The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1864-06-22
OPERATIONS OF THE REBELS UNDER
JESSE.
The Capture of BardstOWn,
DIsgraceful Surrender.

Io Affairs along the Nashville road were
quiet yesterday 3The regular trains
left the city depot and arrived on time
The rebel force which made dash at
the road below Lebanon junction, on
Saturday night, retreated from the
line before morning without doing any
damage. Captain Jesse has dropped
his old military title and assumed a
new one. He is growing ambitious, and
now aspires to the dignity and emolu-
ments of a Colonel. His ranks are rap
idly swelled by recruits in his move
ment through the State. His only
trouble appears to be to obtain arms
sufficient for his men. IL requires but
little effort to splendidly mount them
On Saturday morning Jesse divided
his force into two columns, and sent
them to operate in different directions.
One division, numbering one hundred
and fifty men, made a feint on the
Louisville and Nashville Railroad,
while the other advanced on Bardstown.
Twenty-Five convalescents, splendidly
armed, under command of Lieut. Dris-
kell, Of the 18th Kentucky, were sent
from the Barracks in this city on Fri
day to garrison the latter place, On
Saturday morning the. Lieutenant tele-
graphed to Col Farleigh that the rebels
were advancing upon the town-that
he had barricaded the Court House
making it strong position, and'it was
his intention to offer stubborn resist
ance.
The Colonel replied that he expected
him to hold his position, and urged him
to fight at all hazards, and hold out as
long as possible, as ample force was be-
ing hurried to his assistance. With
these Instructions it was thought that
the town would be held. The Colonel
felt confident in the ability of the Lieu
tenant to do so, as he was well aware
that a majority of Jesses men were
without arms, and therefore unable to
aid in the attack "A cavalry force was
ordered to move rapidly down the
Bardstown pike, cut of the retreat of
the rebels, and effect their capture If
Lieut.. Driskell had made q show Of re-
sistance, the plan would have been
successful jesse invested the town,
and sent in a flag Of truce to the Court
House, demanding the surrender Of the
garrison B.l
At the sight Of the rable foe the lieu
tenants courage deserted him, and he
surrendered on the first demand, with
out the firing of single gun. If he
had been brave enough TO offer battle,
he could have repulsed every assault
that might have been made His men
were in safe position behind strong bar
ricades, and in no danger whatever
The rebel bullets would have whistled
harmlessly through the air, while they
could have rained deadly fire on the
advancing foe Under the circumstan-
ces tie surrender was cowardiy, treach-
erous and criminal After relieving the
Federal prisoners Of their arms and
ammunition, Jesse hastily paroled them
and set them at liberty Learning that
a force Of Federal cavalry was advanc-
ing on the town for the purpose Of rem
dering succor to the garrison, he secured
his booty and commenced a rapid re-
treat.
Our cavalry arrived at Bardstown
short time sfter the departure of the
rebels, and learned with deep surprise
and regret of the surrender Of the
twenty-five men under DriskelL Jesse
crossed the railroad late on Saturday
evening at Boston. He destroyed a
small bridge and the water tank. The
damage Is slight, and the work can be
easily repaired. When last heard from
the rebel columns had formed q June
tion, and the united force was moving
in the direction Of Litchfeld The cav
alry are in pursuit We understand
that Lieut.. Driskel viii be court-mar-
tailed for his disgraceful surrender