Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1863-04-29
Gov. johnson and General Buell..

A correspondent of the Dayton (0hio)
journal relates the following thrilling in
cident as having occurred at Nashville {:
Col. Moody, of Ohio, stated that after
his regiment, with Others, had been
marched to various points, they were
finally ordered back to Nashville. Tennes-
see. On his arrival there Gen. Buell. was
in the city, and the question was being
agitated of evacuating the city and giving
it over TO to the rebels, Buell. being in IA
Vor and Gov. johnson opposed to the
measure at this crisis Col Moody called
to pay his respects to the Governor. On
entering the building, in an upper room
of which was the Governors Office, he met
Gen. Buell. coming out as they passed
each other they exchanged civilties, and
the Colonel Immediately forwarded his
card to the Governors rooms Soon a
message came to him. informing him that
the Governor wished him to come up i'm
mediately. As the Colonel entered the
room he saw the Governor pacing the
floor. with gentleman at each arm, un-
der the most terrible excitement, and say
ing: 1T must not be done" Seeing the
Colonel he greeted him most cordially,
and expressed his great pleasure at meet
ing him. The two gentlemen retired.
leaving them alone when instantly the Gov
ernor informed the Colonel what was medi-
tated-that Buell. wished to evacuate the
city. But, said he, 'it must not be done" Z"
So intense was the excitement of the
Governors mind, that his face was fairly
livid, and frothing at the mouth and ges-
ticulating most violently, swore 1.-The city
must not be evacuted." The Colonel gem
tly chided the Governor, saying: Gov
ernor, Just drop these hard words we
can get along without them. True. this
is dark and perilous hour. but We must
remember God reigns-He is King of Kings
and Lord of Lords. He rules Generals,
Governors and nations, and if we will on
ly do right, and trust in him. a way of de-
liverance will be opened and our beloved
country shall yet be saved"
Instantly the Governor responed,
"Moody-and when | say Moody. mean
more than Colonel believe in God and
the Bible, and l rest my souls salvation
in the merit of Jesus Christ alone, but
d-n me if this city shall be given up"
Colonel Moody perceiving that the Gov
ernor's mind needed relief as much as the
imperiled city. otherwise there was dan
ger from the intense excitement of his
Delng uflNen 10 ulduIieSS- Ttpllcus NON-
ernor, let us pray" Quick as lightning
the Governor dropped on his knees, and
while the Colonel was praying for him
asking God to give him strength and cour-
age in this dark hour, he responded in
groans and amens; and crawling on his
knees to the Colonel, he laid his head in
his bosom and groaned, and said amen to
every petition. At length the Colonel
felt that God had heard his prayer-the
cloud began to break, and turning prayer
into praise, the Governor also, began TO
praise God. When they rose from their
knees, the Governor seized the Colonel's
hand and all bathed in tears. he said,
THANK God that you came. He sent you
to help me. / feel better-the cloud is
broken we shall be delivered. D-n
me he shall not give up the city I'll
burn it first and perish amid the ruins,
rather than he shall give it upand let it
fall into the hands of the enemy" Soon
after General Buell. came in, Governor
johnson meeting him, looking him in the
eye, with terrible emphasis he said. "The
city shall not be evacuated. Before that
shall be done, will burn it and perish
in the ruins" That settled the question.
General Buell. was compelled to change
his plan; and after detailing sufficient
force to defend the city, with balance of
the army he came trotting up to Louis
vile.