[Correspondence of the Richmond Daily Dispatch.]
the feeling in the State--refugees — Federal Barbarism — a generous example, &c.
Gallatin, Tennessee Sept. 26, 1861.
We are in a high state of excitement here in consequence of Kentucky's folly, (neutrality,) whereby our and her troops have already met in battle; and because of the outrages perpetrated by Lincoln and his disciples on innocent men and women, even children, causing them to leave by hundreds in any sort of conveyance they may obtain.
Many pass here every day. They represent portions of Kentucky whence they come in the same fix that poor Maryland is. We have more Kentuckians in our midst than I have ever seen here before.
Some of them join our companies, and are anxious to meet even Kentuckians in the battle-field.
You, perhaps, have no idea how desperately the Southern rights Kentuckians hate the Kentucky Lincolnites.
I have it from a most reliable gentleman who had to leave because of his Southern sentiments, that a little lad going down the street in Danville, hallooed for Jeff. Davis, when a pair of full grown men rushed upon him, with pistols pointed at him; ordering him to take it back, the little fellow replied, ‘"Don't shoot me, I do."’ Yet, notwithstanding, one of the scoundrels did shoot him through the heart, killing him instantly.--This is only one of a dozen cases of which I have heard of their outrageous cruelty.
Before this reaches you, our Governor will have called out 25,000 of the reserved corps, which will be ordered to various points on our borders where the enemy is now stationing men. The cavalry company to which I am attached, and others, forming a regiment, will go into camp next week, and be ready for service at a moment's warning.
A lady of this place, who has done much for the soldiers, desiring to do more, and not being able to command her means, wishes to dispose of her jewelry — a splendid set of diamonds, bracelets, breastpin, &c., worth some $700 or $800, and to give the proceeds to the Southern soldiers. Now, can you help us in this matter? A raffle has been suggested, but she being an exemplary Christian, will not do evil even with such hopes of much good resulting. What would you suggest? Does any one wish to purchase such things these days? May-be some patriotic lady or gentleman, whose means may be easier to come at, might like to invest, and so aid this good lady in doing our brave soldiers the service she intends.
It is a splendid set of jewelry, and could, I think, easily be raffled off at $700, if not $800; but, as I before said, she does not wish them raffled. What can we do with the case?
The papers will give you, I doubt not, as far as they can with propriety, the number and movements of our troops into Kentucky earlier than I could in this letter; and as I cannot vouch for the various reports a float, I will omit them on this occasion. T.
