0

New York Times, September 7, 1864
            HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
                        Sunday, Sept. 4, 1864.

            The rebel pickets refuse to believe that Atlanta has fallen. They have become very friendly, and approach close to our lines, with passes from their officers, for the purpose of trading apparently, but all having their pockets filled with the proclamation of Jeff. Davis, offering protection and safe conduct to deserters.

            The rebels hope to largely reduce our ranks by this new dodge of theirs.

            They purchase all the eatables they can get from our men, giving greenbacks or tobacco in exchange, large supplies of which they seem to have on hand.

            Gen. Gibbons has been temporarily assigned to the command of the Eighteenth Corps.

            Col. Smyth, of the First Delaware, a brave and capable officer, is in command of the Division. of Gibbone, of the Second Corps.

Monday, Sept. 5, 1864.

            Last eight, about 11 o’clock, our batteries along the entire line opened and saluted the enemy with a terrific lire for an hour, in honor of the fall of Atlanta.

            The rebel guns replied sharply, and the air was filled with bursting shells.

            This morning not a shot is heard.

WM. D. McGREGOR.