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SHOT FOR DESERTION
Being citizen soilders in the best of American tradition, often men would
leave army life to return home to plant or harvest. Or perhaps they would
return home during times of family need. They would then return to Army life
when harvest was over or planting. It was a common practice early in the
war, more in the south than in the north. As the war progressed this
tradtion, was put to rest. Often ,like in this case, an example was made of men
who were found to be Awol. This is the account of what happened to P . F.
CHILDRESS of the 26th inf. 1st Co.I, Tenn. CSA from:
TUPELO BY REV. JOHN H. AUGHEY, A.M.,
CHICAGO:RHODES & McCLURE PUBLISHING CO.1905
"About 3 o'clock in the afternoon, I approached two prisoners who were
heavily ironed. They were handcuffed, had bands and chains upon their ankles,
similar to mine, and were also chained together and to a bolt in the floor.
I inquired for what offence they were incarcerated. The prisoner whom I
addressed was a tall gentleman with a very intellectual expression of
countenance and of prepossessing manners. He was pale and sad.
"We are charged with desertion."
"Did you desert?"
"I enlisted in the Confederate service for twelve months. At the
expiration of my term of service I asked permission to return home, stating that I
had learned from a trustworthy source that my family were suffering from a
lack of the necessaries of life; that they lived in Tennessee, which is
occupied by Federal troops. Confederate money there has no purchasing power,
not being worth the paper on which it is printed; that I desired to relieve
my family from their distress, and as my term of service had expired, I
demanded my discharge. This they refused, stating that the Confederate congress
had passed a law requiring all soldiers who had enlisted for any term,
however short, to be held to service during the war, and that all who left
before its close would be considered guilty of desertion, and if arrested would
be shot. Regarding the law as a tyrannical enactment, and of no binding
force, I attempted to return to my family, but was arrested and committed to
this prison."
"What will be your fate?"
"I don't know, but fear the worst. At our trial Gen. Bragg said some
salutary examples must be made to deter soldiers from deserting, or the army
would waste away as snow before the bright beams of the vernal sun. His bile
and bitterness overflowed in acrimonious invectives."
The other prisoner's statement was a perfect counterpart of his comrade's.
The first was named Melville Baillie, of Raleigh, Tennessee, and the other
Polk Childress, of Hickory Wythe, Tenn. Their friend, Parley Van Horn, of
Colliersville, Tenn., they left sick at the home of his cousin, Felix
Grundy Ayres, in Byhalia, Miss., who thus escaped. I left them and walked to the
opposite side of the prison, when I observed a file of soldiers drawn up
in front of the prison. Two officers entered, and walking up to the
prisoners with whom I had just been conversing, unfastened their chains, and
ordered them to follow. As the officers passed Capt. Bruce, he asked,
"What are you going to do with these men?"
"Going to shoot them," was the reply.
They then showed him the warrant for their execution, having written
across it in red letters, "condemned to death." When the prisoners reached the
door, the file of soldiers separated, received the prisoners into the space
in their midst, marched them across the railroad, and shot them.
Thus was perpetrated an act of cruel tyranny that cries loudly to heaven
for vengeance. Two families, helpless and destitute, were thus each deprived
of its head, upon whom they were dependent for support, and abandoned to
the cold charity of a selfish world. The wages earned by a year's service in
behalf of the wicked, cruel, and vindictive Confederate states, was an
ignominious death and a dishonored grave. The widow and the fatherless cry to
heaven for vengeance, and their cries have entered into the ears of the Lord
Of Sabaoth."
ARKANSAS
CHILDERS/CHILDRESS
JESSE CHILDRESS Lt. Arty., (Thrall's Btty.)
enlisted at Jacksonport, June 15, 1861.
C.S. CHILDRESS Lt. Arty. (Owen's Btty)
enlisted at Monticello, Arkansas, October 1, 1862
H.G. CHILDRESS 1st Bn.
died 6-4-1863 Cedar Hill Cemetery Soldiers Rest
F.M. CHILDRESS/CHILDERS 2nd Cav. Co.C
born c1836.
Enlisted at Delhi, Louisiana, March 6, 1862; transferred to Co. C, 2nd
Arkansas Cavalry, May 15, 1862; accidentally wounded at Middleburg, Tennessee,
August 31, 1862
WILLIAM CHILDERS 4th Cav. Co. B a.k.a.GORDON'S
Enl 11 Mar 1863 at Roseville, AR. AWOL after 10 Jun 1863. *(more than
likely he enlisted for 90 days, however during that period the Confederate
goverment changed such and all other enlistments to the duration)
JAMES E. CHILDRESS 12th Cav. a.k.a-Wright's regt. Co.B
born in Alabama, c1822;
Enlisted , at Monticello, Arkansas, October 15, 1863; present, February
29, 1864 enlisted in Drew county 1860 census with wife Sarah; occupation
farmer.
G. H. CHILDRESS 5th Arkansas Inf. Co. G
Enlisted at Brownsville, Arkansas, June 10, 1861; discharged; enlisted in
Co. E, 6th Arkansas Cavalry, at Brownsville, Arkansas, January 12, 1863;
killed in action at Fayetteville, Arkansas, April 18, 1863.
RICHARD CHILDRESS 45th Cav. Co.E
Age 17 Born AR.
ABSOLEM T. or T CHILDERS 1st Mtd Rifles Co. A
Enrolled20 Oct 1861 Camp Reeves, TX (see 11th TX Cavalry)
HIRAM C. CHILDERS, 1st Mtd Rifles Co. A
age 25 - enrolled 9 Jun 1861 Ft Smith, AR kiled 10 Aug 1861 Oak Hills
GEORGE W. CHILDERS 1st Mtd. rifes Co. G a.k.a."NAPOLEON CAVALRY"
from southeast AK. Enlisted 19 Sep 1861 - Camp Jackson
F.M. CHILDRESS/CHILDERS 1st Mtd.rifes Co.G
"NAPOLEON CAVALRY" FROM southeast AK
Enlisted 19 Sep 1861 - Camp Jackson
JAMES R. CHILDERS 1st.Mtd Rifles Co.E 3rd Lt.
age 23 - enr 9 Jun 1861 at Ft Smith, AR
died June 16, 1863 of pneumonia at Monroe, LA.
WILLIAM M. or H. CHILDERS 1st Mtd rifes Co.E
age 17 - enr 9 June 1861 Ft Smith, AR -
see McCarver's 14th AR Inf.,- discharged 10 Sept. 1861
A.L. CHILDERS COCKE'S Inf. Regt. Co. B
Enl 4 July, 1862 at Dardanelle, AR Present through Aug. 1863
J.M.CHILDERS 1st Vol.Inf. Anderson's Co
30 day troops from Greene County
WILLIAM CHILDERS 1st inf Co.E
Captured at Helena, Ak. July 4, 1863 sent to union prison camp at Small
Pox Island
Alton Illlinois.died October 8, 1863 of small pox interned at the prison
cem.
(Other members of our family from Illinois were prison guards at this
prison!*)
WILLIAM L CHILDERS 1st Inf.Crawford's Co. Cptn.
Interned at Old City Cemetery, Lynchburg, Va.
MILTON JOSHUA CHILDERS 2nd Inf. Co. I
Charlene Nix

Reunion pin of M.J.'s from 1911
More detailed account on Pension list-Johnston Co., NC Act of March 2,
1903 and was approved.Here are some statements from both applications:* (if
different Application #2)
State of North Carolina County of Johnston Co
Milton J. (M.J.) Childers who enlisted in Co. I of 2nd. Arkansas on or
about the date of April 18, 1861 (April 12, 1861), to serve in the armies of
the late Confederate States, and that while in said service at Chickamauga
Tenn. received a wound. Applicant. was shot through the right thigh at the
battle of Chickamauga, Tenn.
7/3/1917 some of Application for the "Home for Disabled Ex-Confederate
Soldiers" at Raleigh, NC. Application accepted 9/1917. Friends that signed
they knew him as a Confederate solider: W. B. Cole J.T. Barham? (maybe Banham
or Basham) William S. Eldridge John Stephenson I.W. Hocutt M.J. Childers
respectfully shows that he is on the pension roll of Johnston County. He was
a soldier in the confederate army in Co. I 2 ARK. for 4 years and was in
the battle of Bentonville Johnston Co.(NC) and he has been a citizen of
Johnston Co. since 1865 having married and raised a family near Smithfield,NC.
The applicant is now 75 years old. That on or about the date of April 1,
1917 the applicant was stricken with pneumonia which followed by
measles.............. We have carefully examined the application of M.J. Childers and
find him a worthy solider and totally disabled and we commend his
advancement to the wholly disabled
some of military records from Bradley Co. Arkansas MILITARY RECORD Pvt.
Joshua M. Childers, 2nd.Arkansas Infantry Regiment, Comp. I, CSA Below are
the military records of your ancestor, transcribed by our cousin, in Benton,
AR. Pvt. Joshua M. Childers, 2nd.Arkansas Infantry Regiment, Comp. I, CSA
Private/ Private/ some of 9+5 other cards (1) 28 Feb 1863 to 30 Apr 1863/
enlisted at Warren by Capt. McKenney 8 Jan for war /present 52pier? caps, 78
cts. stoppage? (5) 31 Oct 1863 to 31 Dec 1863/ absent/ wounded at battle of
Chickamauga 19 Sep 1863 (6) 31 Dec 1863 to 29 Feb 1864/ last paid by
Hospital 31 Oct /absent (9) paroled at Greensboro NC 1865 }
Cynthia Milliner and Alsey Sellers had a daughter named Jane Ann Sellers.
She married Milton Joshua Childers in 1865. They had a daughter named Dora
Lee Childers. My Mother (who is still alive)told me that Dora Lee Childers
(my G Grandmother)told her many times that the town of Selma was built on
Seller property. ========================= The final spin on this is that
Dora Lee Childers said Alsey Sellers offered M.J. Childers work, and a place
to stay because he had no way to get back to Arkansas after the war. So if
any of you are experts(which I am not) on the Battle of Bentonville does
anyone know when the Army of Tn. (consolidated units of Arkansas) came into
the area to get ready for the battle? Page 24-25 of the "Heritage of Johnston
Co.,NC," (1985) book states that the troops were coming as soon as March
13, 1865. }
M.J. Childers took out a marriage bond on March 28, 1865. The BONDSMAN was
Elisha Moore. Anyone know if he is related? JOHNSTON CO., NC MARRIAGE
BONDS BOOKS PAGE 44 Joshua Meilton (correct spelling in Milton Joshua)Childers
married Jane Anne Sellers MARRIAGE APRIL, 1865 WITNESS James H. Parker,
Clk. ======================= April 28, 1865 Johnston County, NC LDS IGI #67342
JOHN HALE CHILDRESS/CHILDERS Co. D., 3rd. Ark. Inf.
born c1835; married Sarah E. Mock in Ashley county, Arkansas, September
23, 1864. 1842-1927, buried Lane Cemetery.
Enlisted in Co. D, 3rd Arkansas Infantry, at Selma, Arkansas, June 20, 1861
wounded at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, July 2, 1863; captured near Cashtown,
Pennsylvania, July 5, 1863; paroled, August 1863; furloughed to
Petersburg, Virginia, in 1863; dropped from the rolls for absence without leave,
August 31, 1864
JOHN W. CHILDRES 4th inf. a.k.a.--McNair's Co.C Sgt
Enlisted August 17, 1861 at Mt Vernon, MO. Deserted 22 Jul 1863
SQUIRE CHILDERS 7th Inf Co.D
disch-nov. 16, 1861
A.M. CHILDERS(CHILDRESS) 7th Inf Co.G a.k.a. Shaver's
Age 18, at enlistment
CROCKETT CHILDERS 8th Inf Co.A
Age 18.
Enl 29 Aug1861 at Pocahontas, AR. Died before 31 Apr 1862.
J.A. CHILDRESS 10th inf. Co.K
Enl 11 Jun 1861 at Springfield, AR. Captured 9 Jul 1863 at Pt Hudson, LA
and paroled 12-13 Jul 1863.
W.P. CHILDERS 10th Inf Co.K
Enl 11 Jul 1861 at Springfield, AR. Furloughed from Columbus, MS Hospital
17 Feb 1862. Deserted.
L. CHILDERS 13th Inf Co.D
Enlisted Aug. 1, 1861, Madison, Ark. Captured Sept. 1, 1864, near
Jonesboro, Ga.
WILLIAM CHILDERS Co. G 14th Inf.
Enlisted 8 Nov 1861 at Pocahontas, AR.
ANDREW S. CHILDERS, Co. E 16th Inf.
Enl 19 Oct 1861 at Carrollton, AR.
Killed at Corinth, MS 3-5 Oct 1862.
BURRELL CHILDERS Co.E 16th. Inf Sgt
Enl 19 Oct 1861 at Carrollton, AR.
Captured 9th of July 1863 and paroled 12-13 Jul 1863 at Port Hudson, LA.
S A CHILDERS Co. D 18th Inf.
Enlisted at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, March 1, 1862
died, April 20, 1862.
W.D. CHILDERS 20th Inf. Co. E Cpl
Enlisted at Washington, Arkansas, March 1, 1862
reduced to ranks.
WILLIAM CHILDERS Co. F 21st Inf.
Captured, sent to Rock Island, IL,
Joined US Army.
ALBERRY CHILDERS Co. G 24th Inf.Sgt. also the 3rd AR Cav
Enl 28 Jun 1862 at Camden, AR.
Captured 11 Jan 1863 at Arkansas Post, AR
sent to military prison at Camp Douglas, IL
paroled 3 Apr 1863 and delivered to City Point, VA 10 Apr. 1863
released. Transferred to the 3rd AR Cav 17 Jul 1863.
MARRION CHILDERS 24th Inf Co.G Sgt.
Enl 14 Jul 1862 in Dallas, AR.
WILLIAM W.CHILDRESS/CHILDERS 25th Inf Co.D
Mustered into service at Pocahontas, Randolph Co.
FRANCIS M. CHILDRES 31st Inf Co A
Enlisted age 35 at Jacksonport, Arkansas,
November 3, 1861
died of disease, May 8, 1862.
RUBIN CHILDRES 31st Inf Co.A
Enlisted age 31 at Jacksonport, Arkansas, November 2, 1861
died of disease, April 22, 1862.
THOMAS CHILDRESS 31st Inf Co.A
Enlistedage 44 at Jacksonport, Arkansas, November 2, 1861
reportedly died of disease in November 1861.
ANDREW J. CHILDERS Co.G 15th Militia also in Co. I, 35th Inf.
Enl 20 Jun 1862 at Dover, AR. Co. I 35th Inf.
Discharged 6 Jul 1862.
JOEL CHILDRESS 35th Inf Co. H
Enl 20 Jun 1862 at Dover, AR.
Deserted 3 May 1863 at Little Rock, AR.
Ht 5' 10", eyes blue, hair lt, complx fair
farmer, age 33, born in Giles Co, TN.
RICHARD C. CHILDERS 35th Inf Co I , also Co G 25th milita Fourth Corporal
Enl 20 Jun 1862 at Dover, AR.
Present 29 Feb. 1864
Ht 5' 8", eyes gray, hair lt, complx drk,
farmer, age 29, born in IN.
SOLOMON CHILDERS 35th Inf Co. I Cpl.
Enlisted 2 Jan 1862 at Little Rock, AR.
Deserted to the enemy 10 Sep 1863.
TIMOTHY CHILDRESS 35th Inf Co, H
Enl age 24, 20 Jun. 1862 at Dover, AR.
Died on the Big Mulberry 10 Nov. 1862.
Ht 5' 8", eyes gray, hair drk, complx fair, farmer
born in Giles Co, TN.
WILLIAM CHILDRESS 35th Inf Co.H
Enl age 34, 20 Jun 1862 at Dover, AR.
Present 31 Oct 1862.
Ht 5' 10", eyes blue, hair lt, complx fair, farmer,
born in Giles Co, TN.
T.B. CHILDRESS Co. A 46th Inf. a.k.a. Crabtree's Regiment
Enlisted--age 19 - Batesville - AR
B.M. CHILDRES 37th Inf Co.K Sgt.
Enl 7 Jun 1862 at Camp Hindman.
KIA Helena, AR 4 Jul 1863.
C.T. CHILDRESS 37th Inf Co.H
Enl 15 May 1862 at Arkadelphia, AR.
Wounded 7 Dec 1862 at Prairie Grove, AR.
WILLIAM CHILDRESS 37th Inf Co.H or E
Enl 8 May 1862 at Princeton, AR.
Captured 4 Jul 1863 at Helena, AR.
sent to Military Prison Alton, IL.
Died 8 Sep 1863.
B.M. CHILDERS 38th Inf Co A 2nd lt
Enl- July 9 1862- disch June 2, 1863 at Lauratown, AR
J.M. CHILDERS 38th Inf Co.A
Enl July 9, 1862 at Lauratown, AR.
deserted July 25, 1863 from hospital at Camden AR.
SQUIRE CHILDERS 38th Inf Co. C
Enl 19 Jul 1862 at Camp Adams, AR.
Died of disease 20 Apr 1863 at a camp near Little Rock, AR.
JAMES R.CHILDERS 38th? Cpt.
Enl 9 Jul 1862 at Lauratown, AR.
Died 16 Jun 1863 of pneumonia at Monroe, LA.
FRANCIS MARION CHILDERS Napoleon Rifles 6th Militia
Enlisted at Camp Jackson, Missouri, September 19, 1861
captured at Pea Ridge, Arkansas, March 8, 1862;
confined at U.S. Military Prison, Alton, Illinois
exchanged at Fort Pillow, Tennessee, May 19, 1862
captured at Barboursville, Kentucky, September 4, 1862,
where he died on September 11, 1862.
George Washington Childers Napoleon Rifles 6th Militia
Enlisted at Camp Jackson, Missouri, September 19, 1861
wounded at Lovejoy Station, Georgia, August 29, 1864
no record after August 31,1864.
JOEL CHILDERS Co. C 7th Mil. Fifer
Period of Service: February 22 to March 19, 1862,
later enlisted in Co. H, 35th Arkansas Infantry.
B.M. CHILDERS Co. G 50th militia Sgt.
The only records this unit consist of one muster card per individual.The
records indicate that the men were mustered in on 7 Mar 1862 and mustered
out on 9 Mar 1862 during the Battle at Pea Ridge.
ROBERT T. CHILDRESS-Independence County Home Guard-1861. Washington
township.
UNKNOW
REGIMENTS
CHILDERS, ABSOLEM T., PVT - enr 20 Oct 1861 Camp Reeves, TX (see 11th TX
Cavalry)
CHILDERS, HIRAM C, PVT - age 25 - enr 9 Jun 1861 Ft Smith, AR KILLED 10
Aug 1861 Oak Hills
CHILDERS, JAMES R., 3rd LT- age 23 - enr 9 Jun 1861 at Ft Smith, AR
CHILDERS, WILLIAM H, PVT - age 17 - enr 9 June 1861 Ft Smith, AR -
LETTERS OF DAVID RICHARD CHILDERS
Richard David Childers Sergeant in Company A 34th Mississippi Infantry.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
June 1, 1863 Camp near Landing, Tenn. Monday Morning, 1 June / 63
Mrs. H. M. Barksdale, Dear Niece, Your long and affectionate letter
posted May 22nd reached me yesterday. I have read it with more than a
lively interest for the sentiments of friendship you express to me, to
mine, and what still makes your letters doubly precious to me is the
striking similarity I see in your writing compared with that of your
mother whose memory I shall ever fondly cherish. Glad to hear from you,
from your husband, from your father and his family, and that the family
has been afflicted with small pox which spread out into
the from the dying. I reckon. Nothing of interest springs
here. All is quiet. ………..that precedes the storm. Nothing indicating a
battle here now with……to be waiting the …of the streets of Vicksburg .
………No disposition to make a forward move now. Recent success at
Vicksburg indicate that our forces are able to hold the place against
any and all. My opinion is, if we can effectively route the enemy then
gain a victory. ….dession as character, we may reasonably hope for peace
to return soon to our country. But we must make up our minds to
supplement both in …and in the destruction of property before the
infamined belief will be made to let us alone. I join you in …st wishes
that the horrid unholy wicked war soon may close. That the weary worn
out soldiers may return here unto dear ones. It has inflicted much
distress upon our crops and many a poor woman’s heart mourns for the
“unreturned brave” there are evils incident to War, the toils and
(jurictions), the sacrifices God make. I hope will make us to rather
appreciate the blessings of a good government, which I humbly pray God
in his just providence will be back to us. We are stationed here in the
War in support of Van Dorn’s command……..
And what is still whether God is genuinely pleased to bless the
preaching of his word to the brigade. We have many ministers of visiting
Methodist Presbyterians etc to preach to us, have had it for the last
month. Mr. McFerrin, of Nashville has preached several times to us. He
is an able to make God his Helped his lot…. (Mis Eliza Jackson—is she
living, married?) Good crops of wheat …..The enemy are destroying.
My children growing f..ly just and sprightly. The older one, Martha
Carolyn is very fair skinned, blue eyes, light hair, a pretty child,
four years old last September — anxious to go to school. Martha reminds
me of my mother. My youngest one, Biddy Lucy, is a small baby with
features much after or like your mother. She has fair skin, black eyes,
is very affectionate, good child. The pleasure and honor of all this
world could not comfort me further than of this company. My wife is a
blessing, a beautiful, good, sensible woman. May God bless her and the
children. I am there from one hand of the spirit.
I would have gone in by your (house) on my return to the command if I
knew yesterday that we still camped at Oconee.
I do not know what I would give to hear from home. My heart aches when
I think of the condition my family may now be in. The enemies probably
have taken my place back, striping my family of their income, being that
they have done in many instances in my neighborhood home sad and
lonely, distressed. I know my …. and my little helpless children who
needs a father’s care. Wish I was at home. I hope my tears, hoping and
praying that the day of our deliverance of our triumph is not far off,
when I shall be at home with my family in peace and quiet.
I have not heard from Br CH…. In a long time. I reckon he is gone to
the ……..at Natchez with you and the family….and with your brother John.
Here is the beauty ———red——not down in the ground as I remember —-. He
has past the river on where there ——are the trees of life blooming when
to weary rest to rise to spend in immortality.
Tell Sis I will write to her soon, to accept the ring I send her made
in the army. Remember me kindly to your Mother Mary & the family— My
respects to Mr. Barksdale, be cheerful happy. God Bless you. Your
Uncle, David
***
------------------------------------------------------------------------
September 24, 1863 Infantry of Chattanooga , Tenn. Sunday evening, 24th
Sept. ‘63 - Mrs. M. H. Barksdale, Washington Co. GA.
Dear Niece,
Your kind and welcome letter dated 8 and 9th instantly did not reach me
till Friday 18th, in line of battle on the Chickamaugee. I had read the
27th and 72nd Psalms when your letter was handed me. Your prayers that
“God in his all wise & providence would shield and protect me” inspired
me with hope. The bugle sounded and our brigade moved off into the
fight- bringing on the attack. We threw out our skirmishes here. Did
not go far through the woods until we came to a fence at which we
stopped a moment. The enemy’s sharpshooters were concealed in some
timber 150 yards on the right. They poured a murderous Volley into us,
wounded many of our men, killing some. In front of us on a small hill in
thick timber were posted the enemy in strong force, 350 yds from us. We
charged through in open fields, shot shell, grape and ball coming in and
among us. Many a brave man bit the dust. The enemy could not stand, fled
in the direction of Chattanooga. We resumed our march, waded the
Chicakamauga after sundown, made fires and camped for the night. The
next morning the heavy firing heard in the distance told that the enemy
was close by. Our general reconnitered the ground, made arrangements for
the coming battle. Lt. Q. Armour brigade again brought on the attack….We
even found the enemy in strong force in the woods, ..The field
opened-the very earth shook from the rain of cannons and muskets. We
chase them for more than a mile they shooting from behind trees. They
fight well— yielded the ground very reluctantly. We captured Lomma’s
Battery, the finest of the Federal Army - killing the horses to prevent
the enemy from (heading off to Gand or Grud). We left many men, both
killed and wounded. Our flag bearer, a young Mississippian was shot
-dead-close by me. Bugle Boy, proudly and gallantly did he bear that
flag. We had fought through 2 lines of the enemy and had pierced the 3rd
when our worn down and exhausted -thinned and rivaled. We had to fall
back. The enemy rallied-came upon us- recaptured the battery - hooted
and yelled. But they soon changed their note—our reinforcement came up,
drew them from the field. The fight continued all day Saturday till an
hour after sundown. The hardest work I ever did. Saturday night coming
out of the battle, worn our, almost famished for water, I went to get a
drink, drunk too much, that and sleeping cold, made me sick. I am now
well I hope. I am truly thankful to God for his mercy in sparing my
life. In saving me from harm, I came out, not touched, be Thankful, O my
soul— The fight on Sunday opened about 10 am. The enemy brought up
their best men—the men of Shiloh, Murfreesboro and Perryville—the …..of
the Federal …..they fought with a zeal worthy of a …service, confident
of success, but they could not withstand the frequent and determined
charges made against them…Georgia (Street) Miss. La. and Arkansas, the
Carolinas and Kentuckian clashed to drive from their frightened
event foes ……fightings such possing one hour after sun down, the shield
of victory, shouts by such as I never heard. There stands by them Eyce
of Many a prison, men in thankfulness for the victory. The many fled
from their fortifications, throwing away their guns, leaving the ground
covered with their dead and wounded. Poor men. They got their pay for
trying to subsugatesal (?). My heart ached to see our dead on the field,
dressed in homespun. I thought of the women and innocent children
reduced to orphanage. The enemies are now at Chattanooga, the strongest
prison in the South. Some…..they will not remain. I hope they will not,
no telling. They got a good whipping—lost 3000 stands of arms, 86
cannons, 7000 prisoners and 20 or 30,000 killed and wounded. Glad to
hear from you, from Sis, etc.
April 7, 1897 Falkner, Miss. 4/7/97, Mrs. M. V. Barksdale,
Jennieville, GA. Dear Niece, Yours of the 30th March was handed me,
through my friend W.H. Smith of Ripley, yesterday. I was glad indeed to
hear from you. The last letter I rec’d from you was when in line of
Battle, on Saturday’s thick conflict, Chickamauga, I am glad to hear
from you. Hope your patriotic husband passed through the fiery ordeal,
came out ofthe conflict unscathed. Those were “troublesome times.” The
whirlwind and the storm have passed over me, yet in His providence I am
still healthful, stout, for a man of my age, 70 years last November 2.
I have frequently thought of you, and of your sister, of your father,
and wondered if you, any of you, were living. I suppose your father is
dead. Don’t know your step-mother, living? Is Mary Jane? If so, where
at?
My father died in Drew County, Arkansas 25th Dec 1858(?) I think. He
willed you and your sister, all his Negroes, had no money I heard of,
no land. Some people in Ark claimed kindred to him, took possession of
the Negroes, wrongfully and held them till the commencement of the war.
So you see their work did none of his kindred any good.
I trust you will write soon,. Remember me kindly to your husband, if
living, My best wishes etc. D. R. Childers - My wife in poor health, has
been afflicted for years.
***
------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 14-15, 1904 3/14 + 3/15 Falkner, Miss. Tippah County.
Mrs. Martha V. Barksdale, Oconee P.O. Ga.
Dear Niece, Your letter of the 9th of January last was rec’d in due
time. I thank you so much for the kind sentiment you expressed. They
recall many incident of my early boyhood, spent in Elbert County in GA.
where it was my pleasure, my joy, to visit my only sister, your mother,
and receive instruction in morals, in religion, from your honored
father. Those days are gone, the memory of which will go with me to my
grave. What then you have taken place—all my people dead- gone - and I
left alone, after 5 boys and 1 girl, (your mother). The Good Lord in his
mercy has seen fit to spare me till I am now nearly 77 years old, has
shielded and protected me in battle, on the land, in times of
pestilence, How thankful should I be?
I would have written to you long ago, but I had a very long serious
attack of “La grippe” and from which I came very nearly dying. I am not
well, but regaining my strength slowly. My wife’s health not improving.
She has Catarrh, Rheumatism, Erceyphelas, etc, We have tried the
treatment of nearly all the doctors in this Co.- in New York, Baltimore,
and Atlanta, no good, the loss of “seeing” is indeed a calamity to her.
She has been sorely afflicted for many years with these difficulties.
I am pleased to hear that your father is still alive— what pleasure it
would afford me to see him, to talk with him as I did 57 years ago, I
shall cherish his memory. My prayer is that to a man of age, of
infirmity may not press him— that he may long live in the twilight of a
well spent life—that his last days may be his best- that God will
continue his blessings to him, that he will eventually reach that happy
place, prepared for His People, where no sorrow, no clouds come, but all
is one Eternal Day of joy, of sunshine, of peace, where the weary rest
eternally.
In looking at the picture of your children, I am impressed with the
belief that you should feel proud of them. “Sally Mary” blooming
intelligently. You and your husband de(deserve?) for the care, for the
way in which you have sought to bring them up - to Honor and Obey their
parents. Their reward is certain, sure. By their efforts, in the
discharge of duty, They, with Sally May “can leave their footsteps on
the sands of time” can cast bread on the waters, to be gathered up in
the days to come.
Good crops lost in this county. Corn plentiful, cheap, 40 to 50 ….meat
scarce, and there being no hogs, mules from 75.00 to $125.00 to 150—
People in good shape……..Hopeful. Rain, Rain!! Nothing in or on the
farms, poor markets ……..snow and sleet killed every peach & apple.
We had the misfortune to lose the 16 month child——granddaughter
(Amanda Moore) recently, She was a bright promising child, died of
measles, hives, etc. Poor Amanda !! She is grieved, distressed, cast
down at her loss. May the Lord comfort her in her trouble. My other
grandchildren are well, living 1/2 mile distant of them. The children J.
T. Powell, an intelligent, well doing man has one son. David Allen………
Sunday 15th March — I wrote you the first of the week intending to send
to the office. Rain— High water prevented my going. My thoughts are
solemn and sad. Remember the Sabbath day - Keep it Holy - “Observe my
Sabbaths” & commands. This day of rest from toil, from all kinds of
labor - Well typifies the rest in the far beyond.
Hoped to go to church today, no preaching - We have all kinds -
Methodists, Baptists, Campbellites and occasionally Mormon,
Presbyterian. What strange beliefs some people can have! Mormons believe
in praying for the dead — that remission of sins can come only through
baptism by immersion!
No plowing done yet - rain - people eating up all they have. We have a
big Confederate Reunion in August, 10 miles distant from me. Hope for a
good time. Our President seems attached to the black man. Love to all,
write soon. D. R. Childers
McDANIEL'S COMPANY
1ST CHEROKEE MOUNTED RIFLES
CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA
INDIAN NATION
(ARKANSAS)
Also known as: 1st Cherokee Mounted Riflemen
CHILDERS, DANIEL Farrier Age 26 Koo Wee Skoo Wee Dist
CHILDERS, NAPOLEON Pvt Age 21 Koo Wee Skoo Wee Dist
CHILDERS, ROBERT P. Pvt Age 33 Koo Wee Skoo Wee Dist
>From Louisiana ----
LOUISIANA
CHILDERS/CHILDRESS
CIVIL WAR MEN
GEORGE P. CHILDRESS lt. arty Fenner's btty
M.B. CHILDRESS lt. arty. Fenner's btty
GEORGE P. CHILDRESS Co. F 1st sp.Bn
cpl.
aka. Rightors
M.B. CHILDRESS mil. Mc Person's btty (Orleans Howitzers)
S.R. CHILDERS Co. F 6th cav
G.H. CHILDERS Co.G 3rd Inf.
J.F. CHILDERS Co.G 3rd Inf.
R.W. CHILDERS Co. D 4th Inf Bn.
JOSEPH P. CHILDERS 9th inf co. d
age 24 from Collinsburg, La. captured Rapphannock River Paroled
Nov. 7, 1863
mustered out Shreveport, La. 6-21-65
CHARLES M. CHILDERS 12th inf co. b
ZECHARIAH CHILDERS 12th inf co. a cpl.
ABRAHAM CHILDRESS Co.C 19th Inf. sgt
ORLENDO BENJAMIN CHILDRESS Co.D 19th Inf. sgt.
Sergt. Co. D. 19th La. Infty. En. Dec. 11th, 1861, Camp Moore, La. Present
on all Rolls to Oct., 1863. Roll for Nov. and Dec., 1863, Present.
Promoted to 1st Corpl.,. Sept. 20th, 1863. Roll for Jan. 1st, 1864, to April 30th,
1864, Present. Roll for May 1st to Aug. 31st, 1864, Absent, wounded in
action near Atlanta, Ga., July 28th, 1864. Sent to Hospl. Montgomery, Ala.,
order of Surgeon Philson. Roll for Sept. 1st, 1864, to Feb. 28th, 1865,
Present. Promoted from 1st Corpl. to 3rd Sergt. since July 1st, 1864. Roll for
March and April, 1865, Present. Rolls of Prisoners of War, Paroled Meridian,
Miss., May 13th, 1865. Res. Bossier Par., La.
Birth Date Feb 14, 1839 Death Date Dec 28, 1910 Buried Parish Caddo
LA White Lattier Cemetery, 1/4 mile southwest of Ellerbe Road and Overton
Brooks Rd. intersection
F. A. CHILDRESS Co.G 25th Inf.
JAMES W. CHILDRES Co.B 31st Inf .
Wife, Olla Childress apllied for a Pension. Records on file.
WILLIAM H. CHILDRESS Co.B 31st Inf
O. B. CHILDERS Co.E Pelican Regt. sgt.
M.B. CHILDRESS Co.D Cresent Regt.