Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1862-03-13
lFOr the Gallipolis Journal
CAxP AEDREw yAcKsoS, Tenn,
March 4th. 1852.

Mr.. HARPER. = DEAR SiR:-Our
march from Bowling Green TO Nash
vile was made in four days easy trsv-
cling, and was. so far as I observed.
devoid of occurrences calculated to
interest the public. Beautiful weather
and a splendid road made it a very
pleasant march; and had it not been
for bad management on the part Of
some one. who let our rations grow very
short (causingus 10 subsist two or three
days on Just what chance threw in our
way, there would not have been any
thing to dampen our ardour or mar our
happiness.
But the curses of hungry soldiers
are loud and deep, and their visits to
neigbbOring poultry yards and pig
pens, are frequent and profitable. But
do not understand me to intimate that
ours is plundering, devastating army.
With the exception Of sundry nice hOr-
ses which have fallen into the hands of
certain officers. whom / might name,
1 have observed nothing Of the kind,
except so much as grows out Of neces-
sity, and is really unavoidable.
Our Generals seem determined to
handle the rebels with great tender
ness and consideration. Il appears to
be their purpose, to protect rebel prop
erty at all hazards. No difference
what it costs Uncle Sam, rebels must be
protected in person and property. So
much is this the case, that on yesterday
certain Colonel commanding Bri-
gade, was heard to say-"I ish tired oI
dis; would like for vonce to get into
de enemee's countree." l think little
more Of the iron rule, would be better,
At least secesh city like Nashville
ought certainly to be disarmed. 1t is
said that the city is full of arms and
that its citizens go loaded down with
concealed weapons. 90 far as l know,
up TO this day, no search has been
made and no inhabitants been disarmed.
This is a fine country. as indeed is
all the country over which we have
passed, South Of Green river. Much
of the land on this route. is little if any
inferior to the best farming districts in
Ohio.
Most of the farms are large, the, farm
houses spacious and elegant, many pla-
ces giving indications Of wealth and
luxury. Nashville. in many respects,
is nice place. The State House espe-
cially, is an ornament to the city and
an honor 10 the State. It is built OI
Tennessee Marble. and the style and
finish Of the building. is not surpassed
by any building of the kind in the
Union. 1t is not as large as the capital
at Columbus. Ohio.
The people here are nearly all Sc
cesh, and many Of them are honest
enough to speak their sentiments plain
lly. They say their revolution mus
and will succeed, and that we will have
bloody work down in the cotton States
Many have deserted their homes and
gone South with their portables, sup
posing that they were fleeing from the
wrath to come--the Yankees. The
people here have been taught to be-
lieve that the business Of our army
was to lay waste their property and
free their negroes. Citizens here IN
this city, have told me that they conf
IDENTIFY expected US to set all their slave;
loose. and play the ID generally, and
they are greatly astonished at our poll
cy, snd still eagerly inquire--do you
not intend to interfere with our slavery
II not, what then are you fighting for
They ali agree that our army compares
very favorably with the Southern army.
We have seen much Of slavery since
We crossed Green river. Almost every
house IS flanked by negro quarters,
some Of the farmers owning as many
as seventy-6ve or one hundred slaves.
l suppose slavery exists here in its
mildest forms, at least | see nothing
horrible about it. The niggers seem to
be happy and well cared for. Their
dwellings, are generally comfortable,
their clothes good, and their food is at
least as desirable as that which SUBJ
sists the U. S. Army. Every thing is
very dear here. Coffee 81 per pound.
calico go cts. per yard, &c. Well, !
am writing too long letter, and must
close by saying. we are encsmPed three
miles from the city, with a host OF sol.
diers around us, and more coming all
the time. think there is some trouble
among our Generals, or rather good
deal Of jealousy existing among them.
I believe that Gen. buel has run
through his department, and is now
waiting for something TO be done, j
know not what.
Yours truly,
w. w. MILLS,