and over our poorly covered heads, seemed to lash us in its fury. The floods of waters that had overflowed their banks, seemed to laugh ut our calamity, and to mock us in our misfortunes.
All along the route were weary and footsore soldiers. The citizens seemed to shrink and hide from us as we approached them. And, to cap the climax, Tennessee river was overflowing its banks, and several Federal! gun-boats were anchored just below Mussel Shoals, firing at us while crossing.
The once proud army of Tennessee had degenerated to a mob. We were pinched by hunger and cold, The rains, and sleet, and snow never ceased falling from the winter sky, while the winds pierced the old, ragged, grayback Rebel soldier to his very marrow. The clothing of many were hanging around them in shreds of rags, and tatters, while an old slouched hat covered their frozen ears. Some were on old, raw-boned horses, without saddles.
Hon. Jefferson Davis perhaps made blunders and mistakes, but I honestly believe that he ever did what he thought beat for the good of his country. And there never lived on this earth, from the days of Hampden to George Washington, a purer patriot or a nobler man than Jefferson Davis; and, like Marius, grand even in ruins.
Hood was a good man, a kind man, a philanthropic man, but he is both harmless and defenseless now. He was a poor General in the capacity of Commander-in-Chief. Had he been mentally qualified, his physical condition would have disqualifed him. His legs and one of his arms had been shot off in the defense of his country. As a soldier, he was brave, good, noble, and gallant, and fought with the ferociousness of the wounded tiger, and with the everlasting grit of the bull-dog; but as a General he was a failure in every particular.
Our country is gone, our cause is lost. "Actum est de Republica.”
