Murfressboro, Tennesee, safely in Union hands, has become a magnet for escaped slaves, Confederate deserters and poor white families displaced from their rural homes. In ever greater numbers, the refugees set up camp in and around the city. Many of the poor white refugees take up residence in the yard of the city’s Baptist church,…
Today’s New York Times reports on a correspondent’s visit to the Murfreesboro battlefield, his visit having taken place mere days following the end of the fighting in the Tennessee town. The reporter describes what he sees. …. The field and woods bear marks of heavy firing — scarcely a tree that has not its branches…
The new year continues to go badly for the Confederacy. Murfressboro, Tennessee is now occupied by federal troops. Meanwhile, Nashville, Tennessee has been occupied by Union forces since February 24. Today, the United States military confiscates the city’s First Baptist Church for use as a hospital. Church pews and other furniture are removed. Soon, other…