The Cecil Whig., 1862-04-26

give up the city, they should find it a
heap of smoulderiug ruins" liberty or
ashes" he shouted-whereupon, he
became exhausted by not having any
applause or friends, and retired. The
Rangers were not satisfied, and they
threatened to burn the city. Johnston
detailed force of one thousand men to
guard it that night.
On the following morning I went down
to see what was going on. found all
the business places still closed. l went
to the railroad brige, and found a large
quantity of combustibles prepared to
burn tue bridge at any moment. The
citizens were anxiously looking for the
Union troops, so that the city might be
restored to law and order. Wednesday
was spent in get ing away government
stores, post-ofice fixtures, etc. On
Thursday morning was awakened by
the cry of fire. When l arose | found
my room as light as day, from the reaec-
tion. l ran out, and found it was large
quaint y of arms burning in front of the
Sta Capi ol, where they had their
armory, not more than fifty yards from
my house. When daylight came, the
armory doors were thrown open to the
citizens to help themselves. took
advantage Of the opportunity, and pro-
cured few guns, pike, and map of
the city of Nashville, which l brought
home as relic. 1t was reported through
the day that the Commissary stores
would be open to the citizens at 7 o'clock
in the evening, and bands of men and
women commenced gathering around the
building in the early part of the day
Riotous scenes had already commenced,
when the Mayor ordered them to dispense,
but they paid no attention to him, so he
ordered out the steam fre-engine, and
put her into service, scattering the mob
in every direction. 1t was quite anus
ing to see the women wringing the water
from their skir:s, some being completely
drenched from head to foot. At the
appointed hour went to the Commits
sary's to see the fun, and there they
were, sure enough, throwing al. kinds of
goods into the street from the windows,
as high as the fifth story. On one occa-
sion, heavy piece Of tent-cloth came
down and hit an old woman on the head,
killing her instantly. Many others we're
knocked down in like mtnner. Some
times the bales Of goods would unwind,
and fifty or more would get hold, and
sach pulling, humping and hauling l
never saw before. One time l 60.
entanglcd in such net that was
obliged to take my knife and cut the
cloth to free myself. The mob became
more furious-bricks and stones began
to fly in the air, and l, not being partial
to such fun: went home with a sprained
thumb. l woke up about midnight and
saw a large light on the river, which l
found on my next trip to be the railroad
bridge. The wires of the great suspcn-
sion bridge had been cut, and it had
fallen. Two thirds of this bridge
belonged to Zollicoffer, and it was all
his children had for support.
The most of Friday vas spent by the
rebels in impressing all sorts of vehicles
to carry them to the army, at Murfrees-
boro. Rangers galloped their horses to
and fro, cursing and insulting every
body, while the river banks were crowded
with citizens anxiously awaiting the
appearance of the Union army. On
Saturday morning star ed to market,
but alas! the house was empty. The
country people were afraid to come, on
account of the drafting. Saturday was
spent as usual, great many being dis
couraged at the long delay of the Fed
erals. Sunday came, and it was repor-
ted that some Of Buel's pickets were on
the other side of the river. The whar-
YES were soon crowded, being among
the rest, and we beheld some half-a
dozen horsemen with blue coats. There
were several remarks made, such as
Why, they dress better than our men !"
-" i wish had good rife, l would
pick that big fellow" One little boy
looked long while in silence-at last he
said to his mother, "Ma what is Yankee
Have they got horns % All Sunday
and Monday were spent in this way-all
wishing for the Federals to cross to the
city and establish peace once more. On
Tuesday morning about daylight, the
booming of cannon announced the arrival
of the gunboa's. Some were filled with
terror, but more with joy. AT er break.
fast started down to see the boats
l had not gone more that square when
l beheld the Stars and Stri pes once more
floating in Nashville. The sight was
impressive; never saw anything look
more beautiful. The flag was accom-
panied by General Nelson and staff,
with the Ohio Sixth. | turned back
and followed them to the Capital, where
they raised the flag amid the sweet
notes Of the " Star Spanglcd Banner"
l began to feel more like freeman-the
very air seemed freer. l knew l could
soon be among my friends. l showed
my friendship to the soldiers by inviting
them to my house as long as l aid in
the ely, which made my secesh neigh
3ors very mad. They threa' encd TO
burn me out before four weeks. 1 did
not undress myself or children at night
for fear Of the rebels, and knew several
families in the same condition. | staid
in Nashville for three weeks after the
Unionists got there, when | embarked
on the steamer Ci izen of Pittsburg, and
Travelled l,l50 miles by wa.er and $50
by land, by the way of Fort Donelson,
Louisville, Cincinnati, Wheeling, Pitts