The National tribune., 1882-03-25


and east, and Spears brigade is near the
rolling mills at Chattanooga. We unqueS-
tionably hold the field now, but how long
we shall hold it we cannot tell. Therefore
these precautions must be taken: In the first
place, word must 90 to Post to proceed with
all dispatch on to Chattanooga and get
across the bridge, taking the spare provision
train along with him, lest some accident
should occur. Spear must have word to re-
form and watch the bridge until Post leaves,
and then hold himself in readiness to obey
orders and come to the front. Mitchell must
have orders to cover Post in his movement,
and to extend his line over this ridge and to
join on where Sheridan and Davis are, so as
to form continued line and prevent any
thing coming down this road unless it il
very strong.
NOW, SOMEBODY MUST GO TO GENERAL
THOMAS
and see how things are going. Can you give
these Orders?" He said: "These orders are
too many and rather too complicated for me;
but I can go to General Thomas and let you
know how things are going there" 1 said:
We'll, do that, and 1 will attend to these
other matters. After you get there tele-
graph me to Chattanooga, where I viii get
your telegram We had 4 telegaph station
at Rossville. He went to Thomas and pro-
ceeded to give the orders. He reached the
field and sent me back q dispatch that We
still held our ground; that the troops were
in good spirits, and he thought we were all
right. | had givon him orders to tell
General Thomas to use his discretion in
case he did not get orders from me-to use
the telegraph and let me know whether he
would occupy the ground he held or would
retire to better position in therear. At this
time sent the following dispatch to Wash-
ilgton:
CHATTANOOGA, Sept. 20-5 Pm.
To General HALLECK:
We have met with serious disaster;
extent not now ascertained. The enemy
overwhelmed US; drove our right, pierced
our centre and scattered the troops here and
there. Thomas who had seven divisions
remained intact at last news. Granger with
two brigades had gone to support Thomas
ON the left. Every available reserve was
used when the men stampeded. Burnside
Will be notified of the state of things at once
and you will be informed Troops from
Charleston, Florida Virginia, and all along
the seaboard are found among the prisoners.
1t seems every available man was thrown
against us. W. S. RosECRANs,
"Major-General"
L sent the dispatch because thought pos
sibly exaggerated rumors would reach
Washington and the telegraph line might be
broken. l therefore sent the dispatch while
it was evident we were not beaten, and SIM
ply advised the Secretary of the serious
damage inflicted on our lines.
General Thomas, in the exercise of the
discretion he had from me, withdrew the
troops from position to Rossville, where they
were formed in line of battle, where we re-
mained through the next day. In the mean
time preparations were made for the encamp-
ment Of troops around Chattanooga, and the
troops were ready to move in on the 21st,
when l telegraphed the fact that we held
possession Of the objective point of the cam
paign.
CHATTANOOGA, Sept 81, 1868.
To President LINCOLN:
After two days of the severest fighting 1
ever witnessed our right centre was beaten;
the left held its position until sunset Our
loss is heavy and our troops worn down.
The enemy received heavy reinforcements.
Every man of ours was in action on Sunday
and all but one brigade on Saturday; num-
ber of wounded large compared with the
killed. We took prisoners from divisions of
Longstreet. We have no certainty of hold
ing our position. If Burnside could come
it would be well; otherwise he
may not be able to join us, unless he comes
on the west side of the river
"W. S. RosECRANs,
Major GeneraLn
The following was written on the morning
that the lines were established at Chatts-4
nooga:
CHATTANOOGA, Sept. 22-9am.
To General HALLECK:
ave have fought most sanguinary battle
against vastly superior numbers. Longstreet
is here and probably Ewell, and force is
coming from Charleston. We have suffered
terribly, but have inflicted equal injury upon
the enemy. The mass of this army is in
good spirits. Disaster not as great as had
We held our position, in the
main, up to Sunday night; retired on Ross
vile; which we held yesterday; then retired
on Chattanooga. Our position is a strong
one; think we can hold out several days,
md if reinforcements come up soon every
hing Will come out all right; have one
bridge and another will be here to-day.
Dur cavalry will be concentrated on the west
de of the river to guard it on our left.
communication will probably be-
ut off for several days. We will be COM
,elled to abandon the south side of the Ten
lessee River below this point
"W. S. RosECRANs,
"Major-General.n
CHATTANOOGA, Sept %, 1863.
To A. LINCOLN, President:
I'VE hold this point and cannot be dis
odged except by very superior numbers and
fter great battle Immediate disnOSi+io,