The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1863-01-17


the Army under General BRAGG during
the time it was posted at Murfreesboro.
All people are aware that flags of
truce are held sacred by belligerents Of
every government. Even the unlettered
savages of our own continent regard
their sanctity. The Confederate forces
under General BRAGG, however, inspired
by the new light of rebel civilization, were
the first in modern times to set an exam
pie in proof of their principle that
every thing is fair in war to the viola
ton of the most sacred agree ments and
the best established ma rtial laws.
Soon after General RosEoBANs assumed
command of the 18th Army Corps, now
the "Army of the Cumberland" flags of
truce passed between the commanders of
the hostile armies In consequence of
some irregularities, it was mutually
agreed at the suggestion of General
BRAGG, that flags should be received only
by the most direct route between the two
camps. The Murfreesboro and Nolens-
vile pike was therefore adopted, and
that thoroughfare was mutually known to
the armies as the exclusive route for
flags of truce.
General RosEoRANs had hardly taken
quarters at Nashville before he was beset
by the wives and other relatives of Off
GERS and soldiers of the rebel army, for
permission to pass through his lines TO
see their rebel friends, and to carry TO
them letters, and such little articles of
luxury and comfort as a soldier needs, and
such as the wit and affection of loving
and ingenious woman could suggest
Most extraordinary request from our en-
emies Yet the General, governed by
that broad humanity and great magnan-
unity which constitutes one of the proud
virtues of the people and Government of
the United States, yielded to the pathos
and tears of women, and sent them I'M
der the sacred protection of flags of truce
to their friends within the lines of our
enemies. We need not dwell upon the in
famous advantage which was taken of our
misplaced humanity-hOw many ladies Of
ho,,or violated their most sacred obliga-
tions, by smuggling information and ar
ticles contraband of war to the enemy
under flags Of truce and otherwise, and
boosted of their vileness as a work of
cunning skill. We were willing TO run
the risk, because fearful ,C0me1 pledged
their honor, and dozens of them were
permitted, by almost unheard of Glenn
ency, to comfort their relatives in the
rebel army, and return TO their homes
again, through our lines. TO duplicity
and falsehood, they added the meanest
crime of which woman can be guilty
ingrgtitode. If the women of the rebel
lion are thus, what must be the men
whom they govern?
In November, General RosECRANs per-
mitted flag of truce to 60 from his lines
to convey some rebel women and dis
patches to the Confederate lines. When
our flag officer went out, he clearly in
structed the outpost videttes on the Muir
freesborO pike not to fire upon the enc
my during the absence of the flag
While engaged in this act of humanity
to the rebels, party of Confederate
cavalry bounced upon our videttes, and
captured them. They were conveyed
into the hostile camp, and retained there
during some days, until General ROSE
GRAMS, by Indignantly protesting, finally
convinced General BRAGG of the fragrant
injustice which had been done, and the
prisoners were finally returned with an
apology. But were they returned as
they were captured? When they were
captured they toee clad Nth good overcoats,
and supplied Nth blankets; ,0den they re-
turned, they reported that they had been cam
pelled to reljnguih them 10 yeJel soldiers
Honorable soldiers would scorn such
despicable robbery.
A few days later, Gen. BRAGG, in yio-
laiiOn of the cartel requiring prisoners
to be exchanged Via Vicksburg, AIKEN's
Landing, or some other point 10 be preUi-
o,lsly agreed upon, sent the Huntsville
prisoners TO our lines in a condition
which compelled Gen. RosEcRANs, for
humanity's sake, to accept them. They
arrived at our outposts at night widtom
opercoats or blankets Had they been re-
turned upon BRACES hands, as they
should have been by right, it would have
causad thap, ,,ucb aufIerinW Had Gan