The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1862-04-23
GEN. JOHNSTON.

In the Confederate Congress, when the
resolutions Of thanks for the victory OF Shiloh
and respect for the memory of Gen. John
ston were under consideration, MIR. Barks-
dale OF Mississippi said:
/ General Johnston now reposes in bloody
grave-deaf alike to the voice of censure and
the shout of applause. He fell where true
soldier most loves 10 fall--he fell at the post
of duty-an incarnation of martial valor and
sublime hefoism. His figure shines radiant
amid the cloud and tempest and storm Of
the battle field. He fell at a critical mo-
ment in the history Of his country's struggle.
aud at period when the tongue Of calumny
had been busy with hls name. But, though
dead. he speaks in his own vindcaion from
the field On which he fell, aud has vindicat-
ed his title to the respect and admiration,
confidence and gratitude Of his eOuntrymen.
81 hold in my hands an unofficial letter
probably the last written by the lsmented
decessed-to the Chief Executive OF the
ConfedeFacy. to whom he had long been u
RRHsh is iby naaf n!hf etfsr friendship sn and with
the flag of a government wnich together they
abandoned when it became the symbol OF a
monstrous despOtism. will, by the lndul-
gence of the House. read the letter, that they
may see the facts in the light by which his
course was shaped previous and subsequent
to the fall Of Donelson. These facts trl-
umphantIy yindicate his fame as true pa
triot and an able and skillful military leader.
This letter, written under most trying cir
cumstances, shows that no trace ct passion
was visible in the awful serenity ol the pure
brave, undauntpd spirit in which il original.
ed. He has left noble example Of magma
nimity in the midst Of unjust complaint, ant
of courage and Of fortitude amid disaster
His fame rises brighter from the severe ordea
through which he has passed. and his name
will live green aud fresh forever IN the hearts
Of grateful people"
Decatur, Ala, March 18th, 1862.
M Dear General: Ireceised the dispatch
es from Richmond with your private lette
by Captain Wicklilfe three days since bu
the pressure Of affairs aud the necessity o
getting nv command across the Tennessee
prevented me from sending you an earlIerre
|. ply.
/ anticipated all that yon have told me a
10 the censure which the fall OF Fort Donel
, son drew upon me, aud the attacks to whlci
you might be subjected, but it was impossible
/ lor me to gather the facts Tor detailed re
port, or to spare time which was required Z
, eatricale the remainder Of my troops, AM
/ save the large accumulation OF stores an'
pro,ision after that disheartening disaster.
transmitted the reports OF General
Fluyd aud Pillow without examining or ana
lyzing the facts, and scarcely with time t
! read them.
I When about to assume command Of ihl
| Department, the government charged M
, with the duty Of deciding the question o. oc
: cupying Bowling Green, Kentucky, ~hicl
involved not only military bat political con
, siderations. At the time Of my arrival
Nashville, the action Of the Legislature o
D Kentucky had put an end to the latter o.
sanctioning the formation Of companies me
! nacing Tennessee, by assuming the cause o
J the government at Washington, and by q
bandoning the neutrality II proiessed, and y
I consequence Of their action the Occupation
Of Bowling Green became necessary as u
1 act Of self.deiencr, at least in the trst step.
4 About The middle Of September Geners
+ Buckner advanced with small force o.
: bout 4, 600 men, which was increased by th'
18th October 70 $4,000. and though acees
sions of force were received, u eonllnuen Z
!, about the same strength until the end oi NO
vember. measles and other diseases keeping
down the effective force. The snsmy's foFc'