The Nashville correspondent of the New York World gives the following account of the efforts made by an Alabama Unionist, now in Nashville, to Escape from the rebels:
In his absence at New Orleans the Confederate army arrived in Decatur. Upon his return he found the town and surrounding country under martial law – Col. Patten in command – and himself under the eye of suspicion, and the object of search. Consulting his safety, he resolved to escape. He applied to Col. Patten for a pass. Upon giving his name, the Colonel remarked: “Yes I’ve been notified of a man of your name. I think you are the man. Your neighbors are after you. Just stay here till I see a certain man about it.” The colonel went out. Mr. F. Stepped to the desk, wrote a pass, signed the Colonel’s name to it, and went out. It was night. His pass carried him through the lines without molestation. He traveled by rail and foot to within twenty-five miles of Nashville. He was arrested at that point by six Texan Rangers. They conducted him to the guard house, and put him under a guard of two. One of them left, and the other, laying aside his musket, squatted in the corner, and set a reading. Mr. F. seized the musket, and ordered the guard to arise and advance. He did so, and was propelled at the end of the bayonet a distance of four miles, when he was permitted to return. Mr. F. came to Nashville.
– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Tuesday, April 15, 1862
Thursday, January 1, 2009
A Well Earned Escape
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