From Cairo

Special to the Chicago Tribune.

CAIRO, March 1.

The occupation of Nashville is fully confirmed.  Our troops entered and took possession on Tuesday last.  The reports of Union feeling being strong among the citizens are unfounded.  They express themselves in bitter terms against the “Yankees.”  Store keepers will not sell anything to our soldiers and prefer taking secession shinplasters to United States gold. – The report that Governor Harris burned that State Library, is probably a mistake.  Our forces are endeavoring by kind treatment and proper representations to conciliate civilians, but thus far without avail.  Many of them confidently expect the return of Johnston and his rebel forces.

Before the advent of our troops a complete reign of terror existed in Nashville.  The rebel troops endeavored to impress civilians into their ranks.  The latter resisted, and outbreaks occurred in consequence between the civilians and soldiery, during which some of the latter were killed.  The Texas rangers, in revenge, threatened to fire the city, and one or two attempts were made in that direction, but failed.

It is now [confidently] expected that the rebels will make a stand at Chattanooga or Stevenson, about one hundred miles below Nashville, at the junction of the Nashville and Chattanooga, and the Charleston and Memphis Railroads.  This position is very strong naturally, and a desperate fight is expected.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 4, 1862, p. 1