NP, SW 11/27/1861

From the Southern Watchman (Athens, Ga.)
 
November 27, 1861
 
The Hero of Strawberry Plains  {East Tennessee & Virginia RR}
   A correspondent of the Knoxville Register thus describes a visit lately made to James Keelan, the man who so nobly defended the bridge at Strawberry Plains against an attack upon the property by the Union men: "We went to the residence of Mr. Elmore, the Railroad agent, where we found the brave sufferer. He was shot in three places -- the back, thigh, and elbow. His hand was severed at the wrist. Many gashes were found upon his person. From his coat I judge twenty attempts were made to cut his threat. When I saw him he was perfectly calm and sensible, bearing his pains with patience and fortitude. He will probably recover. He is a poor man, with a large family depending upon his labor for the subsistence of life. He fought sixteen men, probably killed their leader, whilst in the act of firing the bridge, and finally drove the enemy away without accomplishing their fiendish work. He did all that human could, unaided by any one, in defence of the government and the people. Indeed, it was not known by any one of the citizens, until, in a bleeding and exhausted condition he reached the house of Mr. Elmore, where he sank down from great weakness, exclaiming; "They have killed me, but I saved the bridge." He is a hero, and has physically done more for the welfare of his country than any man in the Confederacy. He deserves well of his countrymen, and let a grateful people do something for the relief of his family. Let such a testimonial be made as will show how a generous people appreciate men who know their duty and dare perform it.
Nashville Gazette

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