Here's what appeared on the pages of the Richmond Daily Dispatch, Wednesday, January 20, 1864

George Martin

From East Tennessee.

Russellville, Jan.18.

--We have had no telegraphic communication eastward since the 13th, in consequence of the line having been cut by the Yankee operator near Jonesboro'. A gentleman who left Knoxville on Tuesday gives some interesting news from that city. He says the small-pox is raging terribly among the Yankees and negroes, there being 600 cases in the city. In consequence of this and the scarcity of forage, the main body of the enemy had moved to Strawberry Plains and the prolific country on French Branch, having a garrison of about 600.

A negro barber from Cincinnati was recruiting for negro regiments at Knoxville.

Three members of the Texas cavalry, recently captured within their lines, were hung as spies on the 8th.

Our troops moved forward on the 14th for the purpose of drawing the enemy from the French Broad road, and met them near Chocky river on Saturday. They made but a feeble resistance and retired in the direction of Dandridge ? , pursued by our troops who are still pressing forward.

Yesterday very heavy firing was heard in that direction. It ceased at dark.

[Second Dispatch]

Russellville, Jan.19.

--There is but little doubt that the enemy intended, by his recent demonstration, to force Gen. Longstreet out of Tennessee by occupying all the country capable of sustaining an army, in which he totally failed, in consequence of the promptness with which he was met by our troops, which he was evidently unprepared for, as has been shown by his rapid retreat.

They are supposed to have withdrawn from Strawberry Plains, and the country, with the exception of the vicinity of Knoxville, will be once more freed from their presence.

The loss on either side is small. The Federal removed seventy-five wounded from ? Dandridge, the enemy retreating towards Knoxville rapidly, and closely pursued by our cavalry. Lt. Col. Blackey, of the cavalry, was wounded; Col. Clark, of Hampton's Legion, killed; Lieut. Fouchee, A. D. C. to Gen. G. T. Anderson, badly wounded.