The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1864-02-23

entire success; that Che rebels have been
everywhere ousgsneraled; and that the
most important results are expected
speedily to be accomplished.
The speaking in smith County.
SMITH COUNTY, TENN, Feb. 20, 1864
Eail0rsof he Nashville Uaion:
DEAR SRs--Thers was one Of the
largest ssssmblsgss Of CITIZENS at Ches-
nut Mound to day that have seen for
years. Notwithstanding only = few
days notice was given, I verify believe
almost every one who heard Of it came
out It was . cold, raw day, yet the old
and the young, the rich and the poor,
were there. The ladies came, too, in
large numbers. All seemed intent on
finding out what was their duty. Major
John W. Bowen addressed them arst.
He talked better than I ever heard him
before. his audience was composed Of
the real ps,pEs-nOt men Of ambition,
wiling to resort to any means by which
their selfish ends could be subserVed-
but was composed of those wanting
their country good, and when their duty
is once more known, viii dare do Il
There were many present who had once
been led sstray, but who viii hereafter
act for themselves. The Major was we'll
sware Of these facts, and talked to them
frankly-disguising nothing Told them
his mission was one Of friendship to ali
who were disposed to do right to their
country in the future. Was willing TO
forgive where forgiveness was consis.
tent with public justice, confessing
/" that while be would .irjure the person
Of no one, and had 10 personal feelings
Of revenge to grstify--the voice Of his
bleeding country-the spirit of bis boy
from his premature graVs-ths silent grief
of his broken hearted motheE-the sor-
rowing widows and suffering orphans all
over the land-called for revenge upon
that interest which had caused so much
woe and desolatiOn." He told them lhat
his Government By which he had stood
amidst al her trials, was kind and mer-
ciful; that she was now Offering her re-
fractory children pArdOn-and he would
advise them to accept it-sccept it viii
linely. He told them that they ought
not to be foolish any longer on the
negro question. That that was now
dead and putrid CARCASS, and in asmucb
IS it had been the source of all our evils,
be believed good taste would be display
ed in mourning after it as little as posi-
bic. BE referred most elOquently, to what
our country was few years sgO, dsscrib-
ing it in all its glory, and contrasted il
with its present condition. Tears fell
freely from the eyes of many, when be
called upon them to think, in sad memo
~, of those near and dear ones which
this cruel, ruthless, heartIess rebellion
had caused to be taken from them for
all time. In this connection he appealed |
to them, to know whether they were not
all tired and sick Of traisOrs-aud trail
tors works; aud whether they did not
feel like invoking the curses of heaven
upon their heads. BE instructed them |
about the pending electiOn-everyb body !
seemed and talked that they we're salts
6ed. There were several large slsvehold
srs present-liks patriots, some of them
said they were willing to surrender their
interest in that institution, since, now
convinced that its ezistsn,s and tse peace
# the country, Oas impossible. Captain
E. s. Williams made 3 short, but sp-
prOpriate talk - said that he was a
lighting mar, and wanted recruits for
the Home Guards. Volunteering is going |
On rapidly in our section of the county
the spirit fast becoming general amongst |
Us is, that we have 3 duty to perform
hat we ought ali to put our shoulders to
Ihe wheel, and help push out the rebellion
IS soon as possible. I made the con
SLIDING speech-whether a good one or q
bad one, it does not become me to say. /
sndeavOred to talk candidly, and told
nv neighbors and friends what be-
ieved was best I am proud-truly |
proud to have it to say, that our section
8 acting so nObly. Let all Tennesseans. !
( needs be, who have q spirit Of genuine
owe for the country of their forefathers,
.riss and assert their manhood. In heart.
ur gsllsnt State was never foe disuniop.
jhs was cheated, defrauded, and swim
led into her unenviable attitude have,
fessrs Editors, no longer any secrets
bout these matters. Hence am,
Very respectfully, yours, &ss
Tx 81. WILLIAMS
The spring Elections. /,
F1Ffiter returns from The ensing efac