| From the Richmond Dispatch |
| |
| October 19, 1861 |
| |
| From Kentucky |
| The destruction of Green River bridge |
| We regret to learn that the fine iron
railroad bridge over Green river {Louisville &
Nashville RR} was blown up and destroyed on Sunday night last.
This was done through total misconception of orders, the destruction of
the bridge being neither necessary nor desired. It had been mined, it
seems, with a view to its destruction should such a step become
necessary through any of the vicissitudes of war; but the mines could
have been removed at any time without the slightest injury to the
bridge, and it was earnestly and sincerely hoped that it would not
become necessary to use them. But the officer to whom was entrusted the
guardianship of the bridge, totally misunderstanding the orders and
directions given for the guidance of his conduct, rashly and
unfortunately applied the match to the train, and two spans of the
beautiful and substantial structure were blown into the air. The cost of
repairing the injury thus ignorantly, stupidly, and unnecessarily done
will be inconsiderable; but it will take much time, and time is more
than money. Any movement forward that may have been contemplated by our
forces will, we suppose, necessarily be delayed by this inexcusable
blunder. We have not met a man who does not express the deepest regret
at this loss. |
|