Wilmington journal., 1864-09-15
u.1s EyAcuAPIos OF ArLAspA.

Special Correspondence Chronicles and Sentinel
The Evacuation Of Atanta-Ncceasy Of the Movement
Dispesiros Of Government Property-Reported Dsser
tiors and position of the Army
NEAR DECATUR, Friday Morning, Sept 2, lS64.
TIE occurrences of Wednesday last have ended 10
what iniinated ia m! last miglt be the fortunes OF
the day-the evacuation Of the Gate City and the re-
nova OF the forces left in thu trenches point where
tbey could be united with those who have been acting
inde pendepy under Gen. Hsrdee for the las few da. g.
Early on the morning OF the lst it vas officially as
ceraued that the disaster Wednesday evening was
fully es serou first reported, and that the orce OF
The enemy the Macon read consisted OF i've full corps
OF infantry with large ofce OF cavalry 1t was also
known tina! large force was south OF the Chattahoo
chee, in the vicinity OF the railroad bridge Both oil
these were threatening the city, and as 1t would have
been folly to attempt to resist boh an evacuation was
promptly determined upon, while the forces OF Gen.
Hardee and Lee should nike au attempt to reach a
point where they would be joined by those who might
be withdrawn from the city.
Tie removal of all the supplies and ammunition that
the transportation facilities of he army would permit
commenced early fsday, and was continued through
out tie day Large quantities OF provisions we're aso
distributed tie people, and at nigbfall all On hand
stored in the Georgia railroad warehouse and cars on
the track Throughout the day, aso the several bodies
of troops os they were withdrawn from the deences
aud fled through the city, permitted access to tie
public sorea. The rolling stock OF the railroads, con-
sstng OF about hundred cars and six engines, was
concentrated near the rolling mill before dark, and oy
that hour all the troops had passed rough, with the
execution OF the guard left to prevet struggling
And here 1 would mention facs creditabe to the
State troops Their withdrawal was accomplished In
good order and without confusion or straggling The
egu!ars acted differently. The order for the troops
to mass in the vicinity of McDonough, and the wagon
trains ard all moved in that direction. Previous
to my leaving the telegraph Office also closed, and
at dark the evacuation was completed, with the excep
tion OF she detailed guard before mentioned.
OF course great excitement prevailed through the
Of x>~lo 1l%o ii
few centious ci.zns and soldiers embraced the oc
casion to display the Wckedness of their nature, but
the great OF both classes acted with the greatest
decorum. The cizsus who had suffered from the NAL
ice Of the enemy during tie bombardment, looked
sorroVingy, apd INDUCED in conjectures to what
would be their fate wher in the enemy's power :;
while the troops filed through the streets, with steady
tread it is true, but nevertheless with depicted
on their weather beaten countenancfs. =
AS to the scenes that ollc wed through the night
can only report second handed The order was to burn
only government property left behind but this would
necessarily involve the destruction OF the Georgia de-
po the rolling stock in the city aud the rolling mill
A gentleman who left tie city early this morning in-
cars &c. al hour or two later The explosion consa-
quent upon the firing of the ordnance train took place
bout o'clock THIS moTaDg, and heard and felt to
great distance There are various reports as to the
burning of ether properly but from the best informa
ton can gather instance OF great outiawry
red.
Whether The yankees yet occupy Atlanta l cannot
say bat presume the telegraph will inform you this
reaches you. 1 only know that there nothing to
prevent thG making entry, the evacuation was
complete. Many czHns came cut bus thousands re,
because they could not get away, but
many from choice. AT dly break this morning the
enemy had not nsde their appearance in the city, but
shere was rothng to prevent their doing it any mo-
ment
bear maUy reports of deaertions by Wholesale, and
of dissatisfaction aTd Cling. Some of this is newt
nhla but is 10 b hoped has not prevailed to the
tent rero ted Il must be admitted that the discipline
of the army las rot bten favorable during he last 30
days as previously; why it has ben 30 is palpable
The poIics regulations ot the camp have been much
less srngently en!oCced and it a 70 be ead shat the
undue Ecacse allowed has resulted deporaby in tits
When you next lear from me l hope it will be from
he vicinity Of "she 'front.'" for which point shall
leavor to make my way as soon as possible.
RnYRR.