Delaware State journal and statesman., 1865-03-31

stationed. For the last four years we have been
looking for the Federals to occupy upper East
TENNESSEE, but have bees disappointed; yet we
ching with all our hearts to the glorious flag of
stars and siripes-the old Union AaE--may ii
soon seke It's stand in upper East Tennessee !
The talk about Knoxville now is that there will
soon be move by the army in that direction.
May ii be 50 From the first of this rebellion
my honest conviction was that the old Govern
ment would crush II out. 1 still believe it, and
hope The day will soon come when peace shall
fill our borders from the Atlantic 10 the Pacific.
would like TO give you in detail the sufferiugs
OF our people, but II is impossible Our young
men were forced from home-some across tho
mountains to Kentucky, others aonscripted into
the rebel service, where they are treated like
dogs on account of their Union principles. Some
OF my neighbors were shot by the rebels at
home, and some on their way TO kentucky If
this was all we could bear it better than the op
preston we have had from them. As to my own
condition, it is worse than can tell you. When
| remember my home before the REBEL on, md
coatfast it with my present slae it seems iucrc-
uiDle, but there is sober reality in it, When
slt there 1t was with a heavy heart not knowing
whether should see my family again AZ
passed short distance from my house, had to
pass three or -four of my smallest children,
winch was hard to do, not knowing but the Ieb-
know how they fare. l left bread and meat
enough for my family for two years, if the rebels
would let them keep it but hear they are Ell.
camped this winter within two miles Of my
house Before | left they had taken all nv
horses but one, and nm informed they have taken
the last one since. My iirewood is a quarter of
mile from the house, which makes il very dit
hcult for my family, as my oldest boy at home is
only twelve years old, and no horse to haul with.
The winter has been very severe In rain, snow,
and frost, and the coolest weather we have had
for several years for such length Of time How
much suffer on account of my family is more
than can tell. never left them more than a
Few days at time before, and now am compelled
to stay from home, assured that the rebels are
destroying everything. How they are to live is
more than can tell. II is useless 10 disguise
the fact that the people are suffering for want
Of clothing in the upper countless and their
bread and meat is taken from them by the mer-
eiless robbers. They go to Union women's
houses and take from them their wearing ann.
rel, bedding, and everything they want. and
then abuse the family. They kill old men, and
then make sport over their dead bodies talking
to each other about how they begged for life;
and leave their families in distress beyond con-
cepliOn This is the way they are acting all
over the upper counties, and the districts will
only be made known in the day of Judgement
They have killed Jerry Miller, Of Tmkey,own.
aud many others you are acquainted with. Ii
seems to be their delightto riie about and saoot
all the Union men they can fluid, even old men
seventy or eighty years Of age The women
and children are leaving their once harry
homes, and yesterday one hundred and twenty
hYe reached here from Carter county. ltis
heart rending TO see the suiferiugs of women
and children who have seen better days. SOL
diers meet their wives aud children, almost ua
ked, having Travelled hundreds Of miles. and aro
unable to do anything for them. The Relief
Association of this city is helping some May
the Lord bless all who are contributing to this
great relief in money, time, or otherwise
have ten children at home with my Wifo
the youngest is two years old, and how they are
to leave, If compelled to search for food.
cannot tell. My troubles are common to MANY
East Teunesseeans. l am spending my time AS
best l can, as there is very little work going on
almost none l have preached some and
believe my labors have been blessed by The
Lord l hope and trust the Lord will take care
Of my family lie is my only prop in these
times oil trouble. Brother, pray for me, that
may prove faithful unto the end. Don't forget
my family, with others who are in great distress
in these ends Of the earth. If we never meet
again on earth, may we meet in heaven, with
the loved ones gone before My oldest sou died
in the service of the United States at Fortress
Monroe i
Bishop LEE:
DEAR Sin THE above was written TO Col.
Taylor, Of East Tennessee who made his escape
north and was handed to me for perusal by
that gentleman, with permission to take COPY.
l mud the latter portion has been mislail by
me, which regret exceedingly, as it was most
interesting. l have forgotten the name of the
writer. lie is Methodist minister, and is sur
fering with pastors of other denominations. who
are peculiarly prosecuted on account Of their
refusal to pray for the success of the rebel.
lion.
Respectfully. M.Mu