The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1862-10-23
For tbc Nashville Union.
and Pillaging Facts
and a Remedy.

Va aging aAAN AfAob AA6 AS - wv"
and a Remedy.
Several articles have appeared in the
USroS lately, in regard TO foraging and
pillaging. These subjects seems to pos
sess considerable interest to citizens,
and they do 10 less also TO soldiers in
camp. like the spirit and principles Of
your articles in the Union. But they
seem 10 be founded, in some respects,
on an imperfect knowledge Of some Of
the facts involved, and TO be thus more
or less at fault in application 20 the
practically existing case, and perhaps
indulge in apprehension 10 an extent not
altogether just The writer wishes to
present some facts necessary 70 be known
and appreciated for proper judgment
in the case, and some suggestions in re-
gard 10 remedy.
For some time, our soldiers here have
been deprived Of number Of their usual
and rightful articles Of diet, and which
are important, not only as to fare, but also
sanitarily and to proper physical STAN
ina and efficiency and in fact, though
there can be of course no danger of
actual want, only the bare essentials
of life are left them. They have been
deprived of salt meat, potatoes, beans,
peas, rice, sugar, molasses, etc, land
oo6ee, which the soldier thinks almost
necessary; leaving only bread and fresh
meat. These men left their peaceful
homes and pursuits, surrounded by plen-
ty and comfort--came voluntarily TO risk
their lives and endure the hardships of
war to preserve their country against a
most causeless and wicked rebellion.
They have been long absent, and have
now an uncertain prospect of when they
can return They have fought and suf-
fered on, while many of their comrades
persisted, uncomplainingly and cheerful
ly, for the sacred cause; and are willing
TO continue TO fight, and make all the
sacrifices that may be necessary, on in
definitely, until that cause shall have
completely and finally triumphed.
While these are the facts as TO the nature
and history of their position, and as to
their present wants, they are surrounded
by great abundance and variety of all
that is needed TO relieve and supply them.
And this supply is in the hands of whom?
Why, in the hands of those who have
rebelled against their common govern
ment, and brought them here 20 sustain
it--thoir deadly enemies-who would
use any means TO destroy them
who would starve them if they
could - are actually trying TO thus
subduc them; and have really brought
them into their present position of need.
Their government would amply supply
them, but these rebels against il have
seized temporary opportunity to pre-
vent IT, It's also the fact, that, if the
rebel owners of produce would bring il
in, as ordinarily, TO market, we would
gladly pay them for it, and at high prices;
but they will not do so, and, purposely,
with the idea of starving us out. What
should we do? Pnssively pine and sub
nit The laws of war, and the custom
of all wars, justify foraging upon an or
binary enemy, when necessary. Con-
gress has passed laws and commanders
have issued orders, authorising it. The
rebel armies have done it TO extremes,
wherever they have gone. Rebels at
home, have practiced entire conGscation,
and needlessly, with all manner of out
rageous persecution, and penniless OK
tradition, upon Union citizens and neigh
bors in their midst How can they COM
plain Of foragingeven in the light of very
partial just return? II will be said, per-
haps, that all the facts and arguments
make IL necessary to admit that tits emil
nently right and proper TO forage off the
rebels in the vicinity 70 supply the impOr-
tant wants Of our soldiers--o course let
the foraging be done, and constantly and
sufIicicntly--but, still, foraging is not
pillaging. But, n Is Nor DONE TO relieve |
these wants, or THE WANTS would NOT
EXIST, Horses are foraged Tor, but not /
the men, as 10 these deficiencies. Why /
it is not done, ia unknown 10 the soldiers
they cannot see the reason for IT,
They think il due 10 ihem--ihat they /
have right to it. Hence, when they |
think over as has been rehearsed, what