Expulsion of citizens from "Subjugated" towns.
The first instalment of exiles from Knoxville has arrived at Atlanta, Ga., and is quartered in Washington Hall. There were about thirty persons in the lot, among them Rev. W. A. Harrison, a Presbyterian minister; Chas. McClung and wife, R. M. McPherson, wife, and five children; L. M Rogan, wife, and two daughters; Mrs. Wilson and daughter, Dr. Goodlip, Mrs. Hamilton and two children, and others. These persons were ordered to leave town in forty-eight hours, as will be seen from the following order:--On account of your persistent disloyalty to the Government of the United States it has been decided to send you South, within the rebel lines. You are hereby notified to be at the railroad depot in time for the morning train to London, on Saturday next, prepared to leave permanently. As baggage you will be permitted to take your wearing apparel and the necessary blankets. You can also take some three or four days provisions.
J. S. Prechard, Aide-de-camp. In Huntsville, Ala., now in possession of the Federals, a circular was addressed to ex-Governor Chapman, W J McCalley, Joshua Beadle, Judge James H Seruggs, Dr J A Beaseley, Dr J C Spoots-wo d, Dr E L Antony, S W Harris, J J Fachler, Wm Acklen, and Geo P Beirne, as follows:
Will you please call at my office this P M., at 3 o'clock.
The persons named are quiet citizens, varying in age from 48 to 68, and not connected with the Confederate army in any way. Governor Chapman was the only one who had figured as a politician. Save S W. Harris, who had some years ago served one session in the Alabama Legislature, all were, however, "to the manner born," and loyal to the Confederate States of America. At the appointed interview the Colonel commanding announced that he had called the parties together, of whom he had no personal knowledge, for the purpose of saying that they were wealthy and influential citizens, and that they would be required to leave the line of the Federal forces or take the following oath: "I,--, of Madison county, State of Alabama, do solemnly, sincerely, and truly swear, and without any mental reservation or evasion, that I will bear true allegiance to the Constitution of the United States of America, and obey all laws in pursuance thereof; that I will not aid or countenance the so-called Confederate States in their rebellion against the same, and that I will not give any aid or information to any person claiming authority under or bearing arms in support of the so styled Confederate States. So help me God." Forty-eight hours were given for deliberation, during which Gen Logan, the superior at that time in command, was looked for, and the privilege or an interview was granted, if desired. Three of the parties waited on the General, which resulted in neither more nor less than a complimentary demonstration, interlarded with delicate phrases, unsuited to ears polite; indicating the superiority of the Northman-vulgarly called Yank — and the inevitable subjugation of the South, with the personal determination of cutting the throats on sight of such representative men as Miles, of South Carolina, and Curry, of Alabama. At the time appointed the unanimous resolve of the party was made known to the commanding officer that not one could be induced to take such an oath. Whereupon the following order was issued:
You will be required to leave our lines at 9 A M, 20th inst. Your private baggage will be allowed to pass out with you, and if desired transportation to Tennessee river under charge of an escort.
Seven of the gentlemen banished from their homes and families under the order aforesaid, after search of baggage, were landed upon the north bank of the Tennessee, made their way to the south bank in canoes, and are now in Dixie. Four were detained by sickness of themselves or family, but in due time will receive their reward. Pending the foregoing, the residence of Mr. Beirne was invaded by armed soldiers with this order:
The interest of the service requires the occupation of the premises and property where you now reside for Government use. The property has been assigned as headquarters for Maj. Gen. Sherman. You are therefore respectfully notified to deliver possession thereof to the undersigned within two days from date. In vacating the premises you will leave all household furniture and fixtures pertaining thereto, taking only the personal and private baggage of yourself and family.
Geo. P. Beirne, Esq., Huntsville, Ala. Mr. Beirne is an exile, and the family, driven from their own berth, rest under the hospitable roof of a kind neighbor.
