It is also the hope of the author that this volume will serve to confirm the reader’s patriotism, or to quicken the sentiment into life, if it only slumber within him. The love of country has justly been extolled by the tongue of the eloquent orator and the pen of the gifted poet. Both the philosopher and the religious teacher commend it, and it is profoundly interesting to know that the Author of Christianity cherished that sentiment in its purity, and in full harmony with his wide-reaching love for other nations than His own of Israel. Some of His countrymen once interceded for His favor in behalf of a Roman centurion, with the reason, “he loveth our nation.” The plea was not rebuked by Him, and as the petition which it aimed to strengthen was quickly granted, we may infer that it influenced Him. Every one will probably admit that the spirit of patriotism is praiseworthy, but it is well to consider that it is sometimes liable to slip from the guidance of wisdom and to be narrowed down in its range of working to a section or a party. On the contrary, it should be as broad as it is ardent; its boundaries those of the Nation; and while it rises immeasurably above the base greed for office, it should equally rise above the bitterness and contentions of partisan zeal into the pure and serene atmosphere of fellow-citizenship. It may be blindly perverted, but a true love of country can never be intelligently applied to the uses of an inordinate ambition, or to supply the necessities of a huge wrong. “History,” it is often repeated, “is Philosophy teaching by example.” If so, then it would be wrong to let the splendid example of unadulterated patriotism given by the Union people of East Tennessee in the War of 1861-’65, go unchronicled. No popular leaders induced it. The courage and fortitude it presents sprang from deep and strong love for the Union of the States in one Nation--deep and strong love for their _whole country_. Impressive also are the lessons of true and far-reaching patriotism given by the heroic Rhode Islander and his fellow-soldiers, in rescuing East Tennessee, at great pains, danger and loss, from a usurped power; and by the generous people of Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, Maine and other States, in relieving it from impending famine. These interpositions, not to destroy, but to save its people, should teach Americans, as long as the Republic lasts, that, in the words of Mr. Edward Everett: “If the Union means anything, it means not merely political connection and commercial intercourse, but to bear each other’s burdens and to share each other’s sacrifices; it means active sympathy and efficient aid.” CONTENTS. INTRODUCTION. PAGE. FIRST SETTLEMENT IN EAST TENNESSEE--NATURAL FEATURES OF THE REGION--ITS PEOPLE--ITS CENTRAL TOWN. 19 CHAPTER I.