The Plymouth weekly Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1860-1869, 1862-03-20

the desp, dark ravlnes, darken with the
profuse growth Of vines and small trees.
with al occasional farm and their attenr
dant dilapidated buildings. contributed to
render the scene one Of some interest.
On account of the peculiar character Of
the soil being almos. impervious, the
water collects in numerous pools and
basins along this route. and as running
streams are scarce, the inhabitants depend
much upon these sources for their water;
but the rebel army on their retreat killed
horses, cattle and hogs. in all Of them, so
that j. was almost impossible to get good
water between Green River and Bowling
| Green.
l arrived at the Tunnel about o'clock.
The Send Regt. Indiana Vols. were en-
gagged there clearing out the earth and
rocks thrown in by the rebels. 1t being
% miles from there to Bowling Green.
and ile cars TO. running through. | had
the alienation OF remaining until the read
should be completed four days.. or ia
king it on foot. 1 was not long in con-
cluding. as there was no place to stay.
and my stock of ra.ions would not hold
Bells Tavern. The proprietor being rebel
officer in tie army; the house was under
the supervision of his not very amiabe
lady. whose inhospitable department
toward General McCook and staff com
PEELED that heroic officer to tie her, whilst
his cooks procured from her store room
and pantry tho necessaries for hungry
soldiers She succeeded in breaking
away from her guards. and procuring
handfulls Of dirt threw it over the table
into their vi;,uals. She showed her
comb ative propensites further by snatch
ing pistol from one of the officers belts.
and would have shot the General only for
the timely interference Of the officers. i
found on the slightest acquaintance with
the lady that soldiers of the Northern
army stood in very great discrodit with
her. So without attempting to force mat
ters. lett thankful to have escaped So
we'll.
From this place to the Big Berren Riv-
er the road is lined with Struggling sold
iers hunting their regiments. Being over
loaded with some Injuries, | turned over
all that could not carry to the sick in
the hospital. which was horse stable
containing some thirty patients, who had
had no medical attendance and nothing TO
eat for the four previous days. Ny cheese,
butter, pound cake, BoloSne sausage and
ginger snaps were more than relished by
the hungry boys | shouldered my satch
el and took the road, and had ample time
to contemplate the surrounding scenery.
The land is better, the timSer heavier, and
the general appearance far more agreeable
than it was north Of the tunnel But the
dilapidated farm houses and the denolish
ed fences bespoke tie carelessness Of the
proprietors and the ravages Of an invading
army. Many OF the farms are old and ap-
parently not well titled. yet they appear
productive. Large quantities Of tobacco
were found in the drying houses. and
much of 1t scattered along the road which
had been carried off by tie soldiers and
thrown away. But few Of the white peo-
pie have remained at home, they having
taken refuge in some of the Southern
States, whilst few Of their Oldest negroes
ATE lett to look after the property. Begin
ming to feel fatigued and the sun approach
ing tn, western horizon reminded me Of
the necessity of finding shelter. and being
informed that it was three miles to the
Dripping Spring tavern, the idea Of fresh
water and public house combined to give
me fresh courage. and | moved along
when emerged into beautiful valley, in
the middle of which was situated the
taScIH, W SIcdL oiLc. Oht IdNuci
dlapida'ed appearance. Near it was the
spring which poured from a ledge Of lime
stone rocks in great quantity, Of an excel
len, quality. | approached old gentle
man who took 20 be the proprietor and
asked him whether could procure lodg
} ing for love or money. and aftor about
/ fifteen minutes hesitation he gave his con.
sert. and | turned in for the night. My
host proved to be very loquacious ipdi-
, vidua! and had many stories to relate Of
the rebels and their outrages upon himself
, and neighbors. left at O'Clock next
|, morning for Bowling Green. distant fifteen
5 miles. which Iperformed in 6 hours. and
was well nigh laid up on account of it.
{ The fortifcations at this place are certainly
f; we'll chosen and Of amazing strength. the
natural advantages being great. the assis-
,acoa n art ranJarad tLa ,laoo al.u,o., -.