SEPTEMBER 27TH.–Bright and pleasant.
We have rumors of heavy fighting yesterday near Staunton, but no authentic accounts.
A dispatch from Gen. R. Taylor says Gen. Forrest had gained a victory at Athens, Ala., capturing some 1500 prisoners, 500 horses, etc. etc.
We still hear the thunder of artillery down the river–the two armies shelling each other, I suppose, as yet at a safe distance. A few more days and the curtain will rise again–Lee and Grant the principal actors in the tragedy!
The President is making patriotic speeches in Alabama and Georgia.
Mr. Hudson, of Alabama, proposes to deliver to the government 5,000,000 pounds of bacon for the same number of pounds cotton, delivered at the same place.
Our cotton agent in Mississippi is authorized by the government here to sell cotton in exposed situations to the enemy’s agents for specie, and to buy for Confederate notes.
The funeral expenses of Gen. Morgan the other day amounted to $1500; the Quartermaster-General objects to paying it, and sends the bill to the Secretary for instructions.
The following is a copy of Gen. Lee’s indorsement on Lieut.-Col. Moseby’s report of his operations from the 1st of March to the 11th of September, 1864:
“HEADQUARTERS, ARMY NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
“September 19th, 1864.
“Respectfully forwarded to the Adjutant and Inspector-General for the information of the department. Attention is invited to the activity and skill of Col. Moseby, and the intelligence and courage of the officers and men of his command, as displayed in this report.
“With the loss of little more than 20 men, he has killed, wounded, and captured, during the period embraced in this report, about 1200 of the enemy, and taken more than 1600 horses and mules, 230 beef cattle, and 85 wagons and ambulances, without counting many smaller operations. The services rendered by Col. Moseby and his command in watching and reporting the enemy’s movements have also been of great value. His operations have been highly creditable to himself and his command.
“(Signed) R. E. LEE, General.
“Official: JOHN BLAIR HOGE,
“Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.”