by John Beauchamp Jones
MAY 3D. —A cold, windy day, with sunshine and clouds.
It is rumored that Grant’s army is in motion, and the great battle is eagerly looked for. The collision of mighty armies, upon the issue of which the fate of empire depends, is now imminent.
The following dispatch was received to-day from Gen. Johnston:
“DALTON, May 2d, 1864.
“Two scouts, who went by Outawah and Cleveland, report the enemy sending all Southern people and heavy baggage to the rear, stopping rations to the inhabitants, collecting a large supply of trains at Graysville, and bringing their cavalry from Middle Tennessee. An officer just from Columbia reports 13,000 had been collected there. All scouts report Hooker’s troops in position here. J. E. JOHNSTON, General.”
MAY 4TH.—Bright, beautiful, and warmer; but fire in the morning.
The following dispatch from Gen. Lee was received by Gen. Bragg to-day and sent to the Secretary.
“ORANGE C. H., May 4th, 1864.
“Reports from our lookouts seem to indicate that the enemy is in motion. The present direction of his column is to our right.
“Gen. Imboden reports the enemy advancing from Winchester, up the Valley, with wagons, beef cattle, etc. R. E. LEE.”
There is a rumor of fighting at Chancellorville, and this is the anniversary, I believe, of the battle there. May we be as successful this time! But the report is not authentic. Firing is beard now in the direction of York River.
