Colonel Lyons.
Stevenson, Ala., Oct. 2nd, 1863.—Yesterday we had a heavy rain. The dust has disappeared and today the weather is perfect. It is the first rain they have had for three months. The dust had become perfectly dreadful, owing to the immense numbers of wagons and teams that traversed the country in every direction.
The 11th Army Corps from the Potomac has all passed here within the last two days and is now at Bridgeport. It is probably 10,000 strong. The 12th Army Corps is expected to commence arriving tonight. It is a great relief to us to see these troops coming here, for the position in the front has been and still is full of peril.
All citizens have been ordered out of Chattanooga, and every preparation seems to be making for another battle. I learn that the balance of our wounded are being sent here, and that both armies are entrenching strongly—about three miles apart. My opinion is that neither side feels strong enough to attack the other. In these days it is hard to predict what a day will bring forth.
There was a collision between two trains near Bridgeport last night. Our officers were on one of them, returning home. No one was seriously hurt, but I learn that Col. Chapman had his head bumped rather severely.
