From Gen. Johnston's army.
Atlanta, Ga., Monday, July 14, 1864.
--On the night of the 9th our army crossed the Chattahoochee river, giving up our line of works on the opposite side.
The enemy were crossing below Turner's ferry, on our left, and near Pace's ferry, on our right, and it seemed to be the general impression that Gen. Johnston would attack Sherman before he could entrench on this side of the river.
Our lines now are about four miles north of Atlanta, in the form somewhat of a semi circle, extending to the right and left around the city, thus protecting it. Everything was very quiet yesterday in front.
The two armies, as it appeared, were respecting the Sabbath, and we had no hard fight, as many seemed to expect.
A mere picket fine had been left at the river, between Turner's and Pace's ferries, and the burk of the army was back in the rear, enjoying a day's rest after their long week of labor, ready, however, to move upon the enemy whenever old Joe. said the word.
The condition and morale of the army is as excellent as ever, and our friends at home need have no fears for the result whenever the issue is tried.
There is a little cannonading and some picket firing this morning, which has become as common as household words to the army.
Yet, as " We know not what a day may bring forth, " before night the two armies, which have been confronting each other so long, may be joined in terrible conflict.
A fight — that is, a general engagement — seems more imminent now than at any other time before this, from the fact that we are right at the gates of the "Gate City, " and do not expect to give it up without a fight.
The importance of the place as a base and a depot for supplies warrants this conclusion.
The proximity of our army to Atlanta has caused a considerable stir among the citizens and noncombatants, and all those who are note are taking themselves and their worldly goods to places of safety farther in the rear.
In a few days more the city will be almost deserted, except by soldiers and army attaches: and should the enemy ever, be so fortunate as to get the place, they will find nothing but solitary streets and deserted buildings.
I trust, however, that the city will never he given up, and such is the feeling and hope of the whole army.
The men are willing and ready to fight, and they say that they will fight harder between our present position and Atlanta than they have ever fought before.
It has now been more than sixty days since this fight commenced, and it is astonishing how well the men have kept up in spirits and health under so many hardships.
Gen. Joe. continues to feed his men well, and to give them all the comforts possible under present circumstances, and if he will now crown all his moves and his kindness to his men, his greatness will be established and his glory will be complete.
Up to this writing nothing of importance in the way of a night has occurred.
Maj. Gen. A. P. Stewart, lately promoted to a Lieutenant General, has taken command of Polk's Corps.
His appointment took everybody by surprise, and yet every one seems to be satisfied with it. Gen. Stewart is a fine officer, as well as a patriot and a Christian, and we prophesy for him a brilliant career as a corps commander.
Maj. Gen. Walthall, of Mississippi, lately appointed, commands one division of Stewart's corps. 