Chattanooga, Jan. 23, 1864.
. . . In one view
you behold the mountains of several States, including the gorge in Taylor's
Ridge at Ringgold, where was fought the last battle in the Chattanooga series,
and the only one in which we were not eminently successful. . . . The mountains
to the east and southeast of Lookout (which stands peerless amid its neighbors)
so lift themselves up from Lookout that one at first mistakes them for clouds
far above the horizon. Through this vast system of mountains meanders to almost
every point of the compass the magnificent Tennessee, and perhaps from no point
does it present so picturesque and grandly beautiful an appearance as from the
top of Lookout. . . .
The news from
General Foster at Knoxville is more cheering than when we left Nashville — I
might say quite satisfactory — and no danger is now apprehended from General
Longstreet's move, notwithstanding the alarming despatch of the 15th instant
that brought us so hurriedly to this place. Thus it ever is in war, alarm,
alarms allayed, excitement, and excitement subsiding into quiet.
Our greatest and
worst apprehension is that we may be delayed in getting forward our supplies,
because of the non-completion of the Nashville and Decatur Railroad. Had we
sufficient supplies here now we should immediately commence active operations
which would compel the enemy to give us battle where he is ill prepared or
abandon all the country he holds in our front as far back as Atlanta. But as it
is, we must wait. The visit of General Grant to this place has had at least one
good effect, and that is it has wakened him up to see what I have been strongly
urging upon him since my return, namely, the inefficiency of Mr. Adna Anderson,
superintendent of our railroads here, and he has telegraphed the fact to the
Secretary of War. I hope a change will at once be made. Nothing could be of
more benefit at this time to the service than the relieving of Mr. Anderson by
some one who has patriotism, ability and energy, one who will comprehend fully
our necessities and supply them.
We are, however,
making preparations for a movement within the next two weeks threatening Rome,
and will, if opportunity invites, attempt to capture that place. Sherman in the
meantime is to move through from Vicksburg to Meridian. Thus menaced I know not
what the enemy may do, but we will try and take advantage of any weakness he
may disclose. The General, W. F. Smith and myself will probably leave here
to-morrow for Nashville. . . .
SOURCE: James H. Wilson, The Life of John A. Rawlins,
p. 389-90
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