CHAPTER XXXVII
The Terry Rangers’ Flag.
One most remarkable incident I must not fail to add: As stated heretofore, the Terry Rangers of which I was a member, lost a beautiful flag sent us by a couple of young ladies of Nashville, made of their dresses, which after the first engagement wherein it was displayed, near Rome, Georgia, we lost in a stampede and it was found by a scout of the enemy the next day. This flag had worked in beautiful silk letters, the name of Terry’s Texas Rangers, beside some Latin, which I do not remember. After the war, on a number of public occasions, such as the several National Expositions in Chicago and Philadelphia, the Grand Army, who had charge of such matters, exhibited this flag, with a tag in bold letters, “Captured from Terry’s Texas Rangers in an engagement near Rome, Georgia, by the Seventeenth Indiana Mounted Infantry.”
Such a public exhibition of our misfortune was galling to the members of the regiment and when Governor Hendricks, the first Democratic Governor of Indiana, was installed, we made a request through our Governor Hubbard for the return of the flag. Governor Hendricks very properly referred the request to the State Librarian of Indiana, who happened to be a vindictive, howling Republican and in answer wrote Governor Hubbard a very insulting letter, refusing to return the flag. The matter then was dropped.
About thirty-four years after the close of the war, a business friend, Mr. William Burr of Dallas, who was an ex-Federal soldier, came to my office one day, and asked me if I ever drank any cider? I told him I did when I could get good cider. He told me he had a friend in an old shack near the Windsor Hotel, who was making cider, and invited me to go around and have a glass of cider with him. To this I consented. He there introduced me to a Major Weiler, and in conversation with him, I found that he belonged to Wilder’s Brigade, who were with Sherman’s army in Georgia. While we were sipping cider Burr remarked, “Well, this is pretty good; two Yanks and one Johnny sipping cider together.” Major Weiler then asked what command I belonged to? I told him I belonged to the Eighth Texas Cavalry. He said, “Terry’s Texas Rangers?” I told him, “Yes,” when he said, “I am mighty glad to meet you; I have been trying to find somebody belonging to your command ever since I’ve been in Dallas. I am the man that found your flag.” Of course, I was much gratified at meeting him and told him about our efforts to have the flag returned and the result at the hands of the State Librarian. “Now, Major, this flag is yours; you found it and as you state you want to return it, you make a demand on Governor Mount of Indiana, claiming the flag as yours and return it to our regiment.” He said that it had been the ambition of his life to do this and in accordance therewith indited a letter to Governor Mount, requesting the return of the flag to him, for the purpose, he stated, to return it to the Rangers.
He furthermore stated that he was well acquainted with Governor Mount, as the Governor was a private in his command, of which he was a major. Verily, strange are the vicissitudes of life! Governor Mount’s major was now making cider at five cents a glass.
In due time Major Weiler received an answer to his request from the Governor’s Private Secretary, stating that the Governor had no authority to return the flag, which could only be done through a joint resolution of the Legislature of Indiana. We then both concluded that we might as well give it up; we hardly thought that a unanimous vote could be had on such a proposition by a lot of politicians.
I then requested the major to furnish me a written statement, setting forth the circumstances under which he came into possession of the flag and especially that the flag was not captured in battle, but was picked up in the road the next day after our engagement, encased in a rubber pocket, and he did not examine it until he returned from a scout and rejoined his main command, being much surprised that the package found contained the Terry Texas Rangers’ flag, which was forwarded to the State authorities at Indianapolis, Indiana.
In about a month the Terry Rangers had their annual reunion at Austin, Texas, where I had read the statement of Major Weiler, which, of course, was a matter of surprise and deep interest. A resolution by a comrade was offered to appoint a committee, with myself as chairman, to memorialize the Indiana Legislature, requesting the return of the flag, I being the only member of the committee present, the balance not being in attendance at the reunion. On my return home I wrote to each member of the committee, requesting them to draw up a memorial and forward to me, to which I received no response. I then drew up the memorial myself and attached a letter I received from a Colonel Wylie in Dallas, who was a gallant soldier and commanded an Iowa regiment during the war.
I next forwarded this memorial to the Richmond City Mill Works of Richmond, Indiana, a concern I was doing business with, requesting that they turn it over to their Representative in the Legislature, which they promptly did and in due time I received a letter from Senator Binkley, stating that he would take pleasure in introducing it and that I would hear from him in due time.
To my great surprise, in about thirty days I received a printed copy of a joint resolution of the Legislature of the State of Indiana, carried unanimously, instructing Governor Mount to return the flag to the Terry’s Texas Rangers in person and appropriating two hundred and fifty dollars to pay the expense of his trip to Texas. The complete resolution follows:
House Concurrent Resolution No. 6
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 9
Preamble and Concurrent Resolution in relation to the return to the association of the survivors of Terry’s Texas Rangers of their battle flag, captured from them during the late war of rebellion by the 17th Regiment of Indiana Infantry (mounted) Volunteers, appointing a commission to discharge said duty, and ordering an appropriation to pay the expenses thereof.
Whereas, On October 13, 1864, during the War of the Rebellion, the flag of the Texas Rangers at a battle near Coosaville, Alabama, was captured by the 17th Regiment of Indiana Infantry (mounted) Volunteers, in command of Major J. J. Weiler, and then belonging to General J. T. Wilder’s Brigade, which brigade at the time was in command of General A. O. Miller, and subsequently, by the proper authorities, was deposited in the archives of the State of Indiana, and now reposes in the custody of the State Geologist, and to which is attached the following inscription:
“Battle flag of the Texas Rangers, captured from the 8th Texas Cavalry near Galesville, Alabama, October 13, 1864, by two companies of the 17th Indiana Infantry, commanded by Major J. J. Weiler, of Company E, Wilder’s Brigade.”
And, Whereas, H. W. Graber, George W. Littlefield, S. P. Christian, W. D. Cleveland and R. Y. King, all of the State of Texas, as a committee duly appointed by and representing the Association of Survivors of Terry’s Texas Rangers, by their petition hereunto attached, have asked the Legislature of the State of Indiana to kindly return to that association said battle flag, that it may be kept and treasured by them, and in said memorial the said Major J. J. Weiler, now a Past Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic for the district of Texas, has united, and which memorial is as follows:
“To the Honorable President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Legislature of the State of Indiana:
“The undersigned, your memorialists, most respectfully show that they were selected by the Association of Survivors of Terry’s Texas Rangers, a committee to memorialize your honorable bodies for the return to said association of the colors of that command, lost during the Civil War near Coosaville, Alabama.
“Your memorialists would show that in a cavalry engagement on the 13th day of October, 1864, the flag of the Texas Rangers was lost near the field and found by one of your memorialists, Mr. J. J. Weiler, then the Major of the 17th Indiana Infantry, and was subsequently deposited in the archives of your State.
“In view of the fact that the American people have forever put behind them the animosities and heartburnings which were incident to our unfortunate Civil War, and are one united, patriotic people, marching shoulder to shoulder under the folds of the Star Spangled Banner, and keeping the step to ‘Hail Columbia’ in the onward sweep to that high destiny, which, through the providence of God, awaits our grand Republic.
“Your memorialists would most respectfully request that such action be taken by your honorable bodies as will result in the return of the flag to the Association of the Survivors of Terry’s Rangers.
“As beautifully and appropriately expressed by Col. W. D. Wylie, in his letter hereto attached, ‘We now drink out of the same canteen, sheltered and protected by one common flag,’ a sentiment so universal that it is without hesitation we appeal to our countrymen, the brave and gallant and patriotic citizens of Indiana, in even a matter of sentiment so delicate as that involved in our request. And as gracious as the favor will be accounted by the association, we are sure that the still greater pleasure will be with the people of Indiana in bestowing it.
“Most respectfully submitted,
| “H. H. GRABER, | “W. D. CLEVELAND, |
| “G. W. LITTLEFIELD, | “R. Y. KING, |
| “S. P. CHRISTIAN, | “J. J. WEILER.” |
And, Whereas, There is attached to said memorial a letter from W. D. Wylie, also a Past Commander, G. A. R., of the Department of Texas, as follows:
“Dallas, Texas, September 30, 1898.
“Col. H. W. Graber, Quartermaster-General Trans-Mississippi Department, U. C. V.:
“My Dear Sir: Referring to the conversation we had in reference to the colors of your old command, which had been lost during the late Civil War, on October 13, 1864, in a battle near Coosaville, Ala., by my comrade and our mutual friend, Maj. J. J. Weiler, of the 17th Indiana, who had, under instructions, turned the flag over to the State of Indiana, where it now reposes in the State library at Indianapolis, and which you are now endeavoring to have returned to the remnant of your old command—as an old soldier, Colonel, I can readily understand the beautiful sentiment which is so characteristic of the American soldier in the desire of yourself and comrades to secure the colors under which you passed through so many dangers, which are now passed and gone, leaving only the memories of a struggle which has resulted, with all its sufferings and animosities, in bringing us closer together, and we now drink out of the same canteen, sheltered and protected by one common flag, and in this connection, at your request, it is with pleasure I give the episode relating to the return of the flag of the 57th Indiana Infantry by Texas, in 1885. While commanding the Department of Texas, Grand Army of the Republic, in 1885, Parsons’ Confederate Brigade held their annual reunion at Cleburne, Texas. Myself and others who wore the blue were the honored guests of the brigade. During the proceedings, Major Heath and Capt. W. G. Veal called my attention to the fact that a brave soldier (a corporal) of the 13th Tennessee, now a resident and citizen of Texas, had in his possession and on the grounds the regimental flag and colors of the 57th Indiana, which he had captured at the Battle of Franklin, Tenn., in December, 1864, and had taken careful care of for twenty years, hoping that he would find some representative of that regiment to whom he could return this priceless and precious relic. I received the valued colors from the brave soldier and immediately conferred with Department Commander of the State of Indiana, and was informed that the 57th would hold their annual reunion during the month of September of the current year, and they earnestly requested that Texas be present in person at that time for the return of their long-lost colors. We arranged that Capt. W. G. Veal and Maj. E. M. Heath, of the Confederate Veterans, and Corporal W. M. Crooks, the brave soldier who had captured the colors, should accompany myself and staff to the reunion at Kokomo, taking with us the flag.
“It is needless to give you the incidents of the trip further than that Indiana threw her doors open to give the old Texans who had met them on the field, a royal reception, and Corporal Crooks was received with open arms by the boys in blue, whom he had last met at the point of the bayonet on the field of battle; and the return of that precious relic that had spread its silken folds over the brave Hoosier boys in many a hard-fought battle, wiped out the animosities engendered by the war, especially between Indiana and Texas, and Corporal Crooks occupies an enviable niche in the war history of the Hoosier State, and the boys in blue and the boys in gray are now marching elbow to elbow, side by side, for the honor and integrity of our common country, and I can assure you, Colonel, that when you make the application for the return of your colors it will be as much of a heartfelt pleasure for Indiana to return the flag as for Texas to receive it.
“Sincerely yours,
“W. D. WYLIE,
“Past Commander Dept. of Texas, G. A. R.”
And, Whereas, As shown by the correspondence of Governor Mount with Gen. J. T. Wilder and Gen. A. O. Miller, that they severally approve such return, which correspondence is as follows:
“Lebanon, Indiana, January 30, 1899.
“Gov. J. A. Mount:
“Dear Governor: In answer to your letter of the 28th inst., some twelve years ago a representation of Terry’s Texas Rangers asked the Legislature to return the flag referred to in your letter, which was not done. I was willing then they might have the flag and know of no reason why it should not be given to the representation of the regiment now.
“The brigade captured two pieces of artillery at the same time. As the guns were captured from our forces at Murfreesboro, Tenn., in 1862, and have long since been made into G. A. R. badges, they are disposed of, and the returning the flag will settle that matter to good advantage.
“Your friend and comrade,
“A. O. MILLER.”
“Knoxville, Tenn., February 1, 1899.
“Hon. Jas. A. Mount, Indianapolis, Ind.:
“Dear Governor: I have your favor of the 28th of January, relating to the return of the battle flag of Terry’s Texas Rangers, which was captured by the 17th Indiana, near Coosaville, Ga., in October, 1864. In so far as I am concerned, I quite agree with you as to the propriety of returning this flag, but I think that Gen. A. O. Miller is the proper man to consult, as he was in command of the brigade at the time the flag was captured. I would suggest that if the flag is returned to Texas, that you take a clear receipt for it, to be preserved in the State archives. * * * Believe me,
“Your comrade and faithful friend,
“J. T. WILDER.”
“Dear Senator: After your call at my office, I immediately wrote to my old brigade commanders, Generals Wilder and Miller. I was in the engagement when the battle flag of the Texas Rangers was captured. I am sure there is but one sentiment at this time, and that is, return the battle flag. Texans and Indianians rally under the one flag now. Generous acts will tend to obliterate the asperities of war.
“I herewith enclose letters of Generals Wilder and Miller.
Yours truly,
“JAS. A. MOUNT.
“February 2, 1899.”
Therefore be it Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Indiana, the Senate Concurring, That the said battle flag be returned by said State of Indiana to said Association of the Survivors of Terry’s Texas Rangers; that the duty of the return thereof be delegated to the Governor of the State and the present Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic for the Department of Indiana, with such other Union soldiers whom the Governor may appoint, and that the Geologist of the State of Indiana, now in charge of said battle flag, do deliver the same to said commission, taking their receipt therefor, to be deposited in place of said battle flag; and that said commission, at such time as may be most convenient, in person return said battle flag to said association; that the actual expense of said commission, not to exceed the sum of two hundred and fifty (250) dollars, be paid by said State of Indiana, and that the same be placed, by the proper committees, in the general appropriation bill to be enacted at this session of the Legislature.
Mr. Speaker: Your Committee on Military Affairs, to which was referred House Concurrent Resolution No. 6, which resolution provides for the return of certain flags to the Association of the Survivors of Terry’s Texas Rangers, has had the same under consideration, and begs leave to report the same back to the House with the recommendation that said resolution be amended by inserting the words “the Governor of the State and” between the words “to” and “the,” in line 4, page 7. (2) Substitute the word “such” for the word “two,” in line 5, page 7. (3) Strike out the words “when the’ between the words “soldiers” and “may,” in line 5, page 7, and insert therefor the words “as the Governor.” And that, as so amended, the said resolution be adopted.
SOMERS,
Chairman.
As soon as it became known to the Grand Army organization of Indiana, a certain post, numbering about four hundred members, passed a resolution denouncing the action of the Indiana Legislature and demanding of Governor Mount not to return the flag. The reporter of a paper, who attended this meeting, on his way home met General Ryan, the Commander of the Grand Army organization of the State and submitted to him the resolution passed by this post, when he unqualifiedly endorsed it and stated that he was going to write to Governor Mount not to return the flag.
Governor Mount then wrote to General Wilder, who commanded the brigade to which Major Weiler belonged, and asked his opinion and received General Weiler’s answer, saying the flag ought to be returned. Governor Mount also wrote to General Henry, who commanded the division and had his answer, saying the flag ought to be returned, which Governor Mount determined to do at any cost.
Immediately on my receipt of the resolutions I forwarded it to Senator Wooten in Austin and suggested to him that this was no longer an affair of our regiment, but it was the action of the State of Indiana extending the olive branch to the State of Texas and should have suitable acknowledgment. I requested Senator Wooten to introduce a resolution inviting the whole Legislature of the State of Indiana to come to Texas as the guests of our Legislature and appropriating ten thousand dollars to defray the expense thereof. (This appropriation was unconstitutional and could not have carried, but as it turned out, it was not needed, as the Indiana Legislature, on receipt of same, had already adjourned.)
THE TERRY’S RANGERS’ FLAG
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PASSED INVITING
GOV. MOUNT AND PARTY TO
VISIT AUSTIN.
INDIANIANS TO BE GUESTS OF STATE.
Resolutions Transmitted by Wire to Governor of Indiana and Mailed to Legislative Officers.
Austin, Tex., March 4.—(Special.)—The correspondence and concurrent resolution relating to the return of a battle flag to the Texas Rangers are of interest. Senator Brinkley, one of the members of the Senate of Indiana, wrote to Mr. H. W. Graber of Dallas. The letter from Hon. C. C. Brinkley and the resolutions adopted by the Indiana Legislature were printed in The News of Thursday, March 2, while the memorial and other letters referred to in the following have previously appeared in The News:
Mr. Graber of Dallas has written to Mr. Wooten as follows:
Dallas, Tex., Feb. 27.—Hon. Dudley G. Wooten, Austin, Tex.: Dear Sir—Inclosed find copies of memorial, letter and resolution of the Legislature of the State of Indiana, in reference to the return of the battle flag to the Association of Survivors of Terry’s Texas Rangers.
You will observe that the resolution contemplates the return of the flag by his excellency, the Governor of Indiana, in person, and an appropriation is made to defray the expenses of the Governor and party.
It occurs to me that this liberal, generous and patriotic action upon the part of the Legislature and Governor of Indiana should be met by appropriate official recognition by the Legislature of the State of Texas.
It has been suggested, and it seems to me rightful, that the Governor of Indiana and his party, while in the State, should be the guests of the State of Texas, and that a small appropriation should be made and placed at the disposal of Gov. Sayers, to enable him in the name and on behalf of the people of the State, to extend to Gov. Mount and party a royal welcome to Texas. Such amenities are invaluable, and would tend to wipe out the lingering bitterness of the past, more closely connect the American people in common brotherhood, and place Texas in the true light before the world as among the most patriotic and liberal States in the Union.
I would suggest that you confer with Governor Sayers and Major Littlefield (who resides at Austin, one of the officers of the Association of Terry’s Texas Rangers) as to the action to be taken.
I assume that the time will be designated for a meeting of the association to be held at Austin for the purpose of meeting Gov. Mount and party. I am sure it is not necessary to say that Texas should not permit Indiana to outstrip her in the good work of joyous reconciliation.
Please return to me the copies inclosed when you have no further need for them, as I wish to present them with my report to the Association.
Yours truly,
H. W. GRABER.
The following is the concurrent resolution introduced by Judge Kittrell and passed:
Concurrent Resolution:
Whereas, the Legislature of Texas has just heard with emotions of sincerest pleasure that the Legislature of the State of Indiana has adopted a resolution providing for the return of the battle flag of Terry’s Texas Rangers, which was captured by an Indiana regiment during the late war between the States, and has appointed a committee, including Gov. Mount and his staff to visit Texas and return said flag to the Association of the Survivors of Terry’s Texas Rangers. Therefore, be it
Resolved, by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring, That the action of the Legislature of Indiana is recognized as most generous, chivalric and patriotic and is hailed as a most gratifying evidence of the restoration of that unselfish and unsectional spirit upon the existence and continuance of which so largely depends the prosperity and happiness of our common country, and that the thanks of the Legislature of Texas be and are hereby tendered the Legislature of our sister State of Indiana for its patriotic action. And be it further
Resolved, That the committee appointed by the Legislature of Indiana to return said flag be and it is hereby invited to visit the city of Austin at the earliest possible day to the end that appropriate ceremonies may mark the occasion of the return of said flag, for which ceremonies the use of the hall of the House of Representatives is hereby tendered. Be it further
Resolved, That an invitation to attend said ceremonies be and is hereby extended to the Governor and other State officers and the Legislature of Indiana and to the Governor and other State officers of Texas, to the Association of the Survivors of Terry’s Texas Rangers, John B. Hood Camp, Austin Camp of the Grand Army of the Republic and the inmates of the Confederate Home. Be it further
Resolved, That these resolutions be at once transmitted by wire to the Governor of Indiana with the request that he lay them at once before the Senate and House of Representatives of that State and a duly engrossed copy thereof, signed by the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate and duly attested by the Clerk of the House and Secretary of the Senate be likewise transmitted by mail to both the Speaker of the House of Representatives and President of the Senate of the State of Indiana.
Governor Mount was taken sick very soon after and was unable to come to Texas immediately, but in a further correspondence with him, asked to have the time of his visit deferred until fall, which suited our purpose exactly. Colonel Wylie, in the meantime, received a newspaper clipping, containing the action of the army post, endorsed by General Ryan, demanding that the flag be not returned, when we both agreed we would keep the matter secret, which we did. There is no doubt it would have marred the pleasure of the Governor’s visit had any mention been made to him of the matter.
After my comrades of the committee learned I had been successful in having the flag returned, Mr. W. D. Cleveland of Houston insisted that the meeting on the return of the flag should be had in his city. Mr. Littlefield claimed it ought to be at Austin and so on, but I finally decided that it ought to be at Dallas during our State Fair, when we had low railroad rates and greater crowds than they could gather at any point in Texas. I then submitted the matter to Governor Mount and had his letter, expressing himself highly pleased, as he would thus be enabled to see more of Texas than he would at any other time, having heard a great deal about the extent of our State Fair. He furthermore stated in this letter that when he came to Texas he would come in state, as the representative of the State of Indiana.
During the first week of the fair we had the pleasure of the arrival of the Governor and his magnificent staff, which latter were in brilliant uniform and proved to be one of the most magnificent bodies of men we ever had to visit Dallas. They also brought their horse equipment, such as saddles, bridles, etc., and were accompanied by quite a number of ladies; if I remember correctly, there were fifty-two in the party, on a special train, and with the party was our friend, General Ryan, to whom the Governor had turned over the two hundred and fifty dollars appropriated for him to pay his expenses.
I regret to have to record that I was unable to secure the attendance of a large part of our Ranger organization, who seemed to have taken offense because we had the meeting at Dallas, really prompted by petty jealousies of the cities where they resided and, as a consequence, we had only twenty-four Rangers present.
The meeting of the Governors and the ceremonies attending the occasion, was had in the Machinery Hall at the Fair Grounds, which had a seating capacity, outside of the stage, of only about one thousand to twelve hundred. At the hour of the opening of the ceremonies the Indiana Governor, with his staff and ladies, were seated on one side of the stage with twenty-four vacant chairs in two rows, in front, on the opposite side of the stage and the rear portion of the stage, occupied by the city officials and prominent citizens of the town, the two Governors sitting together in the front part of the aisle.
When everything was ready I marched in the twenty-four Rangers present in column, by twos, headed by myself with Miss Ruth Phelps, carrying a Texas flag. Miss Ruth Phelps was the daughter of one of our Rangers and the only member of the Phelps family living and was lost in the Galveston storm the next year.
After forming the Rangers in two lines in front of their chairs, I introduced Governor Mount to everyone and he, in turn, introduced General Ryan and when General Ryan had reached and shaken hands with the last member on the second row, he came around in front, singing, “There is a land that is fairer than day,” in which the whole audience joined, standing, and I believe proved one of the most affecting scenes ever witnessed in this city. We then had several speeches before the Governor spoke, one by General Ryan, which evidenced considerable change in his attitude on the return of the flag and which, of course, was unknown to any one present, except Colonel Wylie and myself.
In the course of Senator Brinkley’s remarks he referred to the captured flag, when one of our Rangers jumped up, asking pardon for interrupting him, and saying he wanted the audience to understand that the flag was not captured, but it was found, when another one of our Rangers remarked: “Bill, you know they run us out of it; what’s the difference?” which, of course, created considerable merriment. Governor Mount happened to be sitting near me and remarked, “Graber, I thought you Rangers never run,” when I said to him, “Governor, if they hadn’t run a thousand times, there would not have been one left here to tell the tale. We always knew when to quit and didn’t require a bugle call to bring us out.”
Governor Mount next made one of the most patriotic speeches, characteristic of the man, ever listened to, which was responded to by Governor Sayers, who also, it is needless to say, did full justice to the occasion, as he, too, had been a gallant Confederate soldier.
After the closing of the speeches Governor Mount had the flag brought forward on the stage and, with a few appropriate remarks, handed it over to Governor Sayers, who also accepted it with appropriate remarks. Thus ended one of the grandest occasions ever had since the Civil War and its salutary effect on sectional feeling cannot be overestimated.
The Governor and staff remained with us three days. We had the best rooms at the Oriental Hotel assigned them and their hotel bills were paid by Camp Sterling Price, the Grand Army Post of Dallas and the Fair Association, and taking their expression on their visit, they left impressed with the grandeur of the Lone Star State and its people. Governor Mount and several members of his staff, among whom was Major Durban, who succeeded Governor Mount in the office of Governor, made me promise if I ever came anywhere near Indianapolis I must be sure to stop, as they wanted an opportunity to entertain me and I regret to have to report that I, on a business trip in that section, made a special visit to Indianapolis to meet them once more, when I found Governor Mount’s body prepared for burial. This changed my trip from that of pleasure to one of sadness and regret, and with this feeling, I did not stop, but passed through without making myself known.