A Well Earned Escape

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