Chattanooga, Saturday, June 16, 1863.
The week has been characterized by a series of dreary rains which have continued up to this morning.
At the present writing it is warm and clear, but lazy-looking clouds still hang heavily in the east, indicating that the “rainy term” is not yet over.
The corn never yet promised a more abundant yield, but the wheat in some districts is slightly touched with the rust, produced by the late rains, and there is some difficulty in being able to save the immense crop in East and Middle Tennessee for want of hands to secure the harvest.
The flour-mills in East-Tennessee last year principally supplied our whole South-Western army, and it is to be hoped that dome means will be afforded to farmers to gather their crops before it is too late to save them.
The Board of Commissioners for this State under the impressment law has fixed the price of shelled corn at two dollars per bushel.
This is complained of very much by the farmers, who think it is under the average price, corn in Virginia being fixed at four dollars per bushel.
The Commissioners, however, promise to raise the schedule of prices according to circumstances.
It would be desirable if the Commissioners in each State would agree on a uniform system of prices, which could be easily done.
The movements of our army toward Murfreesboro indicate that General Bragg is determined that General Rosecrans shall show his hand, and not keep up an appearance of strength under false pretences.
We have, therefore, made an advance to feel of the enemy, and already several skirmishes have occurred.
A portion of our forces have advanced to within five miles of Murfreesboro, and if Rosecrans will come out of his fortifications, an engagement will take place.
But if not, it is supposed General Bragg will not attempt to storm the enemy's works without having learned his strength; in the latter case we may attempt to turn the enemy by a flank movement and gain his rear.
Last Sabbath, the thirty-first ultimo, General Bragg was confirmed in the Episcopal faith by Rev. Bishop Elliott, of Georgia. General Bragg has thus set an example to his army which will not be without its influences.
On visiting General Lee's army of Northern Virginia, I was struck with the high moral char-aeter which prevailed among the officers and soldiers, as well as the deep religious feeling that pervaded, especially in the lamented General Jackson's corps.
It will be a source of congratulation should General Bragg succeed in producing the same beneficial result.
There is no occasion for men becoming reckless and demoralized on entering the army, but on the contrary, a different feeling should prevail. Ora.
