Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1862-03-07
LATE NEWS FROM THE SOUTH.


by the Federal troops, heretofore noticed by
telegraph. After describing the battle at Fort
Donelson, il says:
Now for the effects Of the fall Of the fort upon
this city. Early Sunday morning it was ru-
mored that Fort Donelson had surrendered,
but 1T was not until between 10 and ii a. m.
that the rumor became general. In the mean
time the General Assembly had been hastily
convened, and after a short session adjourned
to meet at Memphis on the 2Oth. The citizens
generally, unaware of any disaster to tho
Southern cause, were quietly repsiring to
church, where, however, they were met by the
report that Fort Donelson had fallen, that a
Federal army was already at Springfield Rob-
ertson county, about twenty FIVE miles from
this city, connected by rail,) and that the
gunboats had passed Clarksville, on cir way
to this city. The sudden fight of the Governor
and all the State officers, including the General
Assembly, who took a special train through to
Memphis, gave color to these absurd rumors,
and the whole city was thrown into panic.
About this time Gen. Johnston's army frsm
Bowling Green entered the city, passing South,
thus leaving the impression that no stand was
to be made for the defense of Nashville Such
hurrying to and fro was never seen. Before
nightfall hundreds of citizens, with their fam
lilies, were making their way as best they could
for the South-many of them having no idea
why they were thus recklessly abandoning
comfortable homes, or where they were going.
About night it was announced that the mill
tsry authorities would throw open the public
stores to all who would take them.
The excitement continued through Sunday
night constantly gaining strength, aided by
the destruction Of two gunboats at the wharf
which were in process Of construction-two fine
New Orleans packets (the James Woods and
James JOhnson) having been taken for that
purpose. The Tetreating army of Gen. John
ston continued its march, encamping by regi-
ments at convenient points outside the city
Monday morning the drama opened in this
city intensely exciting. The public stores were
distributed to some extent among the people,
while the army and hospitals were making
heavy requisitions, and pressing all vehicles
and men that they could, to convey their sup
plies to their camps. At the same time con-
siderable quantities were removed to the de-
pots for transportation south. Evening came,
and no gunbOats and no Federal army from
Kentucky. Gen. Johnston left for the South,
placing Gen. Floyd in command, assisted by
Gems. Pillow and Hardee. The apprehensions
Of the near approach Of the enemy having been
found groundless, it was determined by Gen
Floyd that the destruction Of the stores was
premature, and an order was cent to close the
warehouses, and a force detailed to collect
what had been given out.
This was done as far as practicable; but on
Tuesday the distribution commenced again,
and continued with more or less restrictions,
under the eyes Of the most judicious citizens,
until Saturday morning. tuesday night the
wire bridge and railroad bridge across the
Cumberland were destroyed in spite of the
most earnest and persistent remonstrances of
our leading citizens. The wire bridge cost
about $50, 900, and large portion OF the stock
was owned by the lamented Gen. ZOllicofer
and was the chief reliance for support of his
orphaned daughters. The railroad bridge cost
$3.50 900, and was one of the finest draw-b bridges
in the country.
The scenes which were enacted during the
following days up to Monday morning, 9th,
beggar description. The untiring energy of
the mayor and city authorities, who throug bout
this whole affair acted with a prudence, zeal,
and devotion to the city which cannot be too
highly commended, was inadequate to keep
down the selfish and unprincipled spirit Of
Mammon, which run riot, grasping from the
msuths and backs Of suffering widows and
orphans the poor pittance Of meat and clothing
which was left them as indemnity for months
Of toll with their needles, and the sacrifice of
husbands, sons, and brothers, in defense Of the
Southern COnfederacy. Through the efforts of
the mayor, however, plan was adopted on
Saturday by which most, if not all, Of these
poor and unprotected creditors Of the Govern
msnt were secured by quartermaster and COM
missary stores.
Here was an entire week Of panic and con-
fusion, during which millions Of dollars worth
of property was lost to the Southern Confed-
erscy, and wantonly destroyed, all of which
might have been quietly and safely removed,
had the panic-Stricken leaders been able to
maintain their eIuanimity in the face Of a
vague and unauthentic rumor that the enemy
were near at hand. Comment upon such
management is unnecessary in these colamas-
1t can be heard loud and unsparing from
every mouth in the land.
On Tuesday, as we learn, the city of CIsrks-
vile was surrendered to Commodore Foote, of
the Federal navy. The Commodore and his
staff we're invited on shore and Hospitality en-
tertained, after which he left in his gunboat,
announcing that he would return on Wednes-
day, and take formal possession of the city,
which he did, Issuing very hnsiliatory pro-
clamatiOn to the people. There are now some
5000 Federal soldiers at Clarksville, as we
learn
Through the efforts of the city authorities
something more like order was restored on Sat-
urday. The distribution Of stores was stopped,
and every effort made to remove as much as
possible to the depot, and have them carried
OF. Large quantities were thus removed.
But the heavy rains in the meantime so swelled
the water courses that the railroad bridges
gave way, and transportation was thus stopped
on the Nashville and Clarksyille railroad. The
depots, in the meantime, filled with meat and
other stores, attracted the cormorants, and riot
after riot ensued to prevent the mob from lit
orally carrying of everything.
Sunday morning tWenty-four Federal pick
cts breakfasted in Edgeheld, opposite the city.
and during the morning eight Of them seized a
little sternwheel steamboat that had been ap-
propriated as q ferry, and declined to permit
il to continue its trips. Mayor Chsatman i'm
mediately crossed in skif, but as there was
no officer with whom he could negotiate,
nothing was done. In the evening Col Kennel,
Of the Fourth Ohio Cavalry, arrived, and sent
q messenger to the Mayor, requesting his pres
eDee. The interview was pleasant on both
sides, and satisfactory, though the formal sur
render Of the city was deferred until the ar
rival Of Gen. Mitchell, who was expected Sum
day night or Monday morning,
On Monday nothing was done; the city re-
mAfnet-cpmparatively quiet. Monday even
ing Gems. Buell. and Mitchell arrived in Bdge-
field, opposite the city, and understanding that
the city authorities had appointed q commit
tee, consisting of the Mayor and several Of our
leading citizens, he sent a message requesting
an interview. The hour for the Interview as
fred at IL A. N, Tuesday. In the meantime
Gen Nelson arriyelf- -in-the city about A M