DIY History | Transcribe | Civil War Diaries and Letters | Andrew F. Davis papers, 1862

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10_1862-11-22-Page 02

I believe I last wrote you from Silver Springs 20 miles from Nashville.  We left there the morning of the 18th and proceeded towards Nashville and marched 7 miles which brought us to Stony Creek Over which the bridge had been burned and the banks are very high and Steep So that we had to pull our wagons up by hand which was done by tying a long rope to them and then from 50 to 100 men taking hold and drawing it up. This was a slow job as our train consisted in all of over 200 wagons. We did not get all over until the morning of the 19th when we come on 5 miles to this place and encamped where we now are which is 9 miles from Nashville on the Lebanon pike and in a most beautiful and productive country. Three miles back from here (making it 12 miles from Nashville) is situated the Hermitage farm, the former residence and present resting place of the Old Hero Gen Andrew Jackson. The farm is now owend by his adopted son Andrew J. Donnelson who I believe is his Nephew.  It is situated on the South side of the Cumberland river and lies between the river and Lebanon pike and has all the appearance of being very productive but it is not in very good repair.  I did not get to visit the house which is situated nearly 1/2 mile from the road but it is quite large and ancient looking and very imposeing but not more so than many others in this part of the country.  The Old Hero is burried in one corner of the garden under a very large weeping willow tree.  Evrything in the main part of the house is said to be in the exact position it was when he died.  If we stay here many days I intend trying to get a pass and visit the house as there is said to be a great many curious relicks of olden times which he gathered up and preserved during his long and useful life.  One thing I was glad to notice in regard to the destruction of fences &c by the Soldiers.  Evry farm on the road for Several miles on either side of it has the fencing more or less destroyed by the Soldiers for fire wood and in fact Some farms are entirely Stripped of rails, but on this farm not a rail has as yet ever been disturbed although the fence immediately on the opposite side of the pike is entirely burned up.  I am glad to hear that Permelia is getting well again.  What did you do with your Cow

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I believe I last wrote you from Silver Springs 20 miles from Nashville. We left there the morning of the 18th and proceeded towards Nashville and marched 7 miles which brought us to Stony Creek Over which the bridge had been burned and the banks are very high and Steep So that we had to pull our wagons up by hand which was done by tying a long rope to them and then from 50 to 100 men taking hold and drawing it up. This was a slow job as our train consisted in all of over 200 wagons. We did not get all over until the morning of the 19th when we come on 5 miles to this place and encamped where we now are which is 9 miles from Nashville on the Lebanon pike and in a most beautiful and productive country. Three miles back from here (making it 12 miles from Nashville) is situated the Hermitage farm, the former residence and present resting place of the Old Hero Gen Andrew Jackson. The farm is now owend by his adopted son Andrew J. Donnelson who I believe is his Nephew. It is situated on the South side of the Cumberland river and lies between the river and Lebanon pike and has all the appearance of being very productive but it is not in very good repair. I did not get to visit the house which is situated nearly 1/2 mile from the road but it is quite large and ancient looking and very imposeing but not more so than many others in this part of the country. The Old Hero is burried in one corner of the garden under a very large weeping willow tree. Evrything in the main part of the house is said to be in the exact position it was when he died. If we stay here many days I intend trying to get a pass and visit the house as there is said to be a great many curious relicks of olden times which he gathered up and preserved during his long and useful life. One thing I was glad to notice in regard to the destruction of fences &c by the Soldiers. Evry farm on the road for Several miles on either side of it has the fencing more or less destroyed by the Soldiers for fire wood and in fact Some farms are entirely Stripped of rails, but on this farm not a rail has as yet ever been disturbed although the fence immediately on the opposite side of the pike is entirely burned up. I am glad to hear that Permelia is getting well again. What did you do with your Cow