Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1864-10-20
commencement of Hoods Advance
rrem ths Richmond Dispatch, Oct. 15.l

From the Richmond Dispatch, Oct. 49,
There is no improperly now i'll giving
some account of Hoods departure from
Sherman's front for his rear. The letter
given below, giving description of the
march, are particularly interesting, from
the fact that they are written by soldier
and show the exultant state of feeling in
the army of Tennessee. They are from
the Augusta CozstitlltiOHaList, and the first
is dated October lst -
HOn the evening of the 2sth of Septem-
Der orders were received to cook rations
preparatory to move. Soon the camp
was all hustle and activity. Curiosity was
on tip-toe and every one seemed personally
interested in the projected movement. For
week previous grape vine messages
had been constantly received that the army
Of Tennessee was on its way to the enemys
rear. and now, when these messages SEEM
ed to be, in a measure, confirmed, every
one was wild with excitement.
Time wore painfully away until l 0 a. N.
of the 29th, when the joyous words Fall
i'm were heard along the lines, and the
men sprang with alacrity to their places.
Stewart's corps, with Loring in front,
WalthalI in the centre and French in the
rear. marched to the Chattahoochee river
and crossed at PumpkintOwn. The cross
ing of the corps was a grand sight. From
the lofty hills which crown either side of
the river, the long serpentine line of glIt-
tering arms and bristling bayonets glisten7
ed in the rays of the declining sun; and as
| the pontoons at so great distance were
invisible, it seemed as if the men Were
walking on the water.
The ladies from the south side had con-
gregated on its bank, and the wave of lace
6ordered kerchiefs and the smile of approx
al which illuminated the countenances,
| Deryed every arm and fred every breast as
they toiled onward on their patriotic mis-
sion. This army, am thoroughly con
| WINGED, is the best in the confederacy. The
Virginia army, am aware, has won hun
dreds of YictOries-has really never sus-
tanned defeat. 1t has pressed vigorously
ON from one victory to another without de-
moralization OF disaffection, but it has neV.
er pressed through the fiery ordeal that the
Army of Tennessee has.
Crossing the Chattahooche, we marched
nearly west, and bivouacked five miles from
it. Continuing the march the next morn
ing, we turned little to the north, and
reached here yesterday about two O'Clock
M. We are now six miles from Powder
Springs, on the road to New Hope church
and about twenty miles to the west of Ma
rietta. We have all been waiting patient
" for an order to resume the march thi!
morning. but Isuppose General Hood il
waiting for the completion of some Of his
arrangements.
ar- OCTOBER 2, 1854.
In one hour we are on the war patti
rgain. General Hood has unbosomed him
self the army, and every private Of thC
army knows what is expected of him. Gen
Hood hvs received positive information o
the fact that Sherman has sent twoidi
visions in quest of 'fhe Wizard of the Sad
die" in Middle Tennessee. Two more di
visions have been sent to Kentucky tore
cruit, and Blsir's corps has been disbandeC
and sent home, their time of enlistmen
having expired. We are, therefore, mum
erically, nearly as strong as they are. Tn,
enemy has shout forty days rations of bacoI
but very little bread on hand. We NOV
this morning to the railroad--at wha
point is General Hoods secret, not mine
We viii proceed northwsrd, tearing u
the road as we go; and, as Sherman viii
be compelled to provision bis army, he vii
be compelled either to follow and attack u
in a chosen and fortified position or NOV,
on further into our country without a rail
road to furnish him supplies.