It was in session four days, during which time the “Louisiana Tigers” of the Confederate army halted at Greeneville on their way to Richmond. Their commander embraced the occasion to make a speech, and his soldiers expressed their ill-will to the convention by derisions and small indignities, but there was no blood shed. Unterrified and unmoved to acts of resentment, the delegates persevered in their work, fully persuaded of the honesty of their purpose and the righteousness of their cause. Because they felt the need of superior counsel and help, and trusted in Him who only is wise and powerful to bestow these, the daily proceedings of the convention were opened with prayer by various Christian ministers. Enthusiastic delegates were in favor of forming at once a Provisional Government and organizing an army, with John Baxter for its General. But he, assisted by James W. Deaderick, A. H. Maxwell and others, advocated less hasty action, and moderate counsels prevailed. He advised that instead of hopeless war on the spot, all who chose should join the United States army in Kentucky. Spears, Byrd, Cooper, Houk, Clift and others did so speedily. If the request to the Legislature for a new State should not be granted, it was expected by some delegates that an independent government would still be formed at the Kingston convention, but the adverse military occupation of the region, and the progress of events prevented further action. CHAPTER VIII. GROWING WRATH--JOY OVER VICTORY--GEN. ZOLICOFFER--A YANKEE BOY’S PASSPORT--LIGHTS AND SHADOWS--ESCAPE OF CONGRESSMEN--FORGED LETTERS TO BOSTON--A MILITARY ZEALOT--BRIDGE-BURNING. “The days of the nations bear no trace Of all the sunshine so far foretold; The cannon speaks in the teacher’s place-- The age is weary with work and gold, And high hopes wither, and memories wane; On hearths and altars the fires are dead; But that brave faith hath not lived in vain-- And this is all that our watcher said.” FRANCES BROWN.