Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1862-03-07

CoLUMBUs, March l.
This quiet and exemplary Capital was bless
cd with sensation this morning. 1t was an
nouEced last night that 500 rebel officers, talk
On prisoners at Fort Done!son, were en- route
from indianapolis to Camp Chase, and it was
generally supposed that before dawn they
would reach their destination; but the cars
were DELAYED, aud tho rebels were not delivered
from them till our good people had taken break
fact and were prepared for sensation. II then
became known through town that the "hower"
Of the Secesh forces, overcome at Donelson,
were at the depot. Col Granville Moody had
marched an escort OF about five hundred SOL
diers down High street, ard the people gath
cred all along that highway between Broad
way and the depot, waiting for the prOcc sion.
About half past niue o'clock it came. 1t was
Colonel MoOdy's first general exercise as a com
mandcr, and be appeared to enjoy it.
The prisoners marched in regular order,
quadruple Gle, and presented metley aspect.
Their clothing was without uniformity; some
brown, some gray, some blue in in color, ofva-
rying texture, and by no means 10 be coveted
by the Union soldiers on guard over them. A
few Of the rebels appeared downcast, but ma
ny made cheerful remarks to the persons that
crowded near them, and all carried themselves
with an independent air.
Most Of these prisoners, in accordance with
the generosity Of General Grant, carried
their swords at their sides; but. two or three
disdaining the exercise, had their side arms
borne by slaves accompanying them. Indig-
nant remarks were made by many prominent
citizens against the mistaken generosity which
treats rebels as if they were honored beliger-
cnts; and when "contraband" were seen carry
ing their rebel masters swords, indignation
was expressed in phrases more vigorous than
exemplary.
/ am Informed that Governor Tod has declar.
cd that, while these rebels are in Camp Chase
they shall be treated as rebel prisoners. not a:
unfortunate gentlemen, whose bard fate is to bC
deeply commiSerated
There are now about ,250 rebel prisoner
from Forts Henry and Donelson. These ar
officers and their slaves, chiefly from Tennessee
Mississippi and Alabama regiments. Over I'll
ty "contrabands" give variety to the camp lif
of the prisoners. Two or three officers who los
their slaves on the way from Doncl son have aI
pealed to the United States Quartermaster 70
servants to. cook for them, alleging that the
must suffer seriously if the favor is not grant
cd, because they have always been served b
elaYes.
What right any "contrabands' have q
Camp Chase, and what is their status, are pc
picking questions. They canrOt be confisc;
ted, it is urged, because, in Ohio, they car
not be property, and must therefore be regar,
cd dsimply as servants. and why should Il
Government allow these rebels servants?
These are questions which people, who al
paying dearly to crush out vicious rebcllio
ask with vigor.
Not only, however, are the rebel officers u
happy for want Of servants, but they dl n,
like their quarters. They complain bitter
about variety Of things, which Union 81
diers in the same camp bear without mu
mur, and 90 long az they are provided for
well as the Federal soldiers are, they shou
cultivate cOntentmcnt.