Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1862-03-05
Evacuation of Bowling Green.

The evacuation of Bowling Green was
made u tinality ON the l4th INST, two days
tbefore the surrender OF Fort Donelson,
and Gen. Mitchell entered the town from
the North as the rebels left II from the
South. The rebels commenced their in
cendlarism the 18th, 10y burning the resi-
dence OF w. L. Underwood. AT 9 the
same evening, the big pork house Of L.
| Quigiey q Co. About $4,000 worth OF
mdes were stored there belonging TO
Campbell IL Smith, who mad been killing
cattle for the rebel army, and these con-
stituted their entire profits. The rebels
spared neither friend OF foe IN the appIi-
cation OF the torch. The Washington Ho-
tel and six contiguous stores, saw mill,
a Touring mill, and another pork house
were destroyed. AT III clock the next
day the beautiful iron railroad bridge was
tumbled down. Mines were exploded in
the towers of the piers, but as the iron
work did not fall, thirteen rounds of can
non were fired on it before the demolition
was completed. About three hours be-
fore Gen. Alitchell's division came up the
turnpike bridge was burned, tallow having
been strewed over it to facilitate the COM
bustion.
shells across the river ON the rebels wher-
ever congregated. Then the stampede be-
gan in earnest An account says the in
fantry seized the horses of the cavalry and
made off in wild haste. Reaching hill a
little south of the town, the Texas Rangers,
Morgans Cavalry, and some of the less
frightened of the flying mass halted, and
after some deliberation, turned back
They went to the fair grounds, and there
burned the beautiful amphitheatre, IN
which a large amount of corn was stored,
and wagons. About sixteen of the latter
were saved. The large tobacco factory OF
Hampton, Pritchell q Co., was next de-
stroyed. They then proceeded to the
railroad depot, which contained vast
quantity of shoes, blankets, medicines,
one hundred hogsheads of sugar, and all
the articles most needed by them, all OF
which were destroyed except some flour
and picked beef, which was rescued by
citizens for their own use. The destruc-
ton of the property belonging to the reb-
els was very great, some estimate Its value
at a million dollars, but it is impossible to
even approximate to the amount OF de-
struction with any certainty.
The machine shop, known as the Round
House, was also burned; 1t contained two
damaged engines and two extra tend ers.
There was train of cars loaded with meat,
the engine to which had steam on, ready
to start this was fired, but whether by
the Federal shells or by the rebel torch,
our informant is unable to say. All the
cars and contents were burned, and the
half consumed meats fell on the track be-
tween the rails. The unsated fends then
proceeded to the McCloud House, the
principal hotel of the town, broke open
the doors with axes, and scattered fire
brands within, consuming officers trunks
baggage, clothing, and everything it con-
tanned. The Highland House, drinking
place adjoining, was also burned, with Ma
lor McGoodwin's new store, which was
| filled with Confederate supplies. Two
men applied incendiary brands to the
steam saw mill of glorious Union man,
C. B. Donaldson, celebrated for his sash
and blinds mandatory, and resisted the
efforts of the owner to stop the progress Of
the flames.
When General Mitchell occupied the
north bank of Barren river, and COM
menced shelling the rebels, the scene of
their flight, was one of the most terrible
routs that can be immagined. The Nash
vile pike was completely blockaded with
cavalry and infantry, all in admirable dis
order, .and long line of carriages, carts
and all kinds of vehicles. Officers were
hurrying away their wives on foot, and
carrying their children in their arms,
while the whole non-belligerent portion of
the flying crowd, were screaming and
shouting at the top of their voices in a
frenzy OF apprehension.