Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1863-11-27
FROM TENNESSEE.
New YoRK, Nov. 20.
| Cbattanooea letter OF the 18th to the

Will Bragg move upon Gen. Burnside with |
portion Of his forces, leaving the remainder
O resist the advance Of the Federals Has
,e suf6cieutly fortified his position in front Of
to allow him to do this
That he might have done this had not the
situation changed within the last twenty-four
hours, is possible, but as Hooket's advance
rom Bridgeport settled the supply question,
and another important movement has prevent
ed flank movements in East Tennessee. What
it is | am not at liberty to say, but it will not
be shrouded in mystery long. II, as is al
legged b. some refugees and deserters por-
ton of Braggs forces have already started on
their mission against Gen. Burnside, they
must be Immediately recalled or the rebel
communications will be severed and their
whole army threatened from the rear
Whatever movements may occur TO compel
Bragg to change his base, no general advance
will take place until Chattanooga can be made
base for supplies. To advance even with
the certainty Of driving Bragg to Atlanta be-
fore that time will DC madness; that place can
only be converted into base after the rail-
road is completed between Bridgeport and
Chattanooga.
Events and manuuvres may bring about a
Dhittts uuN uOuUN w. uultth Nht lthtiN feH-
centrate all their armies and make sperate
effort to regain East Tennessee, but certain it
is they cannot take the offensive now.
A Chattanooga letter to the Tribune Of tho
14th states that within twenty-four hours an
unusal number of deserters have come into
our lines. This morning, twelve tame in
one gang. They bring the important report
that the Union cavalry, few days since
made a raid on the railroad between Bragg's
army and Atlanta, tore up the track in sever
al places, burnt Ave important bridges, and
so completely cut off Bragg's supplies that
his men we're without food of any kind what
ever except corn and not much Of that. This
story is repeated by several different parties.
GEN. HooKER's ARMY,
In the Field, Nov ID
Reports reach us through the medium Of
deserters from the enemy's forces that the re-
bel Generals are preparing for active service
and an extensive move, with view of inter-
rurting our communications with Louisville,
Ky. How true this ID, remains for the future
to show. During the last ten days the num-
Der OF deserters from the rebel army has been
large and increases every day At last the
enemy having lost all faith in their priyates,
have stationed a commissioned officer at eve
ny picket post where it is at all easy for man
to desert. This foreshadows a state Of feeling
that cannot be over beneficial to the rebel
cause, or gratifying to the rebel leaders.
CHATTANOOGA, Nov. %
The Reconnaissance in force made by Gen.
Thomas has been completed in the most bril-.
liant and successful manner. The troops
employed, were the divisions of Generals
Wood and Sheridan of the 4th army corps
under the direction Of Gen Granger. The
object Of the movement was to ascertain the
strength OF the enemy and to occupy two big
knobs in front Of our left, half way between
our lines and Missionary Ridge.
The principal attack was made by General
Hazens brigade commanded by that General
and supported on the left by Gen. Williams
brigade, and on the right by the whole divi
sion of Gen. Sheridan. The entire field was
VISIBLE from Fort Wood, and presented a
spectacle most magnificent.
Only one battery was taken into action
This was planted on an elevated knoll, In the
centre OF which Gen. Sheridan's line of bat
tie was formed before the order to advance
was given. At last, everything being ready
Cen Gtansar s~vo the urder 10 advance, epd
Generals Hazen and Williams marched out
simultaneously. The first shot was fred at
two o'clock in the afternoon, and in five min
utes the lines of Gen. Hazen were holly en-
gagged. while the artillery of Fort Wood and
Gen. T omas were opened on the rebel rife
pits and the camps behind the line The prac-
tice Of our gunueis was splendid. but our fire
elected no reply, and IT was suon evident that
the enemy had 10 heavy artillery IN that part
of their entertainments at least.
~ Alv flvu prt d . h..
parade, occupied the knobs upon which they
were directed at 2 20; ten minutes latter
Gen. Williams driving across an open field
carried the rifle pits in his front, whose &C.
cupants fed as they fred their last voley
and Gen. Sheridan, moving through the fures
that stretched before him, drove in the enc
my's pickets and halted his advance in obed
ence to orders On reaching the rife pitt
where the rebel force was ewaiting his attack
No such attack was made however. the de
sign being to recover the heights on our left
We have taken about 200 prisoners, capture,
mostly from the Alabama troops, and hav
gained position of great Importance. Shout,
the rebels attempt to hold Chattanooga Val
ley with these heights in our possession,
column moving to turn Missionary Ridge
secure from flank artillery.
CINCINNATI, NOV. "a.
No further news has yet been receive
from Gen. Burnside Cannonadng is sti
heard. A great battle is anticipated betwee
the forces of Gen. Grant and Bragg, to-day.
The commercial has dispatch dated 23r
which says; Deserters last night reporte
that the rebels ere falling back of ChekV
manga station. The whole army is apparent
in retreat. A reconnaissance this aflernoo
reveals that the enemy are apparently in fore
between us and Missionary Ridge Ger
Wool is charging up Orchard Ridge, carrie
the rife pits under severe musketry an
artillery FIRE, taking 200 rebel prisoners.
We now hold all the high ground this sid
OF Missionary Ridge. Our troops are in lin
of battle, and will lie on their arms tonight
Hard fighting is inevitable.
WASHINGTON. Nov. 25.
The following official dispatches have beef
received at headqua.ters
CHATTANOOGA, Nov. "a. II NJ.
To Moi. Gen. Haueck.
Yesterday about half-past 2 oelock, Gems
Granger and Palmer's corps, supported b
Gen. Howard's we're advanced directly i
front OF our Notifications. They drove tn,
enemys pickets and carried his first line q
rife pits between Chattanooga and Otter
Greek. We captured nine commissioned OF
fcers and about 100 enlisted men Our los