From Tennessee.
[from our own correspondent.]
Bristol, Tenn, Sept. 17, 1863.
In my letter last evening, which was written hastily immediately on our arrival here, the surrender of Cumberland Gap was alluded to. Since that time I have met with several of the garrison who escaped from that place — some of them after the surrender — from whom the following particulars are obtained: On Wednesday morning, the 7th inst., the enemy made their appearance at the Gap, and before one o'clock P. M. of the same day our forces, amounting to about 2,000 men, surrendered unconditionally.
They were under the command of General Fraser, as previously stated.
It is said that some 200 of Slemp's 64th Va. infantry made their escape, refusing to surrender, together with several hundred others.
Among the batteries captured was Leyden's battery, said to be one of the most splendid batteries in the service.
It was presented to our Government by the merchants of Liverpool.
We also lost a large amount of arms, stores, equipage, &c. The affair is regarded here as one of the most disgraceful occurrences of the war, and the commander of the post is severely censured.
It is represented by an intelligent soldier, who made his escape after the surrender; and given as his opinion, that the enemy only had three regiments, which were marched and counter marched in such a manner as to give the appearance of an overwhelming force, and that our commander was completely duped by this ruse; while on the other hand their forces are estimated by some as high as 8,000.
The first estimate I am disposed, however, to credit.
As to the probable consequences of the surrender it is hardly necessary to speak, as the advantages gained will depend greatly on the result of affairs in East Tennessee.
This morning we have the report that the enemy have fallen back to Greenville, Tenn., and that our pickets are within five miles of that place. They will doubtless be driven back to Knoxville in a few days. As the train is about to leave for Jonesboro' I must wind up.
O. K.
