Colonel Lyon’s Letters.
Stevenson, Ala., May 5, 1864.—An immense number of troops has passed through here within two days, I think as many as 25,000 from Huntsville, Decatur, and that way. They are the 15th and 16th Army Corps. Generals Sherman, Logan, McPherson, Sickles, and lots more, have gone to the front, and there will probably be a heavy battle in the neighborhood of Dalton in a very few days. I have no reason to believe that we shall be there. We seem to be pretty firmly anchored here just at present.
We naturally have a great anxiety concerning the result of the expected battle. The enemy are no doubt in heavy force, and so are we. Our very best Generals, except Grant, are there; and I am very hopeful that we shall defeat them. If we do, it virtually puts an end to the war in this part of the country. A defeat for us is not so serious a matter as it would be for them; yet if we should be defeated it would prolong the war for many months. Our hope is in the justice of our cause, the blessing of God, and the courage and patriotism of our army.
Our wagon train has just got through, bringing our mess traps.
