Evansville daily journal. (Evansville, Ind.) 1863-1866, 1863-10-06

thing of our march over the mountains
brigade We entered on Tuesday, the
lst. The events which transpired sub
sequent to our entrance into the city fully
verify every statement you may have
heard of the loyalty of East Tennessee.
Never did Washington or Lafayette re-
ceive warmer greeting than we did on
our entrance into the city. Itwas about
the 10th day of our march and although
we were worn, exhausted and sleepy,
every man willingly made forced
march on that day. Many horses failed
through the excessive heat and dust but
the men shouldered their guns and press
ed cheerfuliy on. Well, we arrived at
Knoxville by the Clinton road in the
evening. CThe balance of the forces
with Gen Burnside went down by King
ston and Loudon) and such sight both
! for US and for the citizens will never oc-
cur again. The whole town was wild
with delight Some were shouting, some
were laughing, some were crying and
others praying. The doors and windows
| were thrown open and citizens, male
and female, old and young, stood in the
streets and in the doors to assure US of
welcome. 1t really appeared as if we
were old friends. Citizens and soldiers,
! without regard to rank, age or sex, con-
versed, and greeted each other with all
the f.miliarity of old friends. 1t was
not necessary that soldier should wear
stars, straps or stripes. If he only wore
blue pants and jacket he became an OBJ
ject of attention and apparently OF re-
gard and affection Flags which had
BEEN carefully concealed and preserv-
ed for mere than two years were
brought out and were soon flying all
over the town. A prominent civil
officer brought out a flag of mann
moth proportions and suspended it
across one of the principal streets. 1t
was the flag used by the Bell and Everett
party in the Presidential campaign.
Though their chosen champion had de-
serted them, hardly one Of this devoted
party had faltered in the day of trial
Two years oppression had only strength
ened their purposes and confirmed their
belief The. people came in from the
country by thousands. Ladies marched
in companies, carrying flags and dis
playing patriotic notices. They came
loaded with baskets of fruit and provis-
ions, and when offered pay they replied
that the peaches, apples, &C., were for
the Yankees, and they did not charge
Yankees for anything. There may be
different opinions about Kentucky 10y
atty, but there is nothing spurious in the
loyalty of East Tennesseeans. One sole
purpose seems to animate them, and that
purpose is to sustain the Federal Union.
/ need not go into details showing how
they despised property, ease, friendship,
and family ties, when these stood in the
way of their devotion TO the Union of
their Fathers. Many are coming home
daily from their mountain caves and
Businesses, where they have been for
months Thousands have gone into Ken
lucky and other States to escape the con-
script officer. Many of these are now
returning to homes which they have not
seen for two years. They went away in
fear and by stealth They came back
spite the orders Of their officers, they
will mete out speedy punishment to
| their prosecutors. Wo unto those who
have driven these devoted patriots from
| their peaceful mountain homes, for they
will not bear the sword in vain. The
people are rapidly organizing and ask
ing for arms Yesterday a large num-
Der of North Carolinians came over here
and received arms.
You have seen the market prices of
articles in the Confederaey. These are
correct, but when you remember that a
rebel dollar is about the same as a federal
dime, you have the explanation. They
were giving $1@1 so per dozen for eggs,
but we buy them for 10 or ID cents in our
money. The citizens are glad to get
our greenbacks, and quite number OF
our boys have exchanged with them for
silver. Corporal Mansell dropped out of
ranks soon after entering the State, and
we have heard nothing of him since.
should like to tell you more of the
. beauty and fruitfulness of this yailey-of
Knoxville and its various camps, hospi-
tails, prisons, &c, &C., but of this here
after. Before write again, | hope to
tread Virginia's soil, and this, of course,
will open all the fountains of inspiration.
How we long for letters and papers.
understand that telegraphic communi-
| cation will soon be complete, and thai
, Brownlow will commence the issue OF
his paper. We will hail IFS advent with
delight a =, sdt a1 d.