Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1862-03-21

- ~ oaMr ArDr JoHEsor,

Hy iAA CAMP ANDY JoHEsor,
NAsHvusE, Tenn, March IL, 1852. (
FREND KEELER--Eveuts have trauspir-
cd within tho past few weeks which have
Unused spirit Of enthusiasm in every loyal
heart, from ono end Of tho county to the
other The news Of victories and occupa.
ton ofplsees has been the theme Of conver-
satioD. The result of tho taking Of Forts
Horny and Donelson, tho occupation Of
Bowling Green, Nashville and Columbus
has proved a soul-cheering stimulant 10 the
army, and depression Of spirits TO the rebels
Scenes and incidents passed come crowd.
ing into my mind SO as to make it almost
impossible to unravel and select. There is
our march from Bowling Green 10 Nash
vile, 62 miles, which was accomplished in
three and a.half days, including half days
rest. One day VIC marched "a miles, being
on half rations of crackers and coffee, with
out our blankets, nothing but our oyercoats
as a shield from the cold night air, foot-sore
and tired will not enlarge on this. We
hayo tested the worth Of Uncle Sans shoes,
and find them the easiest thing that can be
worn. Boots arc fast going out Of fashion.
Our arrival at Nashville must not be over
looked, as il is fresh in our minds and not
likely to be forgotten. At Q o'clock Sun
day p. m. (2d,) We st'pped within miles
Of the city, expecting 10 make permanent
camp; but orders came at o'clock to move
across the river and go in camp 4 miles
south of the city. 1t now commenced rain
ing and by the time our Brigade bad EN-.
barked on the boat the rain was falling in
torrents and night fast approaching. To
cross the river required but short time
yet all did not get from the boat until dark.
ness bad enveloped us, A person cannot
describe the feelings which possessed US q:
We marched up the streets completely
drenched, with miles march before us,
no fires to cheer us at the end Of the journey
no light TO indicate whero wood was, in
fact, nothing to elevate the feelings 10 q
high moral tone. We hoped, desired and
would have begged 10 have occupied one
of the many empty store houses, markets or
depots that we passed. The question was
asked time and again, why should we pass
city thoroughly secesh and not oc-
.cupy it? But it is part of soldiers fare,
it is what be must expect, and expecting it
not demur. We are now safely ensconced
in our tents, thinking lightly Of storms and
changes Of weather.
We have a noble General johnson )--one
who is enshrined in the affections of those
under him; he endures whatever bis men
endure. The night it stormed he stayed out
with the rest. As to his military ability,
we have the highest confidence in him.
1t is hard task for person 10 foregc
his prejudices; this is apparent in the views
entertained by the citizens of West Tennes.
see. They have been led to their opinions
by implicitly believing every thing their
leaders told them. Newspapers have
thrown mighty influence in favor of Sc
cession and continually keep up the hallu-
cinatiou; Il mean secession papcrs.) mo
other than secession papers have for many
months been allowed circulation in that sec
tion.-ED. JOURNAL. have conversed
with many, both black and white, and have
made especial inquiries as to what we came
for, and invariably l find that the opinion
Expressed by one is tho general opinion
viz: That our coming was to set free thei
slaves, burn their houses, destroy thei
property, commit outrages upon their per
sons, and inhict all the enormities charac
teristie of slavery. We would laugh a
such opinions, yet they are as firmly be
lieve as their own existence. But as We
get among them, all such ideas are disap
pearing, and they realize that we are hu
man beings.
The farther we get into the enemy's ter
ritory, the more strict are our leaders, every
house is guarded, and not soldier is per.
mitted to enter a house, under any pretenst
whatever. Citizens who left their homes
on our approach are returning. If aftel
the close of the war the owners of slave.
can keep their negroes, it will be only unde
a strong guard, as they all feel like leaving
and great many have already gone.
Let them not talk Of vandalism, as ever,
l"Nt VI tuSHS haS pun Oiuoh ou tLo NSiI
name. We thought the destruction 0
Green River bridge was an unheard o
atrocity, but as We advanced and saw th,
remains of buildings which were burnt, o
railroad track torn up, bridges destroyed
and other iendish acts, we no longer doubt
ed. One OF their last acts and one whicl
will liuger long in the minds of citizens
was the destruction Of handsome suspen
sion railroad bridge spanning the Cumber
land river, which cost 81 100000; it lie
now perfect wreck.
In taking possession Of Nashville our fo
ces captured 100000 worth of seces
property. We are now eating some of th
hams which were captured.
We have received letters from homo
regard to our participating in the Fort Dor
elsou fight; they have a wrong idea, as "
have never yet been in fight. We are {
go out on picket duty now. Our picket
have been fired on several times lately.
UNKNOWN.