y forces from the south side to the north side of the river.
I am not advised which initiated this manoeuvre, but it indicates
renewed activity of the armies in this vicinity.

I hope the roads will not be cut again, or we shall starve!

JULY 25TH.--It rained all night! Cloudy and windy to-day.

Gen. Hood corrects his dispatch of Saturday; we captured only 13 guns;
but we captured some 18 stand of colors.

"HEADQUARTERS, ATLANTA,

"July 23d, 1864.

"HON. JAMES A. SEDDON, SECRETARY OF WAR.

"The enemy shifted his position on Peach Tree Creek last night, and
Gen. Stewart's and Cheatham's corps formed line of battle around
the city.

"Gen. Hardee's corps made a night march, and attacked the enemy's
extreme left to-day. About 1 o'clock he drove him from his works,
capturing artillery and colors. Gen. Cheatham attacked the enemy,
capturing six pieces of artillery.

"During the engagement we captured about 2000 prisoners.

"Gen. Wheeler's Cavalry routed the enemy in the neighborhood of
Decatur, to-day, capturing his camp.

"Our loss is not yet fully ascertained.

"Major-Gen. Walker was killed. Brig.-Gens. Smith, Gist, and Mercer
were wounded.

"Prisoners report that Gen. McPherson was killed.

"Our troops fought with great gallantry.

"J. B. HOOD, _General_."

It is certain that a considerable force of the enemy has crossed to the
north side of James River; for what purpose is not yet clear.

A detachment of our forces has been defeated near Winchester, by
superior numbers, losing 4 guns.

The _Dispatch_ of this morning says:

"All accounts received of the engagement at Snicker's represent that the
Yankees were badly whipped on that occasion. It is stated that some
fifteen hundred of the enemy fell to rise no more, and only six were
made prisoners. It is probable that a considerable number were drowned
in their attempt to recross the Shenandoah."

Gen. Beauregard wrote to the department a few days ago that the country
in the rear of the enemy was filled with their deserters, and suggested
that by proclamation or otherwise, desertion should be encouraged. They
ought to be welcomed and subsisted, and transported to any point near
their own country designated by them. On this the Secretary of War
indorsed rather a cold negative. But he went too far--the country _must_
be saved--and the President, while agreeing