ut they knew that the Southland had
been invaded, that their homes were in danger, and they made soldiers
whose bravery and devotion excited the admiration of the world.

In order to find out what General Mitchell was doing, and as nearly as he
could, to ascertain the number of his forces, Calhoun resolved to ride as
near the line of the Nashville and Decatur railroad as was prudent. As he
approached Rogersville, he learned that the place had just been raided by
a regiment of Yankee cavalry, and the country was in a panic.

Approaching the place cautiously, he was pleased to ascertain that the
cavalry, after committing numerous depredations, had retreated to Athens.
He now learned for the first time of the atrocities which had been
committed on the defenceless inhabitants of Athens, and his blood boiled
as he listened to the recital. No wonder the citizens of Rogersville were
in a panic, fearing that their fate might be the same.

"The whelps and robbers!" he exclaimed; "how I should like to get at them!
But their time will come. Never will the South lay down her arms until
every Northern soldier is driven in or across the Ohio."

In Rogersville Calhoun met with a Doctor Jenkins, who was especially well
informed as to the strength and positions of the Federal army, and as to
the feelings of the citizens.

"At first," said he, "the result of the battle of Shiloh greatly
discouraged us, and the slaughter was horrifying. But we are getting over
that now, and every true son of the South is more determined than ever to
fight the war to the bitter end, even if we see our homes in flames and
the country laid waste. How is it that Kentucky does not join hands with
her sister states?"

"She will, she must," cried Calhoun. "Already thousands of her sons are
flocking to the Southern standard. It needs but a victory--a Confederate
army to enter her territory, and the people will rise _en masse_. There
are not enough traitors or Yankees in the state to keep them down."

"Do you think Beauregard can hold Corinth?" asked the Doctor.

"He can if any one can. He is a great general," answered Calhoun. "But
Morgan thinks the loss of Corinth would not be fatal if the army were
saved. 'Under no consideration,' says Morgan, 'should Beauregard allow
himself to be cooped up in Corinth.' "

"I reckon he is right," sighed the Doctor; "but may the time never come
when he will have to give it up."

"Amen to that!" answered Calhoun.

Fr