Daily Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1860-1862, 1861-09-14
western virginia paovement..

Western virsyfnfa Movements.
The Cincinnati papers, of Wednesday,
have letters from correspondents in Rose
crans' column. from which we extract the
following:
Sutton, Braxtou Co., Va. Sept 6.
Before Gen. Rosecr ans decided to leave
Clarksburg, and place himself at the head of
any army here, all doubt had been removed
that the Rebels intended to effect their main
concentration, and strike their main blow Ia
the region of the Kenawba Valley. But two
other movements were possible tor them
They could attempt to get in, in the vicinity
OF the Cheat Mountain Gaps, but that was
too securely Testified and guarded. They
might make a rush from Romney, run down
the Baltimore and OHIO Railroad and attack
Grafton and Clarksburg, but Lee had not
dash enough in bis military character for
that. The Kanawha Valley, then, was the
region in which they might be expected to
attempt to regain their footbold in Western
Virginia.
OF our own position and strength, it
would be worse than foolish to speak now
week-at the furthest, two weeks-I hope
to be able to give you list of the regi-
ments engaged, and tell of the gallantry they
displayed. But let Us not crown them with
laurel till they win the camel Meantime tor
the satisfaction of those at home, and wher-
ever patriotism still glows. who fear that we
are in an exceedingly dangerous position, and
are likely to be overwhelmed by vastly su-
periOr numbers, let me state that with an in
innate knowledge of the condition of the
armies with which the victories at Cheat
River and Rich Mountain were won, | uu-
hesitatingly pronounce the army now under
Gen. Rosecrans, as in a vastly improved state
of discipline and efficiency. Of course there
are exceptions; single regiments are stin dis
orderly and disorg anized. We suffer terribly
in all of them for the lack of competent Off
GERS; but in general terms, no troops in ac-
ton hitherto in Western Virginia, have been
in as good condition for service as those now
encamped around us on the heights above
Sutton. They are Injured to hard marching;
they have nearly all seen something of ser
vice, and they have begun to acquire some
ideas on the subject of discipline aud subor
dination.
A general court-martial is setting this NOR
ming, Gen. Benham presiding, Major r. B..
Hays, Judge Advocate. Charges of drunk
enness against lieutenant. aud of sleeping
on post by two sentries, have been preferred.
l fear the former will be cashiered, and that
one of the latter will be shot. Discipline has
been too lax in the army, but since Adjutant
General Hsrtsuff has bad charge of his de-
partment, he has been tightening the screws.
Water is down in the hol-
lows from thee hundred to thousand yards
distant, according to the quality aud quAnti-
ty desired in camp. We shall soon be re-
duced to common rati0ns, since those who
preceded US swept away most of the fowles
in the country--paid for them, of course
and the people produce such moderate sur
plus that only those who are willing to ven
ture beyond the pickets for dairy and other
domestic produce. are able to procure table
delicaces-st c ! fornis prices. Forage is
likewise very scarce, and ere long il will be
necessary to transport hay and grain over
the mountains from Clarksburg.