--
The Rev. O. B. Caldwell, who is on duty in
General Whealer's corps, gives the
Bristol Gazette the following narrative of shocking and Sending cruelty displayed by
East Tennessee Unionist towards a Presbyterian minister, He says:
‘
Our people are all hopeful, yet they are suffering as people never did before.
The oppression has turned to a religious persecution.
Rev. George Egleton, paster of the
New Market Presbyterian Church, was ordered by the
Union man to quit preaching.
He knew it was not done by proper authority, so he continued, and the next work was taken out of his bed and marched down the railroad below town, and ordered to draw his coat, then his and when he refused, it was which off of him. Then two men, who had with , whipped him, while a third one stood before and with drawn pistols, threatening his life if he my resistance, Part of the time he was unconscious of his awful condition.
Two weeks have elapsed and still his wounds and unhealed; but he had to flee for his life.
Yet this man was more quiet and peaceable than any one else, and no charge was made against him except that, because he was a rebel minister, he was a minister of the devil.
This whole affair was conducted by men in his own church, and some of the good old christian men were at his door ready to dress his wounds when he returned.
But the worst of all was, that the same threat was extended to all who sympathized with him or showed him any favors.
Rev. John McCampbell and
Rev. Isaac N. Caldwell were also threatened with the same treatment if they did not leave the country.
So they all thought prudence the better part of valor, and have left their homes and their churches.
’
