William a Bowers

History of the 27th Georgia Volunteer Infantry Regiment Confederate States Army William a Bowers

At the battle of Olustee, Florida, Colonel Zachry's command greatly distinguished itself--acting the most part in achieving that brilliant victory. Near the close of that eventful day, when the tide of battle seemed to turn, alternately, from one side to the other of the contending hosts, General Colquitt sent one of his staff officers to show the Twenty-Seventh Georgia into position in the line of battle and to remind Colonel Zachry that everything depended on his command. The reply of Colonel Zachry showed that he was of the stuff of which a soldier is made. As he rode at the head of his regiment with the fire of battle in his eye, he said: "Major, tell the General that I will do my best--not only he but the enemy shall know it when we are in line." This was no vain boast for, soon the enemy were in full retreat, leaving their dead and wounded in the field.