We leave Nashville; descend the river, and return to
Clarksville, where we are again quartered in the old tobacco factory. We still
find Clarksville a very congenial locality, notwithstanding the citizens'
hearts are with the South in its struggle for “Empire.” We remain here until
Friday, when the Seventh for the second time leaves Clarksville and the old
tobacco factory. Marching on board the steamer E. H. Fairchild, we are soon
descending the Cumberland. As we pass Fort Donelson, we are reminded that over
on those hills, and in those ravines brave men sleep—sleep as martyrs for
freedom. As we glide quietly down beneath the shadow of the projecting cliffs,
we imagine that a voice comes from those hills and ravines, saying to us in the
language of the poet:
“Ye harvesters, rally from
mountain and valley,
And reap the fields we have won;
We sowed for endless years of
peace,
We harrowed and watered well;
Our dying deeds are the scattered
seeds,
Shall they perish where they fell?”
SOURCES: Daniel Leib
Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry,
p. 45
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