs. Dodd

            Mattie Lynch

            A.G. Wright

                        Committee

Resolutions of Respect

The Music Club of Caddo has been called upon to take note of the passing through the “Valley of the Shadow of Death”, our dear friend and member Mrs. Retta (Semple) Allen; and in some way convey to the family and her many friends our feelings of love, and reverence to her memory.

No resolutions, no written words can express our sorrow and bereavement, and while we bow in humble submission to the truth, “He doeth all things well” we feel keenly the irreparable loss her family, her church, her friends, and our town has sustained, yet we have the blessed assurance from her life and testimony that she “need fear no evil” for His rod and staff would comfort her.

We extend to her beloved ones our deepest sympathy and commend them to our Heavenly Father for consolation.

She had so lived that “when the summons came for her to join the innumerable caravan that goes to the silent hall of death, with an unfaltering trust and steadfast faith, she could enfold herself in the promise of Him who had sustained her in life, and go, like one “who wraps the drapery of her couch about her, and lies down to pleasant dreams.” 

“A little while, a happy while-

                And then the unstained breath

Of human life went softly out,

                And that they said was death.

I knew it was not death, but life

                When Jesus stopped to say,

I am the way, the truth, the life,

                And led the soul away.”   

            It is the desire of the Music Club that a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to the bereaved family, also published in our local paper, and that a page of the minutes of the Music Club be inscribed with the same.

            Ella Bilbo

            Beatrice Chiles

            Ella Edwards

                        Committee

Red Cross

Before I post these pieces about the Red Cross, I want to tell you how wonderful it was to meet a reader in person this weekend! It's nice to know that my little blog is on someone's "favorites" list. I love hearing from people and knowing that the information I find is helpful. When I first started sharing my little hobby I wondered if people would care. Nice to know you do!

Also want you to know that the Beautification and Preservation Committee of TRAC is hard at work planting new flowers and tending the old ones. It should be a great spring and summer in Caddo. Come and visit!

Caddo Herald

June 8, 1917

Red Cross Organized

            Monday afternoon the ladies of Caddo met at the I.O.O.F hall to make souvenir badges to pin on the boys when they registered Tuesday.

            After this work was finished, at the suggestion of Mrs. C.A. Bilbo, a Red Cross society was temporarily organized, a charter to be secured as soon as possible. Thirty-six charter members were enrolled and the following officers elected: J.L. Boland, president, Mrs. Clower, first vice-president; Miss Phyllis Hancock, second vice-president, and Mrs. Ernest Bass third vie-president, Miss Antionette Peters, secretary, A.F. Manning, treasurer.

            The society will meet again next Monday p.m. at 3 o’clock at the I.O.O.F. hall.

            It is the duty of every woman and girl as well as every man who can not serve in the army, to line up with the Red Cross organization and add his or her bit to the support of our boys who will soon be at the front.

            Come next Monday and add your name to the rapidly growing list and bring your dollar for one year’s dues.   

Caddo Herald

November 30, 1917

Be a Doer

            Join the Red Cross Society in Caddo and help the ladies to help the boys in the trenches.

            To hold our Charter we must have five hundred members in and around Caddo. We now have 158 members and need YOU to complete the number.

            The work is entirely voluntary. You are not obligated to go to France, but what work you will do, will be done at home.  You will be furnished with the necessary materials and allowed to take the work home to be done at you leisure.

            The finished goods will be sent to the boys in the army so that they may be more comfortably clad during the winter- thus they will be better able to defend their country.

            The work-rooms are in the Howe-Cossart building, and the work will be done on designated afternoons and only the knitting work will be taken home.

            Anyone wishing to join will give their names to either Mrs. John Crutchfield, Mrs. Amos K. Bass, or Miss Antionette Peters. Do not wait to be asked or urged, but phone or see one of the committee at once.

Belle Hastings, Curtis, Jones, Ainsworth

I found this obit yesterday and I have a feeling this woman is someone's "brick wall". That's what we call a person who eludes our research efforts. Brick walls are often women, simply because they marry and move away from their hometowns. The fact that this woman married three times would make following her trail even more challenging! I did just the briefest research of her name yesterday and found at least three contradictory reports. So, even though newspapers, including the Herald, often make mistakes, I'm hoping there is enough information here to solve some research problems for several families! Enjoy!

Caddo Herald

March 1, 1918

Gone Home

            In Benton County, Ark. Feb. 22, 1835 there came to the home of Mr. and Mrs. H.C. Hastings a blue-eyed baby girl whom they named “Belle”. Last Sunday afternoon the citizens of Caddo assembled at the Cemetery to pay their last tribute to the mortal body of this same one known to them as Aunt Belle Ainsworth. Aunt Belle’s first distinction was being born on Feb. 22 and on that day of 1918 she was 82 years old.

            Her first marriage was to Tom Curtis in 1852 and to this marriage was born four children. Bob Zeigler of Caddo is a grandson and Charles Rudabeg and Ida Habish are the other two surviving grandchildren.

            In 1876 Mrs. Bell Curtis married the noted Choctaw, cowman, politician, and chief, Wilson Jones. During her life as Mrs. Wilson Jones she made her home at Cade mostly but maintained a residence in Sherman, Texas, at which place she would spend a few months occasionally.

Before marrying Gov. Jones, Mrs. Jones had confessed her Christ and united with the Methodist church, but being under deep conviction for months that she had complied with the Savior’s command and example to “be buried with him in baptism and be raised again to walk in newness of life”.  She arose one morning and before eating her breakfast got a preacher and went to the water and was buried in baptism and said she as the Eunuch went on her way rejoicing.

After Gov. Jones’ death she continued her residence at Cade and sent for Mr. and Mrs. Frank January to live with her. In 1909 she married the old esteemed Caddo citizen, W. H. Ainsworth.

She had been a great sufferer for months, but was given every attention that love and money could secure; and the constant and untiring care given her by her kindred who came of ten and spent months with her. Among these were Mrs. M.F. Montgomery, Miss Belle January and last fall her grandson Bob Zeigler, and his good wife and daughter moved here to be near and with her.

Aunt Belle was a cultured and refined woman, surrounded by wealth and social position, but best of all she was a consecrated devout Christian- meek and lowly, loving man and God.

She bore her last affliction in cheerful submission, knowing that God is our refuge and a very pleasant help in time of trouble.

The funeral services were held at the home, conducted by Rev. B.S. Smiser, assisted by Brother Higgenbottom who was a constant and faithful minister of comfort during her long illness. Mrs. Blessing conducted the service of music, and Aunt Belle’s favorite hymns, “Nearer My God to Thee”, When the Roll is Called Up Yonder”, and “Jesus Lover of My Soul”, were among those used.

The good old timers, friends and town builders, Jack Moore, John Crutchfield, Arthur Manning, Lake Brewer, Henry Chiles, and Henry Edwards were pall bearers.

After appropriate services at the grave, the body was placed in its last resting place in the January lot. The grave was beautifully lined, and the couch casket was a beautiful white velvet, couch style, with heavy silver mountings.

Aunt Belle has gone from us but her life will live on.   

Birds of Caddo

I found a rare gem this week, thanks to my friend Jan, who learned of a bird study done in Caddo in the early 1800s. She was trying to locate a copy and asked for my help. Well, it turns out that Mr. Wells W. Cooke was here in 1883 and studied the birds in the area for seven months. He also made some wonderful comments about the climate and happenings. I've copied a bit of it here and you can read the other twenty pages at Some Winter Birds of Oklahoma.

LESS has been published about the birds of Oklahoma than about

those of any other state in the Union. It seems advisable therefore

that a record should be made of the notes made during a seven

month’s' residence there the winter of 1883-4. The center of

observation was the town of Caddo, on the M. K. and T. Ry.,

twenty miles north of Denison, Texas. The country at that time

-- the Choctaw Nation- - was devoted principally to the grazing of

beef cattle. Right in the town of Caddo there were a few small

cotton and corn fields, but a half mile in any direction brought one

to the open range, never as yet overstocked and scarcely changed

from its condition before it was trod by the white man's foot. Much

the same could be said about the timber. There were no forests

anywhere and no evergreens. The country as a whole was well

grassed prairie, but every little 'branch' was fringed with brush,

and when enough of these had united to make a permanently

flowing stream its banks were lined with a thin fringe of trees, which

widened as the stream enlarged until it became a bottomland of

tall fine hardwood timber. Such a bottomland existed six miles

south of Caddo along the Blue River and many of the observations

here recorded were made in this timbered area. It had never been

lumbered and the few enormous black walnut logs that had been

marketed- logs so large that twelve yoke of oxen were required

to haul a single log- had made no impression on the tract as a

whole. In fact the conditions so far as land birds were concerned,

were the same as though the country had never been settled making it

all the more desirable that bird notes made at that time

should be published for comparison with conditions as they exist

today.

The writer reached Caddo August 27, 1883 and left there April 8,

1884. Although bird observations were a side issue, yet close

watch was kept of the ever shifting bird population, several hundred

birds were collected for purposes of identification, while a bird

diary extending over more than eighty foolscap pages serves as the

basis for the following notes...

The trees had shed about half their leaves by November 9, the

first norther of the season November 13 froze water slightly and

stripped off many more, while a real norther November 26 tore off

most of the remainder.

The first hard rain of the season, December 3, marked the beginning

of the wet season; the 'tanks' were filled for the first time

since July, and December 13, the lowlands were half-flooded by a

down pour. A norther and everything frozen December 19; a

temperature of 74 degrees on December 23 and freezing the next day;

real winter from December 24 to January 27, with zero weather on January 5 and +4 degrees on January 24...

17. Tympanuchus americanus americanus. PRAIRIE CHiCKEN.-

The open country around Caddo was especially adapted to the needs of the

prairie chicken and they were one of the common birds. Some 18-20

covies were reared within a radius of a mile of the town and by September

24, these had begun to unite into larger flocks. At least a hundred were

seen in one small field November 6. In the early fall while they were in the

original covies they would lie well to a dog and gave good sport. As the

flocks became larger the birds became much more wary until by early

December it was difficult to get within even rifle shot. Each flock had

sentinels posted on commanding elevations, and when these gave the

alarm the whole flock was off and seldom flew less than half a mile before

alighting.

20. Cathartes aura septentrionalis. TURKEY VULTURE.-- An

abundant summer resident and equally common throughout the winter.

In fact this species and the Black Vulture were so numerous that in the fall

and early winter when cattle feed was good and dead animals were few,

these two species had hard work to get a living. They could be seen sailing

overhead in great flocks seeking for food, or sitting in long lines on the fences.

An animal killed in the morning would be picked clean by night and there

was great quarreling with some fighting over the carcass. After the snows

and freezing rains came cattle began to die by the hundred, and before

spring more than 15,000 died within 30 miles of Caddo. Then, particularly

in March, scarcely a Vulture was ever seen in the air. They became

so particular that they would not touch a carcass on the prairie but selecting

those that had fallen in or near timber, would gorge themselves, fly

heavily to the nearest tree and stay there until there was room in their

bodies for more of their disgusting food.

There seemed to be considerable increase in the numbers of the Turkey

Vulture during October, especially October1 8-20, and probably this is the

time that migrants from the north arrived.

Mrs. Allen

Caddo Herald

March 5, 1915

Mrs. J. R. Allen

            At the family home in Caddo Tuesday afternoon at 6:10 o’clock, Mrs. Dr. J. R. Allen died of blood poisoning. The funeral was held Thursday afternoon at 2:30 at the Methodist church, conducted by Rev. G. L. Crow and Rev. S. J. McMurry.

            The immediate cause of the malady was the picking of a pimple on her face last Thursday with a needle. Dangerous symptoms were not manifested until Saturday, after which the best medical skill and tenderest care were of no avail, and death came peacefully Tuesday evening.

            Deceased was the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Semple; was born and raised near Caddo, was known and loved by everybody for her kindness of heart and temper. In 1908 she was married to Dr. J. R. Allen, and two children were born to them: James being four years old, and an infant born last November. Besides these she leaves three sisters, Mrs. R. H. Carraway, Mrs. Joe Doxee, and Miss Anne Semple; three brothers, F.P. Semple, W. F. Semple and Chas. C. Semple all living in Caddo except W.F. Semple, whose home is in Durant.

            Mountains of flowers and a vast attendance at the funeral attested to the esteem and love in which deceased was held by those who knew her. She was a member of the Methodist Church to which she was loyal and devoted.

            During the funeral every business house in town was closed out of respect for the deceased.

County Jail Problems Nothing New

The Caddo Herald

September 5, 1913

Riot at Jail

What resembled a miniature war was pulled off at the county jail on Saturday night, when officers were forced to shoot into the county jail to drive the prisoners away from the window, and to prevent their escape, and to force them to be quiet. The shooting was heard in nearly every portion of the city, and large crowds flocked to the jail yard expecting to find someone writhing in human gore, but instead they found the prisoners soaked with water that had been turned on them in an endeavor to stop the mutiny.

For some reason the prisoners in the jail started on the war path early in the evening, when they demolished about everything that could be broken up in the jail, even tearing down the lights. Quiet was restored, but it lasted for only about thirty minutes, for they again began their loud and boisterous capers. This time they began their antics by tearing up their beds, using the iron railings in an attempt to batter down the steel bars at the west window, and it was at this time that the shots were fired into the top to the jail to scare the prisoners and force them to leave the window, and it had the desired effect, for the mutinous prisoners made their “fade away” in great shape. But it did not close their mouths, and only seemed to add strength to their lungs, for they began their yelling in renewed vigor, acting as wild maniacs, and it was at this juncture that the “water cure” was resorted to. But even this had little effect, and the prisoners kept up their wild acts until County Attorney Walter Turnbull gave them straight talk, telling them that their action was a disgrace to civilization and that it would have to be stopped. He talked and reasoned with the prisoners and they promised to keep quiet the remainder of the night, and the people within blocks of the jail were allowed to go to sleep for the balance of the night.

When the prisoners were at their worst, one of them threw a soda pop bottle through the iron bars at Deputy Terry of Caddo, who was present. The bottle broke, and one of the flying pieces hit Mr. Terry on the thumb, making a bad wound.

The county officials say that they will have no more such conduct, and the next time the prisoners cut up such capers, stern measures will be resorted to. The trouble seems to be between the jailer and the men, the men clamoring for a new jailer. – Durant Democrat

This and That

Today I'm pulling out a little of this and a little of that for your entertainment and enlightenment. Some of the bits of information won't mean much to you, but they might be very important to the person connected to the item.

Caddo Herald

August 12, 1910-All members of the Farmers Institute are requested to meet at the court room in Caddo Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock for purpose of considering matters pertaining to the Corn Carnival given under auspices of this institute. W. M. Braudrick, President, Frank Lawrence, Secty.

March 5, 1915- D.B. Williams, W.W. Baxter and T.M. Hargraves are in Durant this week serving as jurymen at district court.

March 12, 1915- The Embroidery Club met Wednesday afternoon with Mrs. A. M. McPherren. Two new members, Mrs. Ella Bilbo and Mrs. A. M. Smith were received. The next meeting will be held April 7th with Mrs. C.E. Manning.

Christian Science service at the Caddo House Sunday March 21, at 11 a.m. Subject: "Matter". Golden text, 2nd Corinthians 6:16. What agreement Hath the Temple of God with Idols? Reading, Isaiah 2.

March 4, 1921- H.I. Meadows, Sam Maytubby, Jr., John Droke, D.B. Williams, G.A Crossett, A.Y. Turner, Peter Bloom, A.P. Braudrick and D.O. Nail were guests of the Durant K. P.’s Monday night. (K.P.= Knights of Pythias, a secret benevolent and fraternal order)

Little Miss Nella Bilbo entertained some of her little school mates at the home of her grandmother. The occasion being her ninth birthday. After many games were played, refreshments of brick ice cream and cake. The dining room being appropriately decorated for the occasion. A very happy afternoon was spent.

October 7, 1921- Room and board $25 per month. Modern conveniences. Two block north and half-block west of post office. Mrs. Lula McGee

And in honor of today's Trash Off event, this item from February 11, 1916. (And after reading the date, I have to say that they either had a spell of good weather or they were desperate to pick up the trash.)

Clean Up Week

Next week is clean-up week in Caddo and everybody ought to observe it by cleaning their premises of all trash, rubbish, etc. so that things will be brighter and cleaner. The Civic Club is taking a big part in this and have arranged to have the rubbish hauled off if the people will have same placed in the alleys so that the wagons can get it. They request that people have the garbage collected by the latter part of the week when the wagons will come around to get it.

More Romance

(Note: before I post these weddings from the past, I need to make a change in a previous post. Because of scheduling conflicts the Mustang Meet will be May 17. Please mark your calendars.)

Caddo Herald

December 16, 1921

Arrington-Paris

            Last Sunday, at the home of the bride, in the presence of a large number of friends and relatives, Mr. Willie Arrington and Miss Virgie Paris were united in marriage by Rev. L. D. Sanders.

            The bride is a very popular young lady who lives north of Kenefick, is the daughter of J. B. Paris, and is a charming young woman.

            The groom is the son of Noah Arrington and lives south of Caddo. Both have many friends who wish them much happiness.

            Recently Rev. Sanders performed the ceremony for a twin brother of Willie, so that now the reverend gentleman is in very much of a puzzle. He says he does not know whether he married Wiley to two women or whether he married Wiley to one and Willie to another. Anyway, he says, “that’s the duty of the wives to tell their husbands apart.”

            The Herald joins the many friends of these young people in wishing them joy and happiness.

Caddo Herald

December 30, 1921

A Triple Wedding

            Friday, Dec. 23^rd, a rather unusual wedding ceremony was performed by Rev. L. D. Sanders, when the following couples were simultaneously united in marriage:

            Mr. Carl Whittington and Miss Dollie Jenkins.

            Mr. Clarence Whittington and Miss Della White.

            Mr. J.V. Kitchens and Miss Flora  Huntsinger.

            The wedding occurred a the home of Mr. J.A. Kitchens, near Kenefick, and was witnessed by a large number of friends and relatives of the young couples.

            After the ceremony an excellent supper was served.

            Miss White’s home was at Ridden, Atoka county, while the other young people are form vicinities around Caddo. All are popular young people who have many friends to wish them happiness and success.

Captain Joseph Banks Lyle

I've been researching some of our veterans and found a wealth of information about Joseph Banks Lyle. He was quite the hero! You can read more about him at several Civil War websites, and in many books about the war.

Caddo Herald

August 22, 1913

Capt. Lyle Dead

            Capt. J. B. Lyle died at his home in Caddo last Saturday afternoon at two o’clock of a complication of troubles attendant on extreme age. The funeral was held Sunday afternoon, internment in Caddo cemetery, attended by a large number of friends and acquaintances.

            Captain Lyle had lived in Caddo the past sixteen years, was 84 years of age at his death. Previous to coming to Caddo he was an educator of wide reputation in North Texas and South Carolina, from which latter state he enlisted in the Southern army during the sixties. In this war he received several wounds and served with distinction and honor.

            At his death he was surrounded by his wife, two sons, Joe and Ed, and daughter Fannie, besides a number of close friends, among them being E.K. Cross of Checotah, Okla., Howard Sawyer of Bonham, and Mrs. Barlow Roberts of Sherman.

            Captain Lyle’s long life was one of great usefulness. Many there are who say, “He helped me.” In his latter days he was too feeble to teach, but none ever went to him for instruction without receiving it. While he will be missed, there is great consolation in the fact of his usefulness. 

Headstone reads:

Joseph Banks Lyle

South Carolina

CAPTAIN 5 REGT SC INF

Confederate States Army

Dec. 6, 1829    Aug. 16, 1913

May 28, 1915

Captain J. B. Lyle

            In view of the fact that the Caddo chapter of the United Daughters of Confederacy was named for Captain J. B. Lyle, who for the fourteen years previous of his death made his home in Caddo, something about he man here will be found of interest The Herald believes.

            Captain Lyle prior to the Civil War was a school teacher in South Carolina and at the outbreak raised a company of volunteers composed chiefly of his pupils. He served the entire four years in the Confederate Army and was recommended for promotion for conspicuous bravery and intelligent conduct.

            In 1864 he was married to Mrs. Lyle, who still survives him, and who goes this week to the reunion at Richmond. In announcing his getting married to general Bratton, the Captain requested a present to his bride, and general Bratton gallantly gave him a carbine which he had captured from the Federal troop; and this carbine Mrs. Lyle yet owns, having it in her home today. Just prior to taking his furlough to get married Captain Lyle made a capture of six hundred men and three colors alone, the account of which is related by general Bratton in a letter to Miss Fannie which follows: 

            The most conspicuous feat of valor and skill (personal) that came in my knowledge during the war of secession was achieved in my brigade by an officer on the 27^th of October, 1864. In the severe and constant fighting of that army, my staff, as well as line suffered, and it was necessary to fill the places of the wounded with officers of the line. To meet such demands, Capt. J. Banks Lyle, of the 5^th S.C. regiment was then and had been for some time rendering efficient service in the brigade staff. On the morning of the above date, the enemy were in heavy force on the north side of the James and assailed our works with more or less vigor at various points, extending their attacks to and beyond the Charles City Wood.

In the afternoon his cavalry assaulted our works, on the Williamsburg road held by our cavalry and were driven off. Field’s division of cavalry was promptly moved to the Williamsburg road in anticipation of the assault by infantry, which followed, pushing our cavalry further to the left, my brigade under its Senior, Col. Walker, occupying the line crossing the road and were in position to meet and repulse it. In their retreat quite a number of them took refuge in a wash or gully, which ran through a depression in the filed some 300 or 400 yards in front of our line, nearly half way to the enemy’s line. Capt. Lyle saw that they were whipped and would surrender if called on to do so. He so reported and asked permission to advance the skirmish line and take them in. His request was refused , but convinced that they would escape, simply because they were not invited to surrender before night came to cover their retreat he determined to attempt their capture.

He went to the skirmish line and tried to get them to volunteer, and failing in that (all were willing to go if ordered), he started alone, but had not advanced a great ways when two men (I am sorry I cannot give their names) called out “hold on captain, you shan’t go by yourself” and moved out with him. They had gone but a short distance when he concluded not to subject his brave little force to the danger of the possible error of his judgment, but to use their aid without risk to them.

He had observed an officer trying to arouse the collapsed spirit of his men in the gully, and halting his volunteers on the crest overlooking their position, and ordered them to fire on the officer and put a stop to the harangue, while he advanced alone over the open field in full view of Field’s division on our side and the whole force of the enemy on the other side. He was recognized by the men of his own brigade, but hose of the other one, misapprehending his conduct, fired on him at long range so heavily that the dust form bullets falling around him almost concealed him from view. This continued until word could be passed along the line stopping it, and of course served to attract the attention of all to him as he approached the gully where the enemy were, and in full view of friend and foe accomplished the capture, and made them file out without arms and move on to our lines.

There was great excitement and enthusiasm on our side. Men all along the division mounted the works and exclamations of admiration, and inquiring “who is he, etc.” The enemy did not seem to understand it at first, and took no part until they saw the men filing into our works, when they opened a battery on the scene which contributed to the general excitement, but was especially effective in hurrying the movement of the prisoners into our works.

The number of officers and men captured were about 600 with three stands of colors and swords by the armful.