The Plymouth weekly Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1860-1869, 1862-03-20
PLYMOUTH INDIANA, THURSDAY, MARCH 90 1862.

the rear guard of General Hindman's di-
vision which was still in town when Gen.
eral Mitchell appeared on the opposite sii e
Of the river. and gave notice of his pres.
ence by throwing few shells into the
town. The rebels then set fire to the rail
road depot round house containing eight
locomotives, with a vast amount of COM
misarv stores and arms, and took their
departure for Memphis and Nashville.
Two steamboats, were brought up by Gen
eral Thomas and placed side BY eide in
the river, upon which bridge was thrown
across and the army passed over to the
town. A number Of private buildings
were destroyed here belonging to Union
men. and number of secesh establish
ments caught fire alter our army entered
among which was the Peoples Bank and
the printing office.
The town looks desola,e only for the
soldiers passing through it. Its size is
about like Plymouth. situated among a
number Of small conical hills; the build
ing are not very fine. large proportion
of them being business houses. But one
train ran from this place to Nashville, and
tha. had started about one hour before !
arrived; so | contented myself in looking
at tho town and the ruins until the next
morning. when l procured transportation
for Nashville, where McCook's Division
was supposed to be. About l2 o'clock at
night. We were landed within ten miles Of
Nashville. and alter a march on foot. OF
about one mile, found my regiment and
felt at home again. The next morning we
started for the city. but owing to the num-
ber of troops ahead Of US. we did not get
an opportunity Of crossing until the next
mornir G {Sunday.) The raul road brid sc
and turnpike bridge were both destroyed.
and our troops had 10 cross on steamboats,
which loaded on one side and swung across
TO the other
Nashville is ssiuated on both sides Of the
Cumberland River, but the main part Of
the city is on The south side. The Capt.
tel is a costly and beautiful building. sit
uated upon an emnence near the center of
the town The Court House is also fine
large building. and most of the business
houses are equal to those of our Northern
cities. Business Of all kinds being sus-
pended, the city appeared dull and ifeless,
the principal or greater number of inhab-
itanis being Negroes. The country around
the city is both rich and beautiful. Plan
tations of great exert. in a high state Of
cultivation appear in all directions. and
much taste is displayed in improving and
beautifying the grounds. The buildings
are Of brick. and very large, surrounded
with numerous evergreens Of different va.
rieties. The proprietors are observed sit
ting listlessly about their houses. whilst a
bevy Of Negroes. of both sexes and all
sizes. huddle along The road side. to see
their benevolent masters. who have trav-
eled so far to set them free. Ask them il
they are rebels" No: but my master is -
They make themselves as familiar with Us
as if they had h own us for years.
We are now 'camped six miles south
east Of the city in beautiful grove. called
Camp Andy Johnson, where wa will stay
for a few days.
AS | have scrubbed enough. in very
uncomfortable position, will conclude by
saying that we expect to go to Chattanooga.
near the Alabama line. in the Cumbe rland
Mountains. where the rebels are SAID 10 be
fortifying themselves for a stand.
Yours. Respectfully.
j. M. CONFER.