We have some interesting intelligence from
Knoxville, furnished by a gentleman who has been in the town ever since its occupation by the
Yankees, until a short time since, when he succeeded in effecting his escape.
The severity of the
Federal rule, represents, has pretty effectually killed the intense Unionism of many of the citizens of the place, and more completely determined the
Southern portion of the population to continue the weight of its influence on behalf of Southern rights.
When he left
Knoxville a great deal of coldness prevailed, and there were over three hundred cases of small-pox in the city.
The dead were being buried in yards and gardens, or wherever most convenient.
Dead horses and mules were lying in the streets, and for more than a mile around the earth was strewn with decomposing carcases.
The beautiful ornamental trees in the streets and on the grounds of private residence have been cut down, and even those in the
Asylum grounds have been felled and consumed.
The oppressions of loyal citizens is represented to be cruel and despotic.
They are not permitted to follow their occupations.
to sell or buy without a permit from
Gen. Foster, and this cannot be obtained without taking the oath.
Some who have not the of procuring food, have been starved into taking the oath in order to draw the rations allowed their loyal subjects, These rations consist of a hard cracker per day, and a little blue, stringy beef.
A number of the citizens have been compelled to crowd themselves and effects into one or two rooms, whilst the other parts of their large and comfortable mansions are appropriated for officers' quarters.
The whole country around is a waste of ruin and desolation.
Later news from
Knoxville asserts that the
Yankees have evacuated it, but that our forces have not entered the city because of the prevalence of the small-pox, there being now about 600 cases. Our forces are said to the encamped three or four miles around the
