The New York herald., 1863-07-08
Pursuit of Bragg's Retreating
Rebel Forces.
Composition and Strength Of
His Army.
THE POSITION OF ROSECRAAS' ARMY.
Bragg's Army Driven Entirely cut
Of Tennessee,
&C., &C., &c.
Mr.. w. F. G. shanks' Dispatches.

MIR. w. f.. q. ShankS Despntchess
MURFREesBoRo Tenn, Juno %, 1868
PROSPECTIVE MOVEMENTS
For day two past there have been indications of
intention tho of General Rosecrans to assume
the offensive which if not Of positive have certainly
beea OF a significant character. Officers with whom
have conversed freely minated that such inen-
existed but whether the plans Of fortnight ago,
after unaccounable delay are about to be executed
whether the army retires to Kentucky TO meet ru
mored movement in that direction romans as yet uude-
cded. There exists among the highest oiicers OF the
army singular ignorance Of the pans OF General Rose
Grams and destination OF the army Is matter OF
speculation There really no nformation upon the SUB
iart-tlsre are bat Indications.
AN AIAcS VpoN MAGE efIcFioNs-oulsiDE lRsssgss
In regard 10 a attack Bragg his position as last
reps.sed to ye n. sos ep aiia n ny last letters (oc
cupyng as then did the triangular section of country
lying between Middleton. Beecn grove and shebyve,
with the the concentrc point a. which he would
give battle IL sought for) there still exists as hereto
FORE persistent opposition. This have before inma
ted and endeavored explain briefly at the time why
it thought best TO sustain unbroken our present
lines then described as admirabe" understand that
this apathy advance took such serious form that
written protests forwarded to Gen. Rosecrans and
by him to Washington az justification of his inactivity
and in reply TO the pressure upon him. is worthy OF
passing notice there has been clamor raised by
the press and public against Gen. Rosecrans for his mac
tyity here the pressure all from Washington
II la now said that the written protests or the
generals commanding have had effect and
that the pressure on Gen. Rosecrans still exists This
do not state fact. It is rumor coming to me on
such good authority that am disposed to doubt it,
These written protests were elected by circular letter
which was sent to the corps and division commanders
In 1t several questions propounded, among which,
Iaarn the xinu he
Fra-Do you believe that Bragg has materially weak
ened army in front by sending renlocemonts TO
Johnston or elsewhere,
Sccond-ln your opinion will advance Of this army
prevent the sending OF further renorcements 70 john
ston1 .
Third-Can this army attack that Of General Bragg with
strong reasonable hopes Of decided success
II is statsd upon most excellent authority mat me an
these questions were, with explanations,
In the negative
rwAGG's RyrEcTWE FORCE.
calculation lately made, careful compilation OF
tho regiments known 10 be with Bragg gave 80 800 as
his This calculation made upOa the
low basis OF 500 to the brigade OF int ntry and
$500 clva,ry ono OF the best informed generals OF
the army tholght the ormor figures should be 900
This ga the total 80 300 representing four divisions
Of infantry. Since that calculation made We have
Information OF the arrival OF three brgades reinforce
ments, under H. c. Clayton, Of Alabama Churchill, OF
Arkansas, and w. B. Bate, OF Tennessee Those were
placed In Stewards division, Just organized We know
OF OF Brecknrdges brigades left behind and one OF
McCowns, which has been divsoned under General
Stewart. Thus know effective force of eighteen
brgades OF infantry and scvon Of cavalry Calculating
these upon the basis before established, and shall
have result OF AZ 900, which s not far from correct
calculation OF Bragg's effective force.
Many changes have taken place In his army since your
publication OF the roster which the rebels )nessed was
nearly correct | give you below roster which will
present fair representation as now organized. OF tue