The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-12-18
Interesting Argument Between a Dy.
ing Union Officer and a Rebel.
THE VIEWS OF TILE LATE GENERAL LYTL.

THE VIEWS OF TILE LATE GENERAL LYTLE.
A correspondent Of the Macon ga J
Telegraph writes from Northern Alabama
an account of several interviews which he
had with Gen. LYLE, of Ohio, previous to
the battle of Chattanooga, in which he fell
He says:
AS General Lyle was a quasi acquaintance,
and most accomplished gentleman and SOL
der. and: withal having his headquarters on
my farm, avaied myself of his invitation to
visit him daily. and had much free and unem-
barrasseo conversation with him touching the
war and its prospects. He, in common with
the whole army. seemed to entertain a strange
unwavering faith. amounting to fanaticism.
that they would move unobstructed to the cen
tire of Georgia, and crush the rebellion before
winter and thus all their anxiety was about the
escape OF Bragg, without relieving the tedum
OF the wearisome march by the excitement of
battle Disguised with this constant explo
sion of bombast, said: ''Gentlemen re-
strain your boasting until you get beyond
the shadow of yonder mountain and promise
you some of the hardest fighting of this war
or OF any war upon this continent Lytle asked
why L said SO. You declare making no secret.
that you go to subjugate and rob of all their
property. and subject to the African. a race of
proud white men, noted for their pride of char
acter, replied; land can you expect they
will not fight you. men, women and children?
Make the case your own. and would You not
say, if we skulk or fly. if these hold their
peace, The very stones Will cry out. and cali
from their sepulchres the old fathers in their
grave-clotLes to drive back the invader?
Heretofore you have fought on the frontiers
under the guns of your forts and gunboats
where half the population were your friends
now you invade united people, burning with
intense hatred toward you, made so by the
savage brutality OF this war. l can have no
hand in it, but depend upon it, fight awaits
you, and final defeat" '0'
Lyle replied. ''All this can and will he over
come by numbers We shall be backed nv
fifteen thousand men yet, beyond the Ohio and
we can and will put down this rebellion no
matter what it costs. We have been fightino
too long, as you say, on the frontier: we shall
the rebellion, and that is Georgia. We will
make Chattanooga our base to operate mon
the cotton States, and 80 make short work of
it." "Well, grant. for the sake of aroument
you subjugate the South and free the negroes
and restore the Union, what sort of Union
will you have" said I. Ibid you ever know
grown up white man whipped into union and
only breed rebellion ?" COL Harrison. of Ohio.
promptly said: g If they are still rebellious we
will kill them!" And may you not ex.
pect their sons will avenge their DEATH" 1
asked we will Them too and replace them
with loyal Africans, /" was the reply General
Lyle. said l, this Abolition war cannot be
congenial to your nature; you are descended
from an ancient Carolina family. You cannot
wish to see the Southern people extefminated."
" Nor do !, !" he replied; '.if they win cease to
trample on the flag, and return to the Union"
Both sides have indicated their honor and
courage" ]. added; you are the strongest,
therefore propositions Of settlement should !
come from your side Let your Congress an
null Lincoln's abolition proclamation, and quar-
antee to the South security Of person and prop