NP, RD 11/13A/1861

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch
 
November 13, 1861
 
From East Tennessee
Nashville, Tenn., Nov. 12
   Five railroad bridges were burnt in East Tennessee on Fridaynight last by the Union men. Two of these were on the Georgia State Road {Western & Atlantic RR}, over Chicamoga creek, in Hamilton county; one on the East Tennessee & Georgia Railroad, over the Hiwassee river, in Bradley county. Five minutes after the guard passed through the latter bridge the structure was in flames, clearly showing that some rapid combustible material was used. Two of the bridges on the East Tennessee & Virginia Railways were destroyed--one bridge was over Lick creek, in Greene county, and another over the Holston river, in Sullivan county. The guard at Lick creek were unarmed and overwhelmed, and were tied and carried away, and kept off until some time during the day on Saturday. Three men have been arrested whom the guard identified.
   The bridge over the Holston river was not guarded, as Sullivan county is known to be strongly in favor of the Confederate Government.
   The bridge over the Holston river at Strawberry Plains, in Jefferson county, was set on fire, but the fire was put out by the people. The guard had one hand cut off and his skull fractured.
   The indications are that one of the incendiaries was killed.
   A gentleman, just from East Tennessee, reports that great excitement prevails there, in consequence of the evidently preconcerted plan, which these bridge-burnings evince, to destroy property and prevent supplies from passing on to our army. The loss is heavy, and will cause much inconvenience and delay.
   Matters in East Tennessee are regarded as in a critical condition, and much anxiety is felt there for Gen. Zollicoffer and his forces.

Home