Affairs in Nashville, as described by a Yankee correspondent.
The following account of the situation of affairs in
Nashville were furnished the New York
Herald, from its correspondent at that place, under date of the 25th instant:
‘
In
Nashville, the almost universal sentiment among the residents is that the rebel army will return.
They continually act upon this idea, and reports are hourly circulated of this and that advantage gained by the rebels over the
Union men. With characteristic vigor,
Governor Johnson has determined to stop the spread of false information coming through rebel channels, and arrests have in consequence been made of prominent personages here and in the vicinity.
Instead of allaying public excitement, these arrests seem only to augment it. The rebels do not speak openly, but their murmurs are heard wherever they think the are without chance of detection of espionage.
The Union men say but little, and that, with but few exceptions, at only a half breath, not withstanding the presence of
Gov. Johnson and
Gen. Dumont's military force.
The Union demonstration last Monday was under all the circumstances, a successful affair; but some prominent quasi
Unionists did not attend, and they have alone expressed dissatisfaction at the steps
Gov. Johnson is taking in making arrests.
The arrest of
ex-Governor Neil S. Brown yesterday is exercising an influence in that direction.
I do not, however, think that
Governor Johnson will be deterred from the performance of what he believes to be his duty, no matter what lukewarm
Unionists, and certainly not by what notorious secessionists, say. Whatever may occur in,
Nashville, whether it may be overrun by fugitives from
Corinth or
Richmond, or whether it may be preserved to the
Government without another exercise of its power, you may rely upon it
Governor Johnson will not act the part of his rebel predecessor,
Isham G. Harris, and files incontinently.
A surprise is sometimes talked of, but
Gen. Dumont is too vigilant to be caught napping, and, with the force at his command, might perhaps keep 5,000 rebels at bay until reinforced.
But the destruction of the city would be the inevitable consequence of an attempt to recapture it.
The confiscation act, as proposed, is working hurtfully.
I have the best authority for stating that thousands in the rebel army would cheerfully return to their allegiance a general amnesty proclamation was issued; and thousands in the country would declare for the
Union if they were assured of protection from predatory bands.
Strong measures are demanded to this end, and the authorities at
Washington cannot act too vigorously and too promptly in facilitating the operations of
Governor Johnson to root out these marauding bands.
Eastern Tennessee is Union in sentiment, and is only held down by the military power of
Jeff. Davis.
The people there are continually appealing to the
Federal Government for assistance.
It is to be earnestly hoped that it will not be long delayed.
Preparations are being made for holding Union meetings in
Lebanon,
Murfreesboro,
Columbia, and other places.
That for
Columbia is already advertised (lune 8). In some places the meeting will have to be held at the point of the bayonet, until those who oppose the
Government are made to understand that it is merciful and magnanimous, and not at all abolition.
The hardest fight the
Union men here in
Tennessee have is to defend themselves against the infernal machines sent down South in the shape of abolition speeches and action in Congress.
’
