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Camp Johnson, March 9— Camp life is so monotonous, that I have not thought proper to send you any detailed account of our doings, while encamped north of the Green River, Ky. But lately, the 78th Pa. Vol. as a part of the great engine have tasted the horror of a forced march, in bad weather, over bad roads. Others, however, have suffered mere privations. We are now encamped three or four miles south of Nashville, Tenn. in a beautiful suburban district, which is rendered doubly charming by the tall ancestral groves of that native born aristocracy, whose homes we have so ruthlessly invaded. Mr. Editor, if you wish to have an ocular demonstration that the Vandals of the Dark Ages have a legitimate progeny among the Secessionists, just come with me and follow in the wake of the fleeing Confederate Army. Beautiful buildings, laid in ashes, costly bridges, destroyed, to baffle pursuit, railways torn up and tunnels blown down, in short, a country laid waste by the fire and sword, Jeff Davis for Prez. and a Congress in secret session, with a Meminger (Christopher C. Meminger) to manage their finances, these are some of the characteristics of the rise and progress of modern chivalry. On the 7th we came through Nashville, in high spirits, marching with military precision to show the natives our status in the art of war. The railroad bridge and the wire suspension bridge on the turnpike from Louisville to Nashville, lately erected at a cost of $100,000 are both destroyed. On this account, our troops had to be ferried across in steamers. As we crossed, I saw a grim looking gunboat quietly lying below the city. Nashville is a fine place, and the buildings both public and private evince good taste and much wealth. The population must be near 30,000. As we marched through, some appeared overjoyed to see us, others wept and looked mournfully sad, while some manifested the most fiendish hatred in their countenances. A few daring aristocratic daughters of rebellion, stepped out of princely mansions and with rustling satins swept the side walks, with a proud, pedantic air, their bosoms decorated with defiant boquettes of Secesh flags. This city cannot compare with Louisville for pretty women. I have seen but few of the fabled Southern beauties, with rounded features, marble brow and raven, flowing hair. The first impression we received from personal observation, was, that the Nashville ladies were sadly addicted to the habit of tippling- their faces are fiery red, and their noses a dull purple. Surely their intellectual and moral faculties are not in the ascendancy. Troops are concentrating here from all points; Gen. Negley thinks there are near 250,000 in and around the city. It is commonly reported that the Rebels have a strong force at Chattanooga, distant 150 miles on the Nashville and Chattanooga R.R. The Secesh about here say that they know we will conquer their armies, but they will destroy the country, and decoy us into the far south, where scorching fevers and wasting epidemics will melt our power into dust and ashes. How vastly changed their walk and conversation from the boast, that ere long, the Stars and Bars shall wave over Faneuil Hall, so blatantly bellowed forth a year ago. I learn that we are to remain here some weeks, and receive our pay. The hills and valleys around for miles are white with Sibley tents. A mild and genial spring has opened upon us, and a lovely land of flowing streams; and in keeping with this enchanting season and scenery, the sun of peace and prosperity begins to dawn as the joy of winter of war passes away forever. Hail, holy influence of adversity upon our nation, for spring would not gloomy weather if we had nothing else but spring. Thank you for the copies of the Chronicle received. —A.J.H. © Copyright 2012 by Mifflinburg Telegraph Weekly Newspaper Top of Page |
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