The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-11-28
NASHVILLE, Tenn, Nov. Z, 1867

ment Wltnln the limits or the city OF Nash
vile may be interesting to some of your
readers, as a new feature of this war.
refer to the time intervening between the
departure of Gen. Thomas for Kentucky,
and the time when communication was
re-opened by the arrival of the advance
forces OF Gen. ROsecrans' army-a period
of from six to eight weeks, but seemingly
much longer to us, who were isolated and
completely cut off from the world-a posi-
ton, by the way, anything but enviable
or interesting. In noticing events as they
have occurred, it will not be out of place
to begin with
THE SUDDEN LEAVE OF GEN. THOMAS AND
HIS ARMY CORPS FOR KENTUCKY.
1t was, as general thing, supposed that
we were established here for the winter,
with Gen. Thomas as commander of the
post-an anticipation in regard to which
although very pleasant, we were yet
doomed to be disappointed. l must con-
fess, however, that we might have inferred
as much from the fact that we were nicely
fixed for the fall, if not for the winter; and
thus far, under like circumstances, we have
invariably moved on. The order came, as
l said before, and in three houts the regi-
ment was under way, without tents, but
expecting to get new ones at Bowling
Green, which place was supposed to be
their destination. Whether it was or not.
l am unable to say, as have heard no
tidings of them since.
Various were the reasons assigned for
their sudden departure by the citizens, and
'chivalry" was for the time being in the
ascendency, vainly supposing perhaps that
the rest of the troops would evacuate also,
as that was the order Of the day at that
time. But thanks to the firmness and res
olution of Governor johnson, to still hold
the city, after troops were left, numbering,
at most ten or twelve thousand effective
men, under the command of
BRIG. GEN. NEGLEY,
Of Pennsylvania, an able officer, and al
though untried in the battlefield, yet pos
sesses the entire confidence and respect of
all his command, both officers and men.
Judging from bis outward appearance, 1
have no hesitancy in saying that he has at
least the characteristics so necessary in a
successful general. A fine and command
ing form, prompt, Of quick perception, en-
ergetic, courteous, and with none of that
official ostentation so conspicuous in some
of our military officials, upon whose Shout
ders fortune and favor have bestowed a
star. He is withal very popular with the
citizens of the city, SO far as I can learn,
although he is very staid, and enforces his
orders with rigor, especially
THE CoNFIsoATIoN PROVISION
1t is well known that last spring, when
the rebel army evacuated the city, large
amount of quartermaster and commissary
stores were left behind, which they were
not able to carry with them. Instead of
destroying them, they divided the COM
missary stores among the citizens, either
for safe keeping or as a donation-proba-
bly, the latter, as / have heard of many in
stances of barrels being opened and the
people being allowed the privilege of help
ing themselves previous to the evacuation.
AS our commissariat was rather reduced,
General Negley paid particular attention
to those deposits on trust, and relieved
many of the families from their response
bility to the confederate government.
AS general thing, and, in fact, almost
without exception, we owe our information
to the slaves. l was highly amused, some
few days since, at the tragico-comical gyr-
ations Gf may be allowed the expression)
of quite prominent lady of this city, upon
witnessing our soldiers loading their wag-
ons with many little articles of comfort,
such as blankets of all kinds and descrip-
ton, pieces of carpet, jackets, shirts,
stockings, &c, deposited in her barn from
time to time, by the different aid societies
Of this city, where they awaited either
transportation to their own army, or for
their army to come and get them. l
trust, however, that our soldiers will ap-
preciate them just ashighly as though they
were made by their own mothers, wives
or sisters. l
g FORAGING PARTIES 2.
Have been chiefly the means of subsist-
ence for the troops stationed here. If it
were not for foraging, we never could have
held the position until achievements could
have arrived. Large trains have been sent
out almost daily, bringing home large
quantities of forage and cattle. The
guards accompanying the train usually ar
rive in camp with pumpkin or squash on
the ends of their bayonets; or, maybe, a
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