The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1862-02-14
Can the Federals Reach Knoxville.

The special Army Correspondent of the
Atlanta Galfadereeg. writing from Greene
vile, in this State, under date OF the
Doth January. discusses the probability
of the Federal army reaching Knoxville,
and disposes Of the question as follows:
But a word TO your patrons und alarmed
persons generally, concerning the sup
posed possibility of the occupation Of that
point by the enemy. In the first place,
/ do not conceive that the capture Of
Knoxville was the design of Gems, Tbom-
as and Schepf. They doubtless intend
ed TO reach Nashville. by water, as the
Cumberland is navigable for light draft
steamers as far as Somerset, in Pulaski
county. This force, cooperating with
another ascending that river from its
mouth no doubt thought the occupation
of the city easy. Besides, if Knoxville
were the desired rendezvous, the natural
Obstacles, such as mountains and snow,
would oe sufficient to deter the advance;
also, the great scarcity of provisions, pro-
duced by our forces occupying the same
country, would present such difficulties
that the city never would be reached
Gen. Crittenden's command had to be
supplied, after the defeat, from Knox
vile, and unless the Federal Generals
should have their rear well protected,
and large provision trains constantly on
the move, they could not subsist.
That section of Tennessee and Ken
lucky have no provisions, and the mys-
terry to me is, how we have done as well
as we have; for reliable men tell me that
the poorest sections of the two States lie
Just there. You will perceive, by turn
ing to o map, that Somerset, near the
vicinity of which was fought the battle,
is so miles in a direct line from Knox
vile, and counting detour, which would
have to be made to strike the gaps OF
mountains, it would make distance of
100 miles, An army cannot move with
out transportation for supplies, and il
the enemy were TO commence march
from their present location towards
Knoxville, and if no Confederate force
were to meet them, they would be at least
30 days in reaching the city, and this
would be good marching through such
country. So, predict that no force OF
the enemy will ever fNReh Knoxville.
BY looking again on the map, ycn find
our forces occupying Bowling Green, I'M
der Gen. Johnston, and there is another
force under Marshall at Prestonburg. or
in its vicinity. Suppose the Federals adj
vance on KnoxvilleY Our officers at
these places are vigilant, and uniting in
the rear, would effeemally cut off the
enemy. The Federal Generals are sufli-
ciently aware Of this fact; hence, no ad-
vance on Knoxville is anticipated. 1t
would not take more than 10000 men TO
accomplish this, if the Federals should
attempt to reach Knoxville. If they do,
the whole Of that command of the enc
my will be soon at our mercy. do not
give this as my opinion alone, but also OF
others more skilled in military affairs
II will afford your readers an interesting
study to get good map of Kentucky
and Tennessee, examine the geography
of both States, and watch the campaign
for one month. They cannot but think
we will have them sure, and that they
are gradually placing the halter, as it
were, around their own nacks.