News Articles Regarding Bushwhackers in 1863
Knoxville Register, 20 Feb 1863
Bushwhackers
To the amount of twenty-four, were marched into town yesterday evening, under guard, from Big Creek Gap. -- Among these specimens of patriotism, lovers of home and liberty, is the son of the notorious Clift, who flourished in the early part of the war in Hamilton County, and in the mountains around and about. -- What will be done with them; we cannot say. Men, who at this late day, sin against light and knowledge, not only treacherously leave their country, but from ambush attempt to assassinate their country's defenders, are worthy but little sympathy. One almost wishes that our soldiers would lose them in the ravines and gorges of the mountains they infest.Let bushwhackers be treated as the law of retaliation directs, and bushwhacking will soon come to an end.
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Knoxville Register, 14 Feb 1863
Postponed
The execution of young Harris, the deserter from Conscription, and Federal Captain, lately sentenced to death by the Court-Martial in this city, has been postponed by order of the Government, from yesterday, the day fixed upon for his shooting, until the circumstances of his case can be inquired into at Richmond.
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Greeneville Banner, 20 Feb 1863
Laurel, NC
Col. Allen informs us that since our troops have been in this infected region, they have killed twenty-five bushwhackers, and taken some thirty or forty prisoners. A few of these miserable outlaws still run at large, occasionally committing their depredations upon the citizens around. There are troops still looking after them, and it is hoped that the nest will finally be broken up.
~ to be continued ~