The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1863-09-21
HEADQ'ns ARMY EAST TENNESSEE,
Wednesday Eyeninr 2ppf II

Wednesday Evening, SEPT. II.
1t really seems TO be the most difficult mat
ter imaginable tn get reliable ncws from this
quarter. We get all sorts Of rnmors and re-
ports from confiers, scouts, and the reliable
gentleman, also, colAea in to bear the burden
OF portion of the blame for the many mi
raenlous YARNS" We hear in this section as
we'll "a elsewhere in the broad limits Of our
CoHicderacy Yesterday evening l telegraph
cd You from Bristol to the effect that our
forces had advanced as lar as within five miles
OF GrCenviile, Tenn, and that the enemy
were reported eyacuating East Tennessee
Indeed this was the news we had at these
headquarters, until about T. NJ. this day. 1t
turns out that the enemy's pickets only fell
back short distance in front Of our lines at
Limestone, and from this fact the report ORR
ginatei in relation to the falling back Yes
terday morning they made another strong
picket advance, and sharp sEirmishing ensued
IN the vicinity Of Limestone. Late in
tue afternoon of yesterday our forces
fell back aud the enemy occupied
the ground which had been previously pos
sessed by us. During the day we lost two
killed and several wounded. The loss of fhes
enemy, Of course, could not be known to us.
O-day at l2M. our advanced forces were still
falling back in this direction. 1t is likely that
this place will be the scene Of the conflict
that v i'll decide the fate Of East Tennessee
and a portion of Southwestern Virginia. Of
the strength OF the advancing enemy we do
not know much. Their cavalry force have
heard estimated as high as 5000. There is
some apprehension Of an attempted flank
movement on us from the direction OF Cum.
bciland Gap, in conjunction with the front
advance. This is, however, matter Of spec
ulation, which will be developed by subse-
quent events. To make ont the general sit
uation of affairs here is no very easy job,
and will require some days yet, and until
that is done you will have to be satisfied with
meagre and disconnected reports. The tories
all through the adjacent counties, as far as
Knoxville, are represented to be using all
and it is to he rather dangerous expert
ment for q man loyal TO our cause to go
among them. OF onr situation and defences
il may not he prudent to say much, bnt
will state that the disposition OF our forces
in this vicinity is ench As TO inspire hope, and
has allayed the fears OF many citizens who
were making preparations to become refu
gees. The militia Of Sullivan county have
heen at this post for ten days past, and were
discharged this evening and returned to their
homes. They all seeni steady and intelli-
gent set OF gentlemen, and to Adjutant John
Il. King, OF that command will take Occa-
sion 10 1eturn thanks for the hospitality ex-
tended to nle at that place.
Since writing this morning have seen
MAJOR VINO ln!tue ms escape from CuWDtr
land Gap who furnishes q complete list Of
the regiments and batteries captured at that
Ioint. The artillery captured consisted Of
Isyden's Georgia battery, as previously re-
ported, Barnes Georgia artillery, and Fains's
Tennessee battery Infantry Gath North
Carolina Cath and G9l Virginia, and 55th
Georgia Only about $50 or 800 Of the gar
rison are now Thought to have escaped, q
majority Of whom belonged to the Gath Vir-
ginia. Burnside, it is said, left the gap on
last Friday with a brigade tor Knoxville,
leaving only two regiments to guard it.
Tie reported fight sent you "Wednesday
evening by Telegraph is said to have
taken place At Cotton Port, on the Tennessee
river. 1t still remains uncnntraiicted, aud
is credited here. q. X.