Cedar Falls gazette. [volume] (Cedar Falls, Iowa) 1860-1895, 1864-12-09
GAINESVILLE LETTER.

Correspondence OF the Cedar Falls Gazette.
GAINESVILLE, Dec 9TH tS6t.
MEssRs EDIroRs The steam whistle from
the engine coming into Waverly, has been
distinctly heard, and is hailed with great joy
by the people Of GAINESVILLE, MS it places us
within twelve miles oc railroad and depot,
which will hereafter be our trading point.
Mr.. j. NJ. Matteson, Of this place, has re,
Gently purchased the Daily House in Waiver
ly, and has taken possession, and commenced
business
Mr.. Matteson is very stfablc and gentle,
manly man, with abundant means, and dispo.
.ition, we think, TO keep a first class hotel.
A refugee from North CaroInG came to
this place last week, and las entered the
academy as a student. He is young man,
about twenty years old, Of good appearance
and is well dressed. He has also been in the
rebel army some three months, having been
conscripted before he was eighteen. But be-
ing in sympathy with the Union cause, Gas
is also his fatnily,) he naturally sought an
when in camp near Richmond. After sx-
changing his butternut uniform for citizens
dress, he travelled on foot and alone back to
his home in North Carolina, distance Of
some four hundred miles. This he accom-
plishcd in twelve days, being unmolested,
except at one time, when he was directed to
Gov ,ha a in hnnsa hi oh,
he did, but was immediately threatened with
arrest, and on leaving was pursued by par
ty Of horscmcn for considerable part Of the
night. But, having knowledge of their in
tention, and secreting himself, he had the
pleasure Of seeing them rally and start in his
pursuit, when he immediately followed, and
going on some few miles he came tas house
all lighted up, which he cautiously approach
ed and saw his pursucrs within, and their
animals tied near by. He felt tempted to
help himself to horse, but the thought that
by any noise he might arouse the dogs and
the men, determined him to push on and
avoid them as best he could.
After returning to North Carolina, he was
obliged to lay OUT and keep out Of sight
! for fear Of arrest, till some time in 1863 in
company with few others, a regiment num-
bering about 700, Union men, was raised in
! Alexander and Wilkes counties. Our hero
was made Captain Of one OF these compa.
mics, and their regiment eifectually put down
the home guards, and bad things to their
own liking until rebel brigade was sent
there to put them down, or take them pris-
oncrs. lie was then taken prisoner, but
twice escaped. A reward OF $4,000 was Of
fsred for his apprehension, but he managed
to elude their vigilance, and in July last, in
company with 81 others, started, with a
guide TO pilot them TO Nashville.
They were six weeks on thcir way. one Of
their number being Killed, and one taken
prisoner, while eight others becoming disu'
nited from the main body, lost their way and
returned. Twenty three of them got safely
through to Nashville, and calling upon Gov
johnson he advised them to come North
They were provided with free passes, and
4 several came,
His story is straightforward, and apparent
" true; and although his education is rather
Limited, still, in general intelligence he seem,
to be far above his countrymsn' in general
What particular star may have led him Il
Clarksville, Of course we do not know, bu
: one thing we do know, that in seeking al
ssy lum for repose, or for an institation 0
learning, he could not have fo,ad a more ia
!, yorable location.
CITIZEN