From Cumberland Gap.
the condition of Kentucky--the traitors of Kentucky--Brownlow's Pious teachings — Capture of Yankees — Andy Johnson's prisoners, &c.[Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.]
Cumberland Gap, Nov. 23, 1861.
As the soldier bends his steps to the top of one of the lofty peaks of the Cumber land Ridge, overlooking the once proud and gallant State of Kentucky, he is both to believe that the home of Henry Clay is in chains, and writhing under the lash of the despot.
Far in the distance the blue mountains raise their high heads and seem to look down with a lofty scorn upon the Goths and Vandals, whose desecrating tread pollutes the soil made sacred, in earlier days, by its consecration to the holy cause of freedom — Turning from this scene, a long continuous chain of mountains, running through East Tennessee, and on to the old North State, meet the eve of the soldier; and his very soul burns with indignation when he remembers that within these mountains live the vilest traitors that ever walked upon the face of the earth.
Union men, blinded by the false teachings of disappointed politicians, receiving, daily wholesome instruction from that meek and pious saint, the editor of the Knoxville Whig, and gathering gems--Precious gems --of wisdom and patriotism from is holy pages, are using every effort and straining every nerve to betray the very friends who have come into their milder to throw off the yoke of oppression and bondage.-- Grateful and noble disciples of Brownlow !--Worthy scholars of Maynard and Johnson !-- May some thunderbolt, red-hot with the wrath of an offended God, blast these traitors in their deeds of infamy and crime ! Upon whose head rests the responsibility of this sad state of affairs ? Give the devil his due; let Brownlow have his share and go; but there are others besides this Right Reverend doctor of divinity, who, however unpleasant it may be, are responsible, are extent, for the condition of affairs as they now exist in East Tennessee; and, while we bow with becoming deference to the powers that be, we do not hesitate to say it is a ruinous and mistaken policy to tamper with the feelings of a disaffected people.
Leniency should not be extended to the Union men of East Tennessee; they are our worst enemies-- traitors, with hearts as corrupt as the men they worship — men who have sold them selves for their country's gold.
Yet the policy of the Confederate authorities, Generals and all,(with but few exceptions,) has been for conciliation, conciliation, the fruits of which are now seen in the burning of railroad bridges, and uprising of the people.
The question naturally arises, Why have not these men been disarmed before this ? And why should they not be treated as other enemies ? Nothing more true than the scriptural quotation, ‘"He that is not for us, is against us !"’ It is both injustice to the soldier, who is fighting the battles of his country, and a reproach upon our young and flourishing Confederacy to pass unnoticed these high handed acts of the traitors; and, to say the least, reflects but little credit upon the wisdom and sagacity of our leaders ‘" Justitia fiat et cœlum ruat."’ For six months have these traitors been gathering strength from our want of firmness and inactivity.
‘"A little more sleep, a little more slumber, a little more folding of the hands to sleep,"’ and we will wake to find that the wooden horse has been dragged into our Southern Troy.
Take a few more prisoners, pay their expenses to and from Nashville, and let them go; or, by way of compliment to the Union men, catch a Captain at the head of his men leading them into Kentucky, armed and equipped, take him to Knoxville, thence to the capital of the State, show him all the amusements of the day, and let him go. Continue to do this for fear of ruffling the tender feelings of our loyal friends, and the Southern army in East Tennessee will have accomplished the wonderful and gigantic task of marching to the top of the hill, and marching back again.
Magnificent achievement !
The appointment of civilians to high posts of military honor requires much care and discretion.
Some very judicious selections have been made, yet there are some political military aspirants, able men in their sphere — the forum and the senate — who, being clothed with a ‘"little brief authority,"’ seem to say, ‘"Were I not Alexander I would be Doggones."’
We are making every preparation here to welcome the foe to hospitable graves, should they attempt to force their passage through this Gap. As to the extent of our fortifications --what we are doing and what we expect to do — I am not at liberty to speak; suffice it to say ‘"Uncle Jeff"’ is all right at Cumberland Gap We have 43 prisoners and are daily adding to the number.
Two prisoners from the Federal camp, at Wild Cat, were captured yesterday by our cavalrymen; it is thought they are spies, although they represent themselves as deserters.
The ‘"kittens"’ say that Andy Johnson promised them twenty-one dollars a month in gold and silver, but a ‘"devil of a bit"’ have they seen.
Most of the Kentucky army is composed of troops from Pennsylvania and Ohio--men fleet of foot.
Our gallant boys are eager for the contest, and when the time comes hope to meet foemen worthy of their steel.
At the first sound of their country's call they sprang to arms, the champions of a nation's honor; and now, relying upon the strong arm of God and the justness of their cause, they are willing and ready to ‘
"Strike for their altars and their fires, The green graves of their sires,
God, and their native land."
Pungo.
’
