Note 4 — THE HOOD CAMPAIGN.
Reading edition
Accounts of the deaths of Capt. Hobson and Lieut. Watts are conflicting. Capt. Hayden states that Capt. Hobson was killed right at the fort. The account of Sergt. Holt, Co. E, of the same incident, is subjoined. Sergt. Holt's candor in relating his experiences is refreshing and worthy of all praise. Most of us, in relating army experiences, are apt to forget or omit our fears and remember only what was heroic. There was in the regiment but one opinion concerning Capt. Hobson, and that was that he was a brave and capable officer. Martin Gregg, Co. I, states that he was with Lieut. Watts when shot; that he was killed by the captain of the battery, who also fired at him.
D. W. C.
"Company E was the left wing, Capt. Hobson commanding the main column. Advancing on the pike, our company went to the left or rear of a small works on the pike. After we had climbed a little hill, our company had scattered considerably, the firing being close above us with grape. We formed under cover of the ravine, and then advanced down the railroad. Capt. Hobson was leading the company; and Sergeant Grose and myself were (I probably ought not to say so) in the rear. I thought I took in the situation and asked him how he liked the place we were going into. He said he didn't like it much, but he guessed we would have to go. We charged down the railroad until we got to the wagon road, then went under the railroad, the grade being so high as to permit us to go under. Capt. Hobson didn't seem to realize the situation until he was confronted on the other side by the retreating rebel column. He halted and turned round immediately on the retreat, and was shot just as he came under the railroad, falling almost against the stone abutment. His riderless horse came galloping past me as I turned to retreat....
"An incident in connection with Capt. Hobson's death has always impressed me. During the morning Capt. Hobson and Lieut. Burroughs were riding together, and in their conversation Lieut. Burroughs said: 'I would rather lose my right arm than go into a fight.' Capt. Hobson replied, 'The rebel bullet is not molded that will kill me.' With these remarks hardly cold from their lips they went into the fight and were both killed within at least a few minutes of each other.
"While Capt. Hobson many times seemed rough in his remarks, his actions would show that he was tender in feelings. With a confidence that no harm can come to him, a man can go forth and fight with dashing courage, although danger surrounds him; but with the thought that as certain as he goes into battle, he will be the first to fall, requires a stout heart, and is offering his life upon the altar of his country. I never felt that I would be injured in battle, but I have several times wished that some one else would run, so that I might have some excuse to run myself. It took a braver man to make the break and run when every one was standing in line of battle than it did to stand and fight."