January 23.—The Nashville Union of this date contained the following: “Indications that the next battle will occur in the vicinity of Knoxville accumulate. We yesterday conversed with several well-informed parties—two of them East-Tennessee refugees—and all the witnesses concur in the statement that every train from North-Virginia comes loaded with troops from Lee’s army; and that these legions are immediately added to the force now under Longstreet. It is even believed by many that Lee himself, feeling the absolute necessity for the reoccupation of East-Tennessee, will leave his old command—or what will remain of it—and take charge of the campaign in the region of Knoxville. He and Jeff. Davis argue this way: If Tennessee is not repossessed, Richmond must be abandoned; if in reinforcing Longstreet’s army the capital is lost, it must be regained, provided the assault on Grant is successful; and there is a chance that Meade, like some of his predecessors, may remain inactive, with but a small force confronting him, and in that event Knoxville maybe retaken and Richmond saved.
“We only hope the rebels will make an early attack on Foster’s command. Nothing would be more gratifying to those who understand the disposition and strength of our forces. Offensive operations on the part of Longstreet would insure the defeat and dispersion of his army, though all Lee’s forces were with him. Upon this subject we speak from a thorough knowledge of the situation; and dared we publish the facts, the public would feel as much assured on that point as we do.
“General Grant left for the front night before last, and will be ready to personally superintend operations when commenced.”
—A small detachment of National cavalry belonging to the forces in pursuit of General Longstreet, made a dash into Cocke County, Tenn., capturing twenty-seven wagons loaded with bacon and flour, and eighty-five prisoners. They reported that Longstreet was stripping the country of provisions and compelling Union families to leave.—A very exciting debate occurred in the rebel Congress upon the act to increase the efficiency of the rebel army, by the employment of free negroes and slaves in certain capacities.
—Restrictions upon trade with Missouri and Kentucky, with some exceptions, were annulled and abrogated by the Secretary of the Treasury.
—General Wirt Adams, in command of a party of rebel cavalry, entered Gelsertown, near Natchez, Miss., and captured thirty-five prisoners, sixty wagons and teams, a lot of cotton going to Natchez, and about eighty negroes.— Richmond Enquirer.
