Daily Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1860-1862, 1861-06-26
nron, a. IonisriIl. conrier ]
Evacuation of Hsrperss Ferry-Rea-
sons misunderstanding of Bridge
Destruction of ArmOry Buildings.

from tne LOUISVILLE OoullcrJ
Evacuation of Harper's Ferry-Rea-
sons Notwithstanding of Bridge
Destruction of Armory Buildings.
&e., &c.
HARPER's FERRY. VA. June Is. 1861.
On Thursday. tthe Ii inst.) just as the
troops were in fair way for the enjoyment
of the holiday from military duty, conse-
quent upon the fast day, an order was circu-
lated among the different regiments for i'm
mediate preparations for march. This was
the first intimation we had of Gen. JOhnson's
purpose to evacuate Harper's Ferry. In
stantly the whole place was in a stir. Hun
dreds of baggage wagons were laden. hurley,
big-bellied broad treads were stuffed with
provision stores, ammunition was carefully
deposited in safe trains. and from every side
there arose the swelling strains OF music
as the troops took up the line of march.
The necessity of this step was rendered the
| more apparent by the fact that intelligence
bad been received of the rapid approach of
Gen. MeClelland's division of the Federal
army towards Winchester. Thus we were to
| be Intercepted, and our small force complete
ly hemmed in by the constantly augmenting
| numbers of the Northerners, either cut to
pieces or compelled to surrender. Our com
| mander very prudently chose to take neither
horn of the dilemma, but resolved to desert
Harper's Ferry and boldly strike into the
valley of Virginia. where be could attack the
enemy. We are thus to be made the offensive
party, and shall certainly, in good time, make
proper report OF our Interview with the
clustering Hoosiers and Buckeyes.
The companies of Captains Desha and Pope
were quickly under arms, and moved 10 the
| armory yard, where having stacked their IL
fies, they awaited orders. The Kentuckians,
under Col. Duncan, reported themselves at
the same place, and were subsequently, re-
4 81
A large number of men left by railway for
Winchester, and others, for lack of transpor-
tation, marched afoot- During the day there
was an indescribable scene of excitement
Broadway, in its palmiest day, never, witness
ed such Jam as this little town. The bust
ness houses were closed-iamilies were at
tempting to move their effects, and every
street and avenue was crowded with loaded
wagons. Officers were dashing hither aud
thither, and soldiers were ON the qui vive for
movement. Loads of provisions, that it was
found impossible TO transport, were dumped
in the river There was a general rush by
the boys for sugar and bread. 1t was, indeed,
in more senses than one, fast day. In the
first place, we had no regular meal, and eve
ry movement was made at the most &C celera-
ted rate OF speed.
During the afternoon, the pickets of the
enemy were distinctly observable on the Ma
ryland Heights, and Capt. Desha and Lieut..
Rogers took a crack at them with their rifles,
which caused the tories to disappear rather
suddenly.
Just after dark, Capt Desha's company
was ordered to accompany Maj. Whiting, the
Chief Engineer, across the Potomac, and make
preparations for blowing up the bridge. This
was an undertaking OF no lnconslderable
hazard. The enemy was known to be in the
immediate vicinity, and it was thought not
unlikely that they might attempt to force
passage of the bridge. | have slept in many
places and under many disadvantages, but
never before above a foaming, turbulent riv-
er, and just above terrible mine that in al
instant could fash the structure into
myriad fragments. The night, however,
passed quietly, and in the early gray of the
morning we were visited by Maj. Whiting.
The immense bridge, over three-quarters OF a
mile in length, was thoroughly saturated, the
torch lit, and just as we reached the Virginia
shore the magnificent structure was hurled
into mid air, falling shapeless mass OfruiDs
into the rapid stream. The burning debris, with
the clouds of lurid flame, presented picture
worthy an artists study. In an hour or two
the massive and extensive armory buildings
were ignited, and the cUnfagratiOn that en-
sued was of the most terrific and impressivs
character. In order to prevent the flames
extending to private property, the troope
were detailed to act as fTmen, under Capt
Fauntleroy, of the Confedei ase Navy, aud
right manfully did they discharge tEeir ardu-
Gus duty. Not a penny's worth OF that
which did not belong to the Government was
destroyed.
Thus passed Friday. We sleep on our
arms tonight, and at a precOncerted signal,
The troops remaining here are TO march for
the interior. Sc DE KAY.