the citizen, “I have been told that I had better get out of the town in the event it is to be captured. Should anything more of importance occur, I shall be glad to know it.” After night, a few hours later, two gentlemen called on him. They were aides, one of whom said, “We have been sent by Gen. Carter to say, that you must leave town for Kentucky early to-morrow morning.” After a night’s deliberation, though very loth to leave home, wife and children, he decided that the direction of his military friend called for some obedience, and with reluctant mind and slow hands he made preparations for the journey. These were not completed before the second morning, but when all was ready he decided, before starting, to say “good-bye” to Gen. Burnside. Near a large gate that opened from the street upon a wide yard in front of headquarters, the Commander-in-chief was found about to mount his horse. His brows were knit, stern determination sat upon his face, and his whole soul seemed to be wrapped in earnest self-communion. The fighting had begun west of the town between his troops and Longstreet’s and he was on the eve of starting to the front. The citizen saw at once that then was not the time to speak. He was content to keep at a distance and thoughtfully contemplate the man to whom the moment was evidently a supreme one. Perhaps it was a critical one in the destiny of many people in the region for whose defence the General had been appointed. The civilian may be forgiven, if as he stood and looked at the man of war going forth to conflict, he should be reminded of Job’s words descriptive of the war horse: “He goeth on to meet the armed men, He mocketh at fear and is not affrighted, Neither turneth he back from the sword.” As the citizen stood and looked, there came upon him the irresistible conviction that Burnside would hold the town! Immediately turning upon his heel, he went home and sent to the stable the horses which were waiting to take him to Kentucky. CHAPTER XV. SIEGE OF KNOXVILLE--ITS DEFENDERS AND DEFENCES--COL. SANDERS--HIS DEATH AND FUNERAL--PROGRESS OF THE SIEGE--BURNING OF NORTH KNOXVILLE. “Flag of the free hearts’ hope and home, By angel hands to valor given; Thy stars have lit the welkin dome, And all thy hues were born in heaven; Forever float that standard sheet! Where breathes the foe but falls before us, With Freedom’s soil beneath our feet, And Freedom’s banner floating o’er us.” JOSEPH RODMAN DRAKE.