Smoke Signals and other news
Although we should be thankful for all things great and small throughout the year, November is the month more emphasis is put on those blessings we have. As always, I am thankful for a merciful God who sent his son for our salvation. We may not all agree on how someone practices their religion, but we can agree on their right to believe in God in the way they choose. I am grateful for family, those who are still physically present, those who have gone before, and those who left me with a legacy of love and a heritage of the right way to live—those who taught me the importance of honest work and an honest lifestyle.
I am thankful for a home that shelters me from the elements. I am grateful that rather than cutting wood and heating my home as I did for many years, I can simply change the setting on the thermostat and be comfortable.
A musical was performed at the Veterans Home in Oxford this past week when I visited my husband, Doug. The veterans reminisced and enjoyed the songs that were performed. The activities director asked that the music be paused for a few minutes. Then, every veteran who was able moved to the hallway, and others were wheeled to the area in their chairs. One veteran issued the command to attention. Everyone who could stand stood and saluted, and those who had trouble saluting did their best to the best of their ability to honor the one who was leaving as a funeral home director wheeled a flag-draped gurney down the hall to the waiting hearse. These men and women did not know the soldier as he had only been there a week or so and had been bedridden. It did not matter as they paid the only respect they could for a fallen brother. There were few dry eyes in the building.
On Friday of this week, there will be many Veterans Day programs for the men and women who have served our country and given us many of the freedoms we have today. Attend a program if you can; if not, find a veteran you can thank for their service. Hopefully, I will go to the Veterans Home in Oxford as they honor their residents.
Following is another excerpt written by Barton Williams, “The History of Byhalia.”
Brigadier General James R. Chalmers gave a more detailed report of the campaign several days later. His command had camped in Byhalia on the night of October 10, 1863. The Confederate attack was to begin by leaving Byhalia at 4 a.m., proceeding toward Collierville. However, the assault was delayed about two hours. This report filed October 20, 1863, reads in part: I ordered Col Richardson to move at 4 a.m. the next day with his brigade and the First and Third Regiments - Mississippi Calvary to attack Collierville, while the other commands would follow and support. Still, he did not move until two hours later than the time ordered. Further along in this report, he tells of the Confederate withdrawal from Collierville, where his troops had camped along the Byhalia-Collierville Road the night of the 11th of October: On the following morning (12th), having heard nothing of any movement of the enemy, my brigade was moved to Pigeon Roost Creek, and Col. Richardson was about to follow some hours later when information was received that the enemy was advancing in force. Col. Richardson took position on a hill near Ingram’s house immediately south of Byhalia Creek. This engagement lasted for three hours before the Confederate slowly retreated through Byhalia toward Ingrams Mill, where they camped for the night. Brig. General Chalmers continued his report of this skirmish in part: Our loss was one man severely and one slightly wounded and two horses killed. Theirs was severe - nine killed and 13 others injured; in addition, the Citizens of Byhalia report that during the fight, several ambulances loaded with dead and wounded passed through that place to the rear (Collierville).
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