The Nevada Democrat., 1862-02-18
Union Sentiment in the south.

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The telegrAphiC intelligence published
few days ago, relative 10 the Union senti-
ment in West Tennessee, as exhibited on the
arrival Of the gunbOSt expedition, IL fully
confirmed. ASt. Louis dispatch OF Febru-
AIRY 18th, has The following on The subject:
A Fort Henry correspondent Of the Mis-
souri Republican says the late gunboat ex-
pedition up the TeDDessee river was greeted
everywhere with the widest enthusiasm.
Prominent men came 10 The boats and said
should Union army come into Tennessee
so 900 men we're ready and would cluster
around it. Oficers Of the gUnboats say it
is impossible to dOUbt The gennineness OF
the greetings. The rebel press was wholly
under the control of the politicians, and
don't speak the peoples feelings. The Sc
cessiOn element was principally composed
of The lawless portions of the community,
aud overawed by it's violence the order aud
Union loving citizens.
The following paragraph, from a late
Eastern paper, is of interest 10 this cOnnec-
tion:
The testimony of Mr.. Ely, just released
from Richmond Jail, where he was visited
by crowds Of the Southern people Of all
classes and conditions, is worthy of especial
notice. He asserts that in that city, the
capital of JEFF Davis dominions, aud from
the first distinguished for its secession feel
ings. there is a strong Union sentiment
among a large portion Of the population.
Were the Federal army before Richmond,
hundreds of homes would be seen with the
stars and stripes flying over them. Under
these circumstances, Mr.. Ely had abundant
opportunity for forming correct opinion
on public sentiment; while bis statements
will be received with different degree of
confidence from those of come irresponsible
"contraband' or deserter from the rebel
army. If such be thej case at Richmond,
what may we expect public feeling to be in
North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, with the
highest regions Of the cotton States? But,
for the time being Unionists are kept under
by the lack Of arms, resources and unity
among themselves; while The enemy is armed
to the teeth. and desperate from conscious
guilt and merited punishment.
Anothern Eastern paper, 10 giving some
OF the incidents related by prisoners who
were confined at Richmond, and referring
to acts of cruelty practiced on them, says:
But there is, for the honor of humanity.
brighter side also. The prisoners all concur
10 the statement that they were occasionally
visited by ladies', who never failed TO leave
behind some token of their ''angel visits"
They brought them cakes, jellies and other
delicacies; and often when the stern senti-
nels would refuse them admission they
would seize the presented bayonet with
their little hands. turn il aside, and, thus
eluding the guard, make their visit. Other
ladies, in riding past in their carriages,
threw boqucts Of flowers in at the windows.
One lady, with two beautiful daughters, is
particularly mentioned as having been kind
10 the prisoners. Some of the prisoners,
under guard, we're allowed TO go to a
spring for water. The guard remaining at
some distance, women would occasionally
meet them at the spring. One Of these wo-
men told them that sbe had Union flag
concealed in her house, and that IL the Union
troops came 10 Richmond she wonld display
it from her housetop.