ST. LOUIS, Feb. 28.
Memphis papers of the 19th say Gen. Polk issued orders yesterday that the track of the Memphis and Ohio R. R. should be torn up and bridges destroyed, preparatory to the evacuation of Colum/cbus, and demolition of the fortifications. The Columbus forces are to fall back to Island No. 10, about 45 miles below Columbus which, it is said, completely commands the river, and can be fortified with heavy guns, and made impregnable.
The Democrat’s Clarksville dispatch of the 26th, says the rebel soldiers before leaving Nashville plundered many dwellings and business houses, and excited great alarm among the people. Several rebels were shot by citizens when robbing.
General Nelson is in command at Nashville, Gen. Buell still being on the north side of the river.
The Union sentiment is very strong, and our troops are received with the greatest cordiality. Great indignation is expressed against Gov. Harris, who was fairly driven away by Union men, they having become bold at the proximity of Union troops, and dared to assert their rights. Before leaving Harris made a speech, recommending the citizens to burn their private property, and calling on Tennesseeans to rally and meet him at Memphis, but none paid any attention to him, and it is thought he will not receive any considerable reinforcements.
Gen. Crittenden’s command had joined Johnston at Murfeyville.
The railroad bridge at Nashville was destroyed by Floyd, against the urgent request of the citizens, which caused much indignation.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 1, 1862, p. 1
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