Brownlow's Knoxville Whig, and rebel ventilator. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1863-1866, 1864-05-21

On the 18th day of March, 1864, the rebels start
ed the Tennessee prisoners, together with many
Others South, They were taken ria Charlotte, N,
c. their supposed destination Amcrcus, Geo, On
the 18th Of March, they left Charlotte, crossing the
line into South Carolina about dusk About an
hour before day next morning the train, for some
cousc was halted within about four miles of Column
bir the capital Of little Stesssia Here, notwith-
standing heavy guard WAS in and on the train
the three soldiers named determined TO make their
escape or die, How should they succeed ? They
managed TO enter the closet in the rear Of the car
and tearing the cap from the seat there, passed
down under tho train where they laid down be-
tween the cross ties and awaited the cars to 90 for
ward and pass over them, They narrowly escaped
being crushed TO death ms the cars came wthina few
inches Of the cross ties But, tho train moving of,
they were cft alane among enemies in their olcn
country and far from those they could trust friends
save the negroes.
Here were these young men, barcfooted, almost
naked, hungry tired and worn down, no friend to
appeal to- and not mouthful 10 cat, But with
that resolution which desperation alone inspires,
they started upo, their pcrilous journey travelling
until day break admonished them TO conceal them
selves, which they did during that day, in a swamp
probably one Of the same in which Marion ope-
rated. when the curtain Of night again closed
around them, they started on their way, which they
had pursued but short distance when they fell in
company with negro man, whom they informed
they were Yankee soldiers, and wanted something
to eat His friendship was unbounded. He cheer
fully supplied them ratons, gave them directions
babe them God-speed, and they departed.
They came by AshwoodS ferry, ON Broad river
The wcathr was exceedingly cold, with snow on the
ground They laid by during the day, travelling by
the stars at night varying in their course as they
deemed prudent Crossing Broad river on Shcltons
bridge, passing Spartan'burg and the old Cow Pen
battle ground, they found they were emerging into
non-Slavcholding community and would no
longer find negroes to supply their demands. Ac-
cordingly they approached white mans residence,
the occupant of which, although living in South
Carolina, proved to be good Union man, From
this point on, as they had to depend upon white
for aid they passed as descrters from the rebel
army, the people evorywhers they called telling
them never to return to the war but remain at
home, and let thosc who involved us in trouble reap
the consequences.
These soldiers passed through Polk Henderson
and Haywood counties, y C.. and reached our forces
at Bulls Gap on the 18th of April being one
month and seven days in their journey through the .
land of the Darisit>s During their imprisonment
they had no change Of clothing would build little .
fire. and hold their clothes over them to get rid of
the vcrmin--thc real rebel lice. dog could not .
come on the Island but he was butchcrcd the pris-
oncrs being so ncrly starved they anSousy sought .
for dog beef A negro furnished a raw hide to the
soldiers out Of which they manufactured moca'ns
in which they travelled, having no shoes.
l.. G. HoUK.
The above is a true statement.
Scrgt T. H. y. HCDDLEsroS,
WN. Dali
W. b. UNDERWOOD.