held it up to the crowd, and declaring it to be a good omen, they all resolved to stick to Andy Johnson,' come what would. They then took their seats in the cars, Governor Johnson looking as calm and unconcerned as if he were going to a picnic. About this time the engineer of the train began to exercise a little authority, as he felt himself responsible for the safety of the train. He asked Colonel Lister, privately, what he thought it best to do-return to Shelbyville, remain at Murfreesboro, or proceed to Nashville. Put Andy Johnson in Nashville as quick as possible,' was the reply. And away we went. Night was fast closing around us, and we had some thirty miles to travel, with the devilish guerillas besetting us on all sides. Visions of a murderous smash-up were constantly before our eyes. Governor Johnson exhibited no signs whatever of alarm. He conversed as pleasantly and as composedly as he ever did. He had made up his mind to one thing-never to be taken alive by his enemies; and the few devoted friends who were near him shared with him this resolve. It was the most interesting railroad ride this correspondent ever had. His seat was next to that of Governor Johnson, and he made up his mind that if at any moment he should be sent into eternity he would at least make his exit in respectable company. Thanks be to Providence, we reached Nashville in perfect safety about nine o'clock, to find the city in a great state of consternation at the reports that had preceded us of our capture. We had actually outstripped the calculations of the guerillas, who that same night tore up the track and made a huge pile of the sleepers after our train had passed. The very next train that went over the road encountered the obstructions, was thrown off the track and essentially smashed up. It costs something to be Union men in Tennessee about these days. Only a few days ago two trains were fired into near Athens. One went over a bridge that was on fire; the second followed, and the men were shot at as they were trying to escape through the windows of the cars." CHAPTER XVII. JOHNSON'S ADMINISTRATION IN TENNESSEE CONTINUED. FOURTH OF JULY - Slavery - Forrest captures Murfreesboro' and advances to Antioch - Great Excitement in Nashville - Forrest's Path lit by Burning Houses Falls back to Carthage - Morgan and Forrest at Huntsville-Desire to Capture Governor Johnson - Continued Defenses of NashvilleSecessionists as Hostages - General Buell arrives-Johnson deplores Buell's Movements - Protests against Evacuation without a Fight-- General Thomas arrives and sustains Johnson A Fighting Parson and the Governor at Prayer - Fortifications General Negley in Command- Governor's Family arrive after Great Peril - The Roman in Tears - Progress of the Siege - Nashville cut off from the Outer World - Breckinridge, Anderson and Forrest determine to take it - Johnson will destroy it first - Assassinations-Johnson saves a Secessionist from Mob Law - Negley thwarts a Rebel Coup de Main Morgan and Forrest attack the City from five Points -The Fight-Johnson says, "Any one who talks of Surrender I will shoot" - Negley's Ruse, the Rebels routed and Nashville saved a Third Time General Rosecrans arrives Congratulates Negley- - Governor Johnson's Temperate Character - Bragg defeated at Perryville, Ky.-Entrenches at Murfreesboro' - Rebel Spirit kept up-Governor Johnson builds Railroads and raises Troops - Opens Communication between the Army in Georgia and the Northwest Orders Congressional Elections Assesses Individuals to support the Families of Men forced into the Rebel Army The Battle of Murfreesboro' - Occupation by Union Forces - Successful Flank Movement of Rosecrans on Bragg at Tullahoma and Shelbyville Bragg's Flight to Bridgeport, Ala., and across the Cumberland Mountain to Chattanooga-Crittenden's Reconnoissances, Occupations by Union Forces - Battle of Chattanooga and Missionary Ridge - Rebels completely routed and forced into Georgia - Granger and Thomas relieve Burnside at Knoxville, the Siege raised and Retreat of Longstreet East Tennessee clear of Rebels President Lincoln recommends general GratitudeUnion Element awakening - Features of Johnson's Administration - On the Emancipation Proclamation - Success in the Restoration of Tennessee. - ABOUT this time, and in the midst of this excitement, Governor Johnson met the Slavery question. It was in a speech at the Fourth of July meeting held at Nashville, he said: "This is the people's Government, they received it as a legacy from Heaven, and they must defend and preserve it, if it is to be preserved at all. I am for this Government. above all earthly possessions, and if it perish, I do not want to survive it. I am for it, though Slavery should be struck from existence, and Africa swept from the balance of the world. I believe, indeed, that the Union is the only protec tion of Slavery-its sole guarantee; but if you persist in forcing this issue of Slavery against the Government, I say, in the face of Heaven, Give me my Government and let the negro go!" The diarist now leads us to yet more stirring times; with increased trouble to Governor Johnson, which he meets and overcomes with his superior resolution, courage and faith: "July 13th.-The rebels, six thousand strong, under Forrest-and it is said, Breckinridge-captured Murfreesboro' to-day after a desperate fight with the Third Minnesota, Colonel Lister; Eleventh Michigan, Colonel Parkhurst; a detachment of the Seventh Pennsylvania cavalry, and Hewitt's First Kentucky battery. Our forces were outnumbered two to one. Colonel Lister and his command fought with consummate bravery. This disaster has created a profound sensation in Nashville. It is believed to be the first act in the drama of investing Nashville, and eventually attempting its capture. Governor Johnson has held a consultation with Colonel John F. Miller, commanding the post; Colonel Lewis D. Campbell, Provost Marshal; the United States Commissary and Quartermaster, and others. Entire confidence in our ability to hold the city until reinforcements arrive is expressed. The city is much excited. "July 14th.-Several regiments have made their appearance, and are cheered as they pass through the streets. "July 16th.-Lebanon and Hartsville have been captured by the enemy. Three respectable Union citizens were hanged twenty-five miles from Nashville yesterday, for entertaining men engaged in constructing telegraph lines. Railroad trains, with reinforcements, have been run off the track, and many killed, and bridges have been burned all around us. "July 19th.-Governor Johnson has been in constant consultation with the other authorities, preparing for the defence of the city. "July 23d.-On duty with Governor Johnson and staff for four consecutive nights at the capitol, anticipating an attack. Forrest |