Mr. Edward J. Sanford, at the time a young man, was, as he is now, a citizen of Knoxville. His narrative of the escape made by him and others through the mountains, from the conscript law, is interesting in itself.[27] It is still more so, as illustrating the privations, dangers and sufferings through which men of like principles and decision with him, had to pass at that time, in going from East Tennessee to a land of liberty, under law and in harmony with their conscience and will. There did not appear to be any hope of deliverance coming to them from without. It is true that early in March, 1862, the 2nd Regiment of East Tennessee Infantry, accompanied by one company each of the 1st Regiment, East Tennessee Infantry, and Monday’s Kentucky Cavalry, all commanded by Col. J. P. T. Carter, adventured from Kentucky through Big Creek Gap in the Cumberland Mountains into Campbell County, East Tennessee. They found the Gap blockaded by the Confederate troops, but managed to pass it, attacked a force at Sharp’s Church in the neighborhood and routed it, wounding, killing and capturing a considerable number of the men. The raiders’ cavalry went down the valley to Jacksborough, where they encountered the scouting party of Capt. James Gibson. In the fight that ensued, Capt. Gibson was slain and Capt. Winstead, of the Sappers and Miners, was taken prisoner, but no important results followed the adventure. Col. Carter without delay retreated into Kentucky, and at that date no other like military expedition was even expected. CHAPTER XI. GENERALS KIRBY SMITH, J. E. JOHNSON AND BRAGG--REFUGEES INVITED HOME BY PROCLAMATION--MRS. BROWNLOW, HER CHILDREN AND MRS. MAYNARD EXILED--GENERAL CONDITION OF THINGS RESULTING FROM SECESSION. “Faults are easier look’d in, than redress’d: Men running with eager violence, At the first view of errors, fresh in quest; As they, to rid an inconvenience, Stick not to raise a mischief in the stead, Which after mocks their weak improvidence. And therefore do not make your own sides bleed, To pick at others.” DANIEL.