| 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 |
|