Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 38.djvu/365

 Rh It was to Emma Sansom's memory also that Dr. John A. Wyeth dedicated his monumental Life of General Nathan Bedford Forrest. Among the dedicatory lines is found this encomium: "She was a woman worthy of being remembered by her countrymen as long as courage is deemed a virtue," and in the text of the book he says further: "As long as the fame of Nathan Bedford Forrest shall last among men—and it must endure forever—coupled with it in artless womanhood and heroic pose will be the name of Emma Sansom."

Soon after the incident occurred which brought this mountain country girl into public view, and placed her immemorially in the hearts of all who have a true soul and brave, the State of Alabama in General Assembly adopted a series of joint resolutions donating her a section of land and a gold medal "in consideration of public services rendered by her."

To the uninformed as to her specific act, is given a gist of the facts in the eulogistic clauses of the preamble to those resolutions, in which it is told that "'she exalted herself above the fears of her nature and the timidity of her sex,' with a maiden's modesty and more than a woman's courage, tendered her services as a guide, and, in the face of an enemy's fire, and amid the cannon's roar, safely conducted our gallant forces by a circuitous route to an easy and safe crossing, and left them in eager pursuit of a fleeing foe, which resulted in a complete and brilliant victory to our arms within the confines of our own State. By her courage, her patriotism, her devotion to our cause, and by the great public service she has rendered, she has secured to herself the admiration, esteem and gratitude of our people, and a place in history as the heroine of Alabama."

Several times since this act, efforts have also been made to have the State seal changed from its present form to a scene representing Emma Sansom riding behind General Forrest, and directing him to the now immortal "lost ford."

There transpired no more heroic or picturesque occurrence during the War Between the United States and the Confederate States than the adventure in which this incident figured, an adventure reflecting glory upon all participants, Federal and Confederate alike, for it was one calling for high courage, dauntless daring, and the best mettle of true soldiership.