Correspondent's Gossip from Chickamauga.
The Army correspondent of the Atlanta Spent writes a gossiping letter under date of the 3d inst., from Chickamauga, from which we copy come extracts:Strange movements are taking place within the enemy's lines, of which the saying is — we can make neither head or tail. In Lookout valley they are undoubtedly intrenching, and possibly within ten days we shall have the benefit of a fire from that direction. Troops are moving backwards and forwards, some in the direction of Bridgeport, others towards Brown's Ferry and Raccoon Mountain — camps are being established here and there, and various indications are apparent which plainly say either that an offensive demonstration of the enemy is at hand, or that they are preparing for permanent occupation of the position they hold.
Speculation under the circumstances is "cold victuals" to the truth, and quite as unsatisfactory. The lateness of the season assures us, however, that whatever the enemy attempts must be done quickly, for winter is a bar which no strategy can set aside, no science remove. When or how the blow may fall is of no consequence to the army.-- Every minds anxious for a change, and any movement which will open the probabilities of a general battle would be hailed with pleasure. The spirit of the troops is at fighting heat, and generals and privates court the opportunity that shall allow its effervescence to take place in an open field.
I am no clairvoyant, but, nevertheless, venture the assertion that there is at this moment revolving in the mental planetary of Gen. Bragg some grand scheme that looks to glorious results. He has allowed the Federal to take peaceable possession of Lookout Valley, to extend their line from Bridgeport to Chattanooga, to establish as it were two bases of operation, and to fix themselves for the winter. Now it is not to be presumed that all this concession. if such it really be, is without a purpose. For one, I have faith to believe that some great plan is slowly maturing, which, when it culminates, will result in the greatest and grandest glory of the Western fields of campaign.
The next battle that occurs between these two armies will undoubtedly be more decisive than any other ever fought on this continent. If we fall, it will prolong our struggle. If we succeed, and no one who has been through the ranks of this army can doubt that we shall, the war will doubtless be brought to a speedy close. The back bone of Yankee strength — the last"coil of the anaconda" is in our front. If we but break its power, we may go on "conquering and to conquer." The prospect is all bright. Our army needs only the strong, hearty, self-sacrificing, patriotic cooperation of the people — that every man who can do a soldier's duty shall promptly repair hither, and that those at home whose influence or prayers can assist our cause, shall labor diligently to that end.
To-day I met, en route to Lookout Mountain, Generals Longstreet, Breckinridge, Hardee, and Howell Cobb. The Virginian gives one, at first glance, the idea of a stout, honest, weather- beaten old sea captain in "regimentals;" but as you look a second them, and possibly catch his eye, there is something in it and the large, full face, the broad, thoughtful brow and firm mouth, which tells of dauntless resolution, prompt action, grant energies, self-possession, and "fires conceited."--Time must have been, or physiognomy is a traitor, when Longstreet was a humorous man, fond of a joke and a party of social friends; but you can remark that the fun-loving wrinkles around his eyes are now marked with care, and that his home nature has gone into mourning for the war. I have seen him at his headquarters, on the march, and in the field: but he always wears the same cool, unruffled expression, which nothing disturbs. in battle he is watchful, wary, and energetic; never taken by surprise, never astonished at anything, and wonderfully ready with expedlen's to meet every crisis in camp, sias ! his head is as full of maps as a chimney-corner is full of cobwebs. If he ever dies suddenly, it will certainly be from a congestion of troops and topography.
In conversation he is affable, pointed, and brief — says a great deal in a few words and leaves his poor officers too often to ponder over his tersely uttered sentences, until they run half crazy between the conclusions left for them to select. Such is "Uncle Peter, " the Idol of his men and the "best fighter" in the Confederacy.
Hardee is another of your plain, unassuming. domestic men, who takes things coolly until aroused, and then becomes a perfection. There is not a warmer or more gentle nature in the army. The humblest private may approach him "without fear or trembling," and be assured of a ready ear and promptnesses for any wrong. He has a frank, open face, a fine blue eye, and is just gray-haired and bearded enough to make one voluntarily venerate his many years of usefulness and experience.
Breckinridge is a model of manly beauty, knightly hearing and noble dignity — tall, strongly knit in bone and sinew, with a graceful carriage, an open, unreserved expression of countenance, written all over mind and courage, he reminds one, as he rides along in his Kentucky hunting suit, of some beau chevalier, belonging to another cra — a hero who has accidentally stepped out of one of Sir Walter Scott's poems, to lend a helping hand to the young Confederacy.
Gen. Howell Cobb--well, the General is almost indescribable. But I venture the assertion that there is not a man in the service who combines more mind and matter in one personal corporality than does the great Georgian. Possessing one of the first intellects in the South, as his long career in her service demonstrates, he unites with it a physique well adapted to sustain every mental and bodily test which his present position as Major General of the Georgia State troops may require. Arithmetically speaking, compared with your obedient servant, he is a "whole number" to my "vulgar fraction." One valuable peculiarity he possesses to excess — namely, strong, hard, stubborn, common sense — and this combined with a mind well stocked with "learned lore," a retentive memory, and ready expression, make him at once an entertaining and instructive companion Promptness, prudence, aterness, and fine administrative ability are his characteristics as a commander.
