Cedar Falls gazette. [volume] (Cedar Falls, Iowa) 1860-1895, 1864-02-05
EXCITING NEWS FROM EAST TEN
NESSEE.

Longstrcet has been heavily reinforced,
and is playing desperate game for the pos,
session of that coveted region, Feast Ten.
nessee. Our forces had been pressed back to
Knoxville, and there is prospect of that place
being the scene of second siege. 1t is
stated that heavy reinforcerlents have been
sent forward to Gen. Foster, who commands
that department, and that We will probably
be prepared for any movement of the enemy
A war correspondent of the Chicago Tribune
writing from Nashville, sums up the situation
as follows:
Indications that the next battle will occur
in the vicinity of Knoxville, accumulate
We yesterday conversed with several well
Informed parties--two of them East Teunes-
see refugees, and all the witnesses concur in
the statement that every train from North
Virginia comes loaded with troops from Lees
army ard that these legions are immedi-
ately added to the force now under Longstreet.
1t is even believed by many, that Lee himself
feeling the absolute necessity for the re. occu-
patton of East Tennessee, will leave his old
command--or what will remain Of it-and
take charge of the campaign in the region Of
Knoxville. He and jeff Davis argue this
way; if East Tennessee is not reposasscd,
Richmond must be abandoned if in rein
forcing Longstreets army, the Capital is lost
it may be regained, provided the assault on
Grant is successful !; and there is a chance
that Meade, like some of his predecessors,
may remain inactive, with but small force
confronting him, and in that event, Knoxville
may be retaken and Richmond saved.
Indications certainly increase that the next
collision of arms will be in East Tennessee.
Officers and citizens from that part Of the
field agree that Longstreet is being reinforced
from Richmond. The railroad from Rich
mond to Longstrcet's present position, the
East Tennessee and Virginia road, is in run
ming order, having been repaired since the
slashinp which Averill and his horsemen gave
it near Salem. The distance is only about
three hundred and fifty mles-a days ride.
The rebels have plenty Of rolling stock,
and it is, and will continue to be, very easy
to pour in achievements to Longs,reet, to
any desired number. The number will only
be limited by the exigsncics Of the position
at Richmond.
Both armies are threatening, and hot and
heavy work may be expected, but not at once.
The rebel position is full Of danger to the
Confederacy. Richmond is involved in it,
and may be lost by battle in East Tennes.
see.
Military men here'only hope the rebels will
make an early attack OH Knoxville; nothing
would be more gratifying to those who un-
derstand the disposition and strength Of our
forces Offensive onerations on the mart OF
Longstreet, would insure the defeat and dis
persion of his army, though all Lees forces
were with him. Upon this subject l speak
from thorough knowledge Of the situation /;
and dare we publish the facts, the public
would feel as much assured on that point as
we do.
Should the present warm weather continue
ten days, the roads will be in condition TO
admit Of campaigning. By whom will it be
inausurated? The rebels or Gen. Grant?