The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1862-06-22
Le,tor,from tho war.Ids---NO. 1.
NEAR BLUE LICK, KYrl
Nav %, 1862.

May %, 1862.
Dear Readey
These letters, if they possess no other
merit, will at least be exactly what they
profess to be-"Letters from the way
side" written at the places and on the
times indicated in the date, and will de-
scribe real scenes and events, and express
genuine thoughts and honest opinions.
Two days ago landed at Maysville,
on the Ohio, with the design of making
my way on foot from that point, in as
direct line as practicable, TO Camp Cum
berland, before Cumberland Gap, and
thence to follow the Union bayonets
through that strong pass to my home, Off
the rebels have stillleft me such place.
beyond the mountains, in the beautiful
valley Of the Tennessee.
have equipped myself soldier fash
ion, with the exception of the musket,
and carry two or three days rations in
my hayresack.
| have just passed Blue Lick, (Nicholas
Co.. and finding a beautiful wild spot,
where a cool, clear spring is shaded by
naples and tulip trees, spread my In
dia rubber blanket on the ground, and
seating myself, with my knapsack for a
desk, prepare TO write you brief letter
another merit l may claim for my
epistles being brevity, the circumstances
under which they are necessarily written
prccluding prolixity.
The country through which l have
passed thus far is the most beautiful
| think that ! have ever seen. Near the
river it is quite hilly, but mostly suscep-
tibe Of cultivation, and fertile. Leaving
the river highlands, we enter fine roll
ing country, much OF which is in a high
state of cultivation. Fine farm houses,
| surrounded and almost hidden by trees
and shrubbery great fields of waving
grain; broad meadows and pasture lands,
covered with clover and blue grass inn
mcnsc herds Of cattle, horses and mules
and groves and parks of noble trees, are
the prominent features of the landscape
now seen in all the glory of early sum
mcr.
As passed Blue Lick, Ga village Of q
dozen housesD | observed the stars and
stripes floating from the top of tail
pole, and nearly hundred men assem-.
bled on the green in front OF the hotel
In answer to my question in reference tC
the object of the asscmblagc, an old mar
replied;
"The boys have turned out to form
home guard for our protection agains
guerrillas, and to sustain the old flag
God bless that old flag p he added; g,
have fought under it, and have laugh
my sons to love it,"
"Are your sons willing to fight undc
it, too ~ l asked.
Yes" he said, proudly but sadly
one of them fell on the bloody field o
Shiloh, two are with Col, Garrett at Cum
berland Ford, and the others are here t
join the home guard"
Kentucky is all right" added
young mau who had been listening t
our conversation, She is all right, il
spite of the traitors she has nourished il
her bosom.
Looking for a lodging place last eve
ming, came to rough looking hous
near the roadside, surrounded by locus
trees, now in full bloom, and almos
smothored by roses and snow balls.
r asked an old man whom found sittin
ON the ycrandah smoking if he coul
, accommodate me with a bed
AYES, reckon" he said, walk il
sir"
During the evening the conversation, =
f a matter of course, turned on the wa
man noiorl,o,,rho L.d did -
,,..,...1 Co.. IT, -. -,