The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1863-10-02
The Defeat in Georgia.

There was an unexpected check to the
general success I Georgia last week. Gen
Rosecrans was attacked by superior force
Of the enemy near Lafayette, Georgia OF
Saturday week. A series of desperate en-.
gagments were fought on that day and the
next, in which Gen. Rosecrans' noble army
was forced back to Chattanooga The dam
age to each army is probably about equal
still, as our forces were obliged to retreat i,
substantially victory for the enemy. Gen
Rosecrans' position at Chattanooga was con-
sidered critical at first, but it is now believed
he can hold his own until reinforcements
arrive.
This repulse to the gallant Rosecrans, and
consequent temporary break in the onward
tide of victory, is to 'e regretted, but not
one which should ho laid to heart except in
the view OF improving 4roA the experience
it gives. The rebel papers had been intima-
ting that trap was being set for this army,
and i, was only TOO skilfully done. 1t seems
tina. after Bragg evacuated Chattanooga he
fell back into Georgia where he was reinforc.
ed by Johnston's army from Mississippi,
force sent from Lees army in Virginia,
troops from Chlleston, and what other places
is not known. 1t is supposed that a very
large army, not less than - or $4,000 troops,
mostly the oldest and best the confederacy
could boast, were thus hurled upon part of
Gen. Rosecrans' army under Gen. Thomas
near Crawford Spring, Ga. Although our
troops fought bravely, they were out number
ed and fell back. On Sunday the battle was
renewed with great vigor, and with the like
results. On Monday and Tuesday there Wa,
heavy diminishing, and on Tuesday night The
Federal army had got into defensive lines
near Chattanooga out Of which the enemy
cannot drive them. it is believed. They are
now anxi2us V looking for reinforcements
from Grants army ana junction with Burn
side before a., lin assuming offensive opera
tons.
As usual after defeat maEy are eager TO
ias,en The blame upon some one, ard as usu
al it falls upon devoted head at Washing
ton. TIE y. Y. Tribune and Herald both
intimate that R0secrans fought against his
own judgment AID in obedience to peremp-
Nonl
ton; said orders being carried by special
messenger Chas A. Dana, late OF the Tr!
bune, out now in the war department.
However, this may be, this is but another OF
the many illustrations We have had during
the war of /" hom the old gun &cahera." And
with 40 intention of being capiious. or of
drawing odious comparisons, We must say
that the rebels have again exhibited great
sagaeity and military management in thus
leaving many points with snail forces and
almost unprotected with the hope that by
concentrating their forces they could thereby
destroy Rosecrans' noble army. their most to
be feared adversary. They we'll nigh accom-
plished this AMI doubtless With poorer
leader and less tried army to oppose them,
they would have been successful.
If this bitter and oft-repeated experience
leads our commanders to concentrate their
forces-not to weaken the army that is in
the heart of the rebellion by sending expedi-
tons to Texas, the Indian territory or
keeping large force in Arkansa9--we be-
lieve good will yet come of it.