Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1864-07-14
From h Atiaata Intelligencer, July 9Th.
. he Position In szsOssha.
MONDAY Noon, Jutv 4th.


The army Of Tenn ssce commenced retroga]e
ment from the lines # ktnnesaW lIu mdnlg b
on Satu day, and by d rapid march retired our right
10 its resent position en- the Chattatoochee. Gu
left fell back slowly before tue heavily massed fofct
that She had placed On the Powder Spring and
Sand Town ros de-. Oar retracted lines daylight
in entrenehed position about twelve miles north
OF this city. The enemy evinced disposition tc
push rapidly any advantages be gained, by giving bat
tie pressing The usual amount Of rapid Skin
mishiDg kept up, and with about the ordinary re-
| suits. Both armies proceeded to intrench their
chosen lines Oh Sunday evening. The enemy occupied
Marietta early on Sunday morning. We had remoV
ed everything OF value before the army marched
through it. l. is reported by parties from the neigh
borhood Of Sweetwater that the factory at that place
vas burned by the envy Immediately on their occupa
ton. Doubtless, all ether establishments of the kind
will share the fate when they abandoned to
the vandalism Of tie invader.
Daring the night, heavy caUuoaadiDg was heard
along the left OF our lines and apparently the centre
At early hour this morning the deep belowiDgs OF
heavy artillery explosions awakened our people to a
sense Of the reality that the Yankees much near.
er to our doors. We presume they were firing ma
tional salute il honor OF Independence day,
1t may be that they are 80 thoroughly iufated with
the supreme confidence OF their nvncibiity, and that
eternal victory is their chosen inheritance that they
may attempt tremendous movement our lines tc-
day. Our commanders and the army anxious to
have Sherman venture the hazard of battle. Ihe pre-
open fair field presents Of the best locations for
general battle that the armies ind.
The heavy cannonading OF this morning, it is sup
posed, was intended to deVeope lines. This pro
cedng is always necessary to feel the location of
enemy when position has been taken. When it
occurs so regular it did to-day, this object evil
dent.
Speculation rife yesterday ablish the reason
for retreat to day it is eagerly agitated-
what will! do next? Our street Generals have it
that we will be anked to the Gulf and then to Rich
mond.
1t is with uGspeakable regret that we see our fair
country given into the occupation Of foe whose
motto destruction aud whose action eradicaes every
industrial interest ID the territory they pass over.
The policy Of the campaign is to destroy US efectua-
ly 1t has been effectively executed during Shermans
triumphal march. InpoVerlshnent and dreary waste
lies in his He premises devastation IN his front
1t is difficult to submit to these thirgs without mur-
muring but il it is written in the book OF fate that we
must suffer more, but succumb to it, for doubt
less all things are rendered by wise administration OF
tie ways OF Providence. The unavoidable necessity is
US to fight until wiring from our enemies terms of
peace to which they will be glad to accede 1t may be
that the entire face Of fair Southern land may be de-
solated. It's homes may be destroyed not vestge Of
its great mechanical and public interests remain. may
occur that naught but roofass cabins and huts be LETT
US, yet we will defy the nsolence of the tyrant and fly
against the conqueror. The brutal magnity that our
enemy exhibits in destroying everything of value he
meets with IN his track, should stimulate people
greater resistance and efforts for revenge. The worm
the foot that treads on it. Strategy ends at
the Atlanta deences.
Perhaps the fanking game may find no farther o..
jectiVe point and our enemy will give battle here. We
can only walt developments hoping that 30 mote it be-