Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1864-02-05
FROM KNOXHLLLE-


Ii appears by the following extract from
the Nashville Union Of the Esd ultimo, that
hostilities, on an extensive scale, were on
the eve OF commencing, but that Gen. Foster
was we'll prepared for it, aud that there was
even an anxiety that Longstreets attack
should not be long delayed .|.
indications that the next battle will &C.
cur in the vicinity of Knoxville accumulate.
We yesterday conversed with the several
well informed parties, two of them East
Tennessee refugees, and all the witnesses con-
cur in the statement that every train from
North Virginia comes loaded with troops
from Lees army and that these legions are
Immediately added to the force now under
Longstreet 1t is even believed by many
that Lee himself, feeling the absolute neces-
sity for the re-occupation OF East Tennessee,
will leave his old commander what will re-
main of it--and take charge of the campaign
in the region of Knoxville. lie and Jeff.
Davis argue this way If Tennessee is not
re-possessed, Richmond must be abandoned (;
II in reinforcing Longstreet's army. the cat l.
tai is lost, it may be regained. provided the
assault on Grant is successful and there is
chance that Meade, like some Of his pre-
decessors, may remain inactive, with but a
small force confronting him. aud in that event
Knoxville may be retaken and Richmond
saved.
We only hope the rebels will make an
early attack on Fosters command. Nothing
would be more gratifying to those who I'M
derstand the disposition and strength Of our
forces. Offensive operations on the part of
Longstreet would insure the defeat and dis
persion of his army, though all Lees forces
were with him. Upon this subject we speak
from thorough knowledge of the situation /;
and dare VIC publish the facts the public
would feel as much assured on that point as
we do.
General Grant left for the front night be-
fore last, and will be ready to personally
supe,intend operations when commenced"
Correspondence from Knoxville says that
Longstreets recent movement on the right
flank of our army, while its remote object is
the investment Of Knoxville, is Immediately
designed to take possession of the fertile val
Icy of the French Broad river and the stores
and forage it contains. A letter in the New
York Herald says:
1.-THE rich valley thus placed in his posses
sion is the only one left in that section Of the
State which has been drained of supplies.-
1t has been the principal source of subsistence
for our own army, aud was equally necessary
to the rebels. Their occupation of it was
essential, should they postpone the campaign
against Knoxville and 20 into winter quarters
in the interim. 1t is, therefore, a ground of
dispute to botn armies, and will compel often
sive operations on our part. .s.a-r,
The entire movement has necessitsted
movement on the part Of our
army, which has now changed front on what
was formerly the right flank. 1t is now in
line parallel with Tennessee valley and Mt !
right angles with the French Broad valley. |
which is an outlet Of the main valley of the
State, leading into North Carolina. Long
street by this move has put himself into posi-
ion, in of disaster, to fall back through
he Smoky Mountains to North Carolina
There are some, indeed, who think that,
Departing of the capture Of Knoxville, he is
moving along the southern edge of the State,
lugging thu mountains as he goes, with the
intention of REFINING the army Of Johnston in
Georgia" ~. .