The Daily Dispatch: May 15, 1863., [Electronic resource]

Queer Scene in Nashville.

Col. Moody, of Ohio, stated that after his regiment, with others, had been marched to various points, they were finally ordered back to Nashville, Tenn. On his arrival there Gen. Bonnell was in the city, and the question was being agitated of evacuating the city and giving it up to the rebels, Buellsheing in favor and Gov. Johnson opposed to the measure; at this crisis Col. Moody called to pay his respects to the Governor. On entering the building, in an upper room of which was the Governor's office, he met Gen. Buell coming out; as they passed each other they exchanged civilities, and immediately the Colonel forwarded his card to the Governor's room. --Soon a messenger came to him, informing him that the Governor wished him to come up immediately. As the Colonel entered the room he saw Governor Johnson pacing the floor, with a gentleman at each arm, under the most terrible excitement, and saying, "It must not be done." Seeing the Colonel, the Governor greeted him most cordially, and expressed his great pleasure in meeting him. The two gentlemen retired, leaving them alone, when instantly Governor Johnson informed Colonel Moody what was meditated — that Buell wished to evacuate the city,--"But," said he, "is must not be done." So intense was the excitement of the Governor's mind that his face was fairly livid, and soothing at the mouth and justicularing most violently, swore "the city must not be evacuated." The Colonel gently chided the Governor, saying;

‘ "Governor, just drop these hard words — we can get along without them. True, this is a dark and perilous hour, but we must remember God reigns — He is King of kings and Lord of lords. He rules Generals, Governors, and nations, and if we will only do right and trust in Him a way of deliverance will be opened, and our beloved country shall yet be saved. "Instantly the Governor responded. --and when I say Moody. I mean more than Colonel — I believe in God and the Bible, and I rest my son's salvation on the merit of Jesus Christ alone, but --name if this city shall be given up." Col. Moody, perceiving that the Governor's mind needed relief as much as the imperilled city, otherwise there was danger from the immense excitement of his being driven to madness, replied, "Governor, let us pray." Quick as lightning the Governor dropped on his knees, and while the Colonel was praying for him, asking God to give him wisdom, strength, and courage in this dark-hour, he responded in groans and amens; and crawling on his knees to the Colonel, he laid his head on his bosom, and wept and groaned, and said amen to every petition. At length the Colonel felt that God had heard his prayer; the cloud began to break, and turning prayer into praise, the Governor also began to praise God. When they rose from their knees the Governor instantly seized the Colonel's hand, and, all battered in tears, said, "Thank God that you came. He sent you to help me. I feel better — the cloud is broken — we shall be delivered. D — named be shall not give up the city. I'll burn it first and perish amid the flames rather than he shall give it up and let in fall into the hands of the enemy."

’ Soon after Gen. Buell came in, and Gov. Johnson meeting him, looking him in the eye, with terrible emphasis he said: "The city shall not be evacuated. Before that shall be done I will burn it and perish amidst its ruins." That settled the question. Gen'l Buell was compelled to change his plan; and a detailing a sufficient force to defend the city, with the balance of the army he came trotting up to Louisville.