From the
Atlanta, Georgia, papers we get the following intelligence of the position of affairs at
Chattanooga:
Visit of the President to Bragg's Army.
The visit of the
President to the army of Tennessee has been opportune, and has infused new life and vigor among the troops.
The President passed last evening at the headquarters of
Gen. Bragg, receiving the visits and congratulations of the
general officers.
This morning, about 9 o'clock, accompanied by his staff and that of
Gen. Bragg, he proceeded to visit the lines and inspect the works.
The fine location of these afforded the
President an excellent opportunity for seeing those of the enemy, also, and he exhibited his interest in them, and amply gratified his curiosity.
The troops were formed in line along the works, and as the
President rode along the front he was received with cheer after cheer by our enthusiastic and confident veterans.
At every available point the eager crowds of the enemy were visible, scanning the movements in our but no gun was fired, though they could easily have reached with their shells the brilliant cavalcade that accompanied the
President.
There is little doubt that the
Yankees were well aware of the occasion of the enthusiasm, and who it was that was so near to them, and yet their cannon were mute.
The troops presented a most gratifying appearance.
They had laid aside the rough and crude, ragged appearance which so many of them seem to take a pride in, as a contrast to the gaily-dressed and well supplied Yankees they have so often whipped; and their stalwart forms, burnished arms and serviceable equipment shows that we are far from being the "starved-out" people which the
Yankees vainly imagine us to be.
The President inspected the left portion of the works first, and then proceeded to the right, making the entire circuit of the lines.
On frequent occasions he paused to compliment the general and field officers in the excellent appearance of their commands.
After the review he returned to headquarters, and received the calls of the officers.
President Davis, in a speech to a portion of the soldiers of
Bragg's army, is reported to have said that a signal victory over
Rosecrans would effectually bring the war to a close.
Reports of prisoners.
I have also conversed with a Yankee, or rather a Wisconsin, lieutenant just captured.
He represents the strength of the
Federal army at only about thirty or forty thousand--that
Rosecrans has called reinforcements from every available point.
Even companies from
Island No.10, and that
Burnside has not come up, but is daily expected.
He also corroborates the fact above mentioned that the army is on half rations, and that
Wheeler has cut off one section, or about one hundred and fifty wagons.
He adds that there is little desire among his comrades to cross arms with us on the present field, unless we make the attack and storm their works, which, by the way, are the most formidable that ever protected Yankee troops.
In an army experience commencing with the war, I have seen nothing like them elsewhere.
The Federals are confident of ultimate success, however, and have been taught to believe that the succor of
Burnside is to work wonders in changing the aspect of affairs, and restoring the balance of victory to their banners. Q.
