Colonel Lyons.
Stevenson, Ala., Sept. 25, 1863.—We are still here without any change in our situation, and without any definite knowledge of what is transpiring in our immediate front. We know only that a series of terrific battles have been fought and that thousands of wounded men have passed through here for Nashville and other hospitals.
From all that we can learn, General Rosecrans has a strong position in front of Chattanooga a few miles, and will be able to hold it until reinforced; but he is no doubt confronted by largely superior numbers. Every day we are seeing the mistake of the Government in failing to fill up the armies. Fifty thousand additional men, who ought to have been in the field months ago, would make everything secure; but now the situation is full of perils, and we may meet with reverses for want of men, that we can not retrieve in a year. That we have not enough men in the field is a terrible blunder that must be atoned for in the blood and tears of the innocent!
I think that we are not in any danger of an attack here in force, at least as matters now appear to stand. I will keep you fully advised of our situation. This morning a force of rebels attacked and scattered a new company of loyal Alabamans who were posted on the railroad near Larkinsville. Captain Norcross, with 100 of the 13th boys, has gone down to look after them. It is some twenty miles west of here. I don’t think they will get a fight out of them.
General Morgan, who commands the forces about here, is throwing more and more responsibility upon me. He is a most excellent officer and a very pleasant gentleman. I have one of his aids, Lieut. Bridges, Adjutant Scott, one clerk, Johnny, and two mounted orderlies to help me. The duty of the regiment is quite heavy.
