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the fighting qualities of our own troops.
It has familiarized us with a section of country, comparatively unknown before.
It has shown the tremendous strength of the enemy's position at Dalton.
It has for ever set at rest the silly stories of Johnston's army having gone to Mobile and other points; and, above all, it has prevented that army, or any considerable part of it, from being so sent away.
It was well ascertained that Cleburne's division did not start away until the evening of the twenty-first, and at least one brigade of it had returned by the twenty-fifth.
Stevenson's, Stuart's, Loring's divisions, one brigade of Cleburne's, one of another division, whose commander could not be ascertained, and Wheeler's cavalry, were all known to have been in the fight of Thursday.
Although this correspondent would be very glad to have Joe Johnston evacuate Dalton, he cannot but feel somewhat proud of this triumphant vindication of the statement he made weeks ago, and has since had occasion several times to repeat, concerning the presence and strength of the rebel army at Dalton.
The expedition could not well fail of being an entire success, as it was managed throughout with wisdom, prudence, and skill.
I venture to say that however high General Palmer may have stood in the estimation of his corps, he has risen still higher since the commencement of this expedition.
General Whipple seemed everywhere present, and I am assured by those who ought best to know, that his advice throughout the whole affair was most timely and valuable.
Generals Johnson and Davis discharged the duties imposed upon them with a cheerfulness and self-sacrificing alacrity which did much to keep up the efficiency and morale of their men.
General Crufts and Baird both sustained their reputation as soldiers, and the latter especially seemed to understand how to impart vigor and spirit to his troops.
It remains for all these generals to be tested upon a severe field, but here, at least, they did well.
Our losses will not exceed two hundred killed, wounded, and missing. The enemy's will not fall below five hundred.
Y. S.
