The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1864-03-05
AFFAIRS At CHATTANOOGA.
Mr.. w. F. G. shanks' Despatch.

Mr.. w. F. G. shanks' Despatch.
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn, Feb. %, 1864.
AROUND KNOXVILLE.
Adutant General Thomas arrived here from Knoxville
few days SINCE and reported that Longstee had dsap
peared from French Broad river valley retiring towards
Virginia going into the mountains to the southeast
These reports repeated by later and state
ments, and without having been positively confirmed,
believed to be true and the latest change In tho
situation may be set down by removing Longstreet from
his threatening attitude on our LETT flank.
LoNGsrREEr's FORCE.
Why he should 60 is question which when resolved
gives forth two indications OF value and encourage
ment. Longstreet knew well did the Importance
TO him and the to OF his position exposed
flank, and would have left II had he been able to
concentrate sufficient force for active campaign
communications, sufficient TO remain strictly, but
with security the deensve II Is believed here by
the military authorities that he had not sufficient force
you asked them his strength they Invariably talked
about atty pieces Of artillery This may or may not re-
present. by comparison, his infantry force as the allow
number Of the infantry but, as in this army BY the
number OK available and effective horses Supposng,
inc tho s Ts ne ne %
moi give him more than 900 to 10000 men, This force
is totally inadequate for the work Of turning our flank
and In view OF the known importance OF Longstrcets
position, is not natural TO iuer1hat the Confederacy
was powerless TO strengthen him sufficiently
RETIREMENT or HIS ARMY.
There is another motive that might have prompted
hm-the fear Of being overpowercd Bragg lately
hero In detail; but this supposon niers that he has
gone to Atlanta with view Of forming junction with
Joe Johnston-an inference by no means cer-
tain. He mays have been fearful that Grant
might concentrate against him overwhem.
Ing force, and compel him to disastrous retreat.
He may have retired and In all probability he has
moved towards JohDstons position. Thereeis n single
road which will carry Longstrcet from tho head Of
the French Broad river through the Smokey Mountains
land him In Northwestern south Carolina, whence
will have railroad communication Atlanta Dalton
The retirement of-Longstreet's army is important
point gained by for Grant the trouble Of driv
the two rebel armies may have am no better prepared
TO say than tho reader great deal depends upon who
gets ready first for active work. and do not believe
that Joe Johnston muster the requisite force
offensive campaign In the time that Grant may possibly
allow hn. f the retirement OF Longstrest proves true
and the impending campaign In East Tennessee be at
end, Grant will not inaugrHate campaign perhaps
soon a. he might have done.
GEy. PALMER
yesterday arrived ON 10 Rnggod. This morning have
tho Information that he took the place without any d
Guilty and proposes day 10 give them opportunity
fight large force OF the enemy yesterday reported
in the vicinity Of McIemeres aud west OF Lafayette.
Gen Palmer also reports large force Of the in
lafayette brisk engagement foot may yet be
the result OF the movement OF Gen. Palmer.
ALI Quiet at Chattanooga.
NASHVILLE, March 3, 1864.
All IA reported quiet nj the front.