The Sun.
London, England, 1864-12-29 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, TIRTRS.DAY EVENING, DECEMBER 29, 1864.

0 EMEMBER ! WE WAIT SUPPER
I.lki FOR YOU, after the Pantomime, at EVANS'. Fail

not!

,KINAHAN'S LLRAWNHDYISKY V. COGNAC
This celebrated Old IRISH WHISKY rivals the finest
FRENCH BRANDY,

It h Pure,"Mild, Mellow, Delicious, and very Wholesome.
Sold in Bottles, 3s. Bd., at the Retail Houses in London ; by
he Agents in the principal towns in England ; or wholesale

R, GREAT WINDMILL-STREET, LONDON, W.
Observe the Red Seal, Pink Label, and Cork branded
Kinahan's LL Whisky."

P 0 PERSONS SEEKING LANDED
EE-..ATES, TOWN AND COUNTRY RESIDENCES,
FREEHOLD AND LEASEHOLD INVEST2I.3:NTS, AND
PROPER VIES GENERALLY-

To BE HAD GRATIS, at the principal Railway Bookstalls
throughout the kingdom, or at the Auction and Estate Offices,
No. 67, Chancery-lane, London, Messrs. E. and H. Lumley's
"FREE PROPERTY BEGuerzn," containing a varied selection
of landed and house properties now in the market, from
the nobleman's mansion, with its manorial domain, to the
cottage with its few acres.

OWNERS OF PROPERTIES wishing to Sell or Let can em-
brace the °ppm sanity that the medium of (this Register
affords, by sending the particulars of their properties to the
Estate Offices, 67, Chancery-lane, London, as the Messrs.
Lumley can in most cases introduce iminediate customers
where the property is of an eligible character, thereby avoid-
ing the disadvantages of delay and its attendant incon-
veniences. '

THERE IS NO CHARGE incurred, unless a tenant or pur-
chaser is introduced through Messrs. Lumley's Agency,
and then only the usual moderate commission.
Auction and Land Offices, 67, Chancery-lane, London.

FURNITURE, CARPETS, BEDDING, and
FLOORCLOTH, CARRIAGE-FREE to any house in
the kingdom, regardless of amount or distance. First-class
goods at seoond-class prices. Terms peculiarly liberal to
Clergymen and Gentlemen. An immense stock to select
from, displayed in Showrcoms occupying an acre of-gruund.
Every article warranted.
CLERGYMEN and GENTLEMEN ABOUT TO FUR-
NISH are respectfully informed that Messrs. Cobbett and
Co. are publishin an entirely New Edition of their un-
equalled H
OUSEFURNISHING GUIDE, illustrated by4lo
adm i -able engraving's of every description of Furniture and
thm.steads, with prices attached. A copy sent g: atis and
post-free on application. This costly work also contains
complete estimates for furnishing on the following revised
scale

A Six-roomed Parsonage £74 3 0
An Eight-roomed ditto
A Ten-roomed ditto ........
A Twelve-roomed ditto

rogether with a Price List of purified Bedding, and a mass
of valnable informationto all requiring househ 31d furniture,
^srpets, or bedding. References kindly permitted to Clergy-
men and gentlemen in or near Great Malvern, Southampton,
Chichester, Bury, Ely, Preston, Grimsby, Ryde, Plymouth,
Wells. Oxford, Brighton, Gainsborough, Margate. Kidder-
minster, Wellington, Croydon. Cambridge, Staines, Dorking,
St. Aiban's, Worcester, Ipswich, Peterborough, St. David's,
Wrexham, and above 500 other places In all parts of Great
tirtta.l..

COBBETT and CO., General House Furnishers, Deptford-
bridge, London. S.E.

AMERICA.

SOUTHAMPTON, Wednesday.

The North German Lloyd screw steamer Hansa,
Captain IL J. Von Santen, from New York, on the
17th inst., arrived off Cowes this morning, and went
on to Bremen after tranashipp:ng mails, &c. for
this port. She brings 27 passengers for Southamp-
ton and Havre, and 51 for Bremen ; 201,000 dols
for England, 109,500 dots for France, and 500 dole
for Bremen.

The City of Glasgow steamer arrived out at New
York on the 16th inst, and was to sail again on the
18th for England.
The Hamburg American Company's screw steamer
Bavaria, Captain H. Taub°, which left New York
on the 14th, has also arrived off Cowes to•day,
bringing 100,000 dole. for England and 15,488 dole
for France, and procaeded for Hamburg.
• The intelligence by the Hansa is unusually
portant, embracing a large number of official de-
spatches reporting success to the Federal arms in
all quarters, and much of the information on
tained in them—as will be seen—comes through
Confederate sources. First in reference to Sher•
man's movements the following official announce-
ments were published

Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 14.
Tho following telegram has been received at the War
Department :
Hilton Head, South Carolina, Monday, Dec. 12, via
Fortress Monroe, Wednesday, Dec. 14.

General,—Captain Duncan, of General Howard's Scouts,
has just come in from General Howard, having descended
the Ogechee river in a small boat. He left the army on the
evening of the 9th. General Sherman's whole army was
then within 10 miles of Savannah, advancing to attack it.
The enemy's works, five miles from the city, were probably
attacked yesterday, as heavy firing was heard in that direc,
Lion. Captain Duncan represents the army to be in the best
spirits possible, and the most excellent condition, Very
little opposition had been met with on the march, as the
enemy could not tel: what routes were to be taken. The
army has lived off the country, and thus accumulated a
considerable number of horses and cattle. It was also well
supplied. The following is a copy of the despatch brought
by Captain Duncan :
Head-quarters Army of the Tennessee, near Savannah
Canal, Dec: 9.

Sir,—We have met with perfect success thus far. The
:roops aro in fine spirits, and near by.—Respectfully,

0. 0. HOWARD,

Major-General commanding right wing of the army.
To the Commander of the United States Naval force in
the vicinity of Savannah, Georgia.
Amother despatch brought by Captain Duncan, directed
to the signal officer of the fleet, from General Howard's
chief signal officer, requests a good look out to be kept for
signals.--I have the honour to be+, very respectfully, your
obedient servant,

J. G. FOSTER, Major-Ganeral Commanding,
To Major-General llaHeck, Chief of Staff.
Washington, Dec. 15,
The following telegram was received from Fortress Mon-
roe last night :

Telegram in cipher received at Washington at 10 p.m.
Dec, 14, from Port Royal harbour via Fortress Monroe.
I have just received a communication from Sherman's
army. lie is a few miles from Savannah and in fine spirits,
shall bring all my available force into connexion with the

army.
A despatch is forwarded with this.—Very respectfully,
J. A. DAHLGREN, Rear-Admiral.
Hon. Gideon Wells, Secretary of the Navy.
A bearer of despatches from Admiral Dahlgren arrived
in this city this morning with the following important de-
spatch for the Secretary of the Navy :
Flag Steamer Philadelphia, Port Royal Harbour,
South Carolina, Dec. 12.
Sir,—lt is my happiness to apprise the department that
Gen. Sherman with his army is near Savannah, and I am
in communication with him. In view of his probable arrival
I had stationed several steamers at different points, and had
come down from the Tillafinny yesterday in order to be at
band. I had not to wait many hours. This morning, about
8 o'clock, the Dandelion arrived, with Captain Duncan and
two scouts—Sergeant Myron J. Emmick and George W.
Quimby—bearing the following lines from Gen.Ho,vard :
Headquarters Department of the Army of the
Tennessee, near Savannah Canal, Georgia.
Sir,—We have met with perfect success thus far. Troops
in fine spirits, and near by.—Respectfully,
0. 0. HOWARD, Major General,
To the Commander of the United States Naval
Forces in Savannah, Georgia.
Capt. Duncan states that our forces were in contact with
the rebels a few miles outside of Savannah. Ile says that
Sherman's army is not in want of anything. Perhaps no
event could give a greater satisfaction to the country than
that which I announce, and I beg leave to congratulate the
United States' Government on its occurrence. It may per-
haps be exceeding my province, but I cannot refrain from
expressing the hope that the department will commend
Capt. Duncan and his companions to the Hon. Secretary of
War for some mark of approbation, for their success in esta-
blishing communication between Gen. Sherman and the
fleet. It was an enterprise that required both skill and
courage.—l have the honour to be, very respectfully, your
obedient servant,
J. A. DAHLGREN, Rear Admiral,
Commanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
Hon. Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy.
The following extract of a letter from General Sherman,
written before he started upon his march, shows not only
that he reached the point at which he aimed, but that he
accomplished the difficult work some 12 or 14 days earlier
than he expected :
Kingston, Georgia, Nov. 3, 9 pm,
In a few days I will be off for salt water, and hope to meet
my old friend D. D. Porter again. Will you be kind enough
to write him, and tell him to look out for me about Christ-
mas, from Hilton Head to Savannah ?
W. T. SHERMAN; Major-General.
Captain Pennock, U.S.N., Mount City.
That General Sherman had captured Savannah before
the steamer which brought the above despatch had fairly
got out of the harbour of Port Royal is probable, from the
fact that the messenger who reached here this morning says
that when coming out of the harbour, and when too late to
communicate by signals, the whole fleet began to fire a
salute. Upon looking towards the vessels they were being
gaily decorated with flags in honour of some great victory.
The opinion that prevailed on board the steamer was that
since she left the wharf news had reached the Admiral of
the fall of Savannah.
War Department, Washington, Dec. 16.
, The Richmond papers of to-day state that " On Wedries-

day Gen, Sherman carried Fort IvrAllister, commanding
the entrance to the Ogechee river, by storm, and that the
capture of that position puts Sherman in communication
with the Yankee fleet, and necessitates the reinforcement of
Savannah." The Richmond Despatch says, " Official intel-
ligence was received yesterday that the enemy on Wednes-
day crrried Fort M'Allister by storm. The garrison of the
fort consistel of i5O men. Fort M'Allister is on the Ogechee
river, 15 milessouth- west of Savannah, at the point where
the river is crossed by the Savannah, Albany, and Gulf Rail-
road, and about six miles from Ossabaw Sound. The capture
of this position puts Sherman in communication with the
Yankee fleet. Without attempting any military criticism,
we cannot withhold the opinion that the exposing 100 men
to the assault of Sherman's whole army was a piece of ex-
travagance that Sherman's present military resources do not
seem to warrant.' The .txaminer has the following—" Fort
M'Allister commands the entrance to the Ogechee river,and
has prevented the enemy heretofore asciriding the river.
We believe there aro other works further up the stream
which would render the navigation of the stream by the
enemy extremely uncomfortable. The fall of Fort
ter does not by any means involve the loss of Savannah, but
will necessitate the reinforcement of the troops defending
that city." Up to this hour (half-past 8 p.m.) nothing has
been heard from Gen. Sherman later than the Richmond
newspapers report of the capture of Fort M'Allister, on
Wednesday.

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.
To Mejor-General Dix, New York.

A special despatch to the New York Times, re-
porting the capture of Fort M'Allister, says :
This settles the question pf tlririgiaglaant issue of Sher-
taan's-uvignifteent-nretettrthipossessiOn of Fort WAllfifer

opens up the Ogechee River in‘ the rear of Savannah, and
gives him command of the railroad-leading south from that
city. This completes the circle of investment of Savannah,
and places in the hands of Sherman every railroad leading
to or from that point, his army being already planted
on the Central Georgia railroad. And the line between
Savannah and Charleston being cut, nothing, in fact,
could be more admirable than the position in which Sher-
man's army is now placed, for while he held Savannah
in siege, he has an open line of water communications by the
Ogechee to Ossabaw, Sound. This avenue of approach to
the rear of Savannah has for three years been guarded by
Fort M'Allister, a powerful sand fort, mounting eight heavy
guns en barbctte. Admiral Dupont, in the spring of 1863,
made two attempts, with his formidable ironclad fleet, to
take this fort; but after a protracted bombardment failed,
several of the monitors being disabled in the attack. It
would appear that Sherman has swung round his right
wing, resting it on the Ogechee, and capturing the fort at
the same time. This insures the capture of Savannah, if it
be not already in our possession. The highest delight is
felt here at this successful termination of the Georgia cam-
paign. Fort M'Allister is a very strong earthwork situated
on the Ogechee river; about 16 miles south of the mouth of
the Savannah River, and about six miles from the mouth of
Ossabarr Sound. This part of the coast of Georgia is of that
amphibious character which marks so much of the Southern
coast in general— the ravelled and unfinished ends of Na-
ture's web, where sea and land keep up a mutual warfare.
The ocean breaks in between Great Wassew and Ossabaw
Islands, forming Ossabaw Sound, and into this estuary flow
the Great and Little Ogechee and the Vernon rivers. The
land, or rather the marsh on each side of the Ogechee, is
almost a fkur d' eau, certainly hardly riaing a foot above the
level of the river, while at times it is entirely submerged.
For miles and miles on every hand there is nothing to be
seen but these low and level islands and islets; covered with
reeds and rank grasses, save where a lustier vegetation has
pushed up in occasional clumps of trees. About six miles
from the mouth of Ossabaw Sound, near where the Savan-
nah, Albany, and Gulf Railroad crosses the Ogechee, the
river juts out into a promontory named Point Genesis, co-
vered by one of these humtiocks of more than ordinary size.
Behind this, hidden from the river, lies Fort M'Allister, an
earthwork of immense strength, erected by the rebels early
in the war. Its batteries completely commanded the river.
Fort M'Allister, which has just succumbed to an attack from
the land side, had formerly bid defiance to two attacks
from our naval forces. The first of these took place nearly
two years ago. On the 27th of January, 1863, the monitor
Montauk, commanded by Captain Worden, bombarded its
earthwalls for nearly six hours, without either receiving or
doing much damage. Each appeared to be invincible against
the other. The second and more important attack was made
on the 3d of March, 1863. The vessels employed in the
engagement were the monitors Montauk, 'Passaic, Patapsa,
'and Nahant, and the gunboats Seuaca, Wissahickon, and
Dawn, and several mortar ochomm. This formidable
force rained a storm of shot and shell upon the foil for one
whole day, with no more danger to the rebels than the dis
mounting of a gun or two. Late in the afternoon the fleet
was withdrawn uninjured, and the vessels dropped down
the stream, the rebels coming out on the p&rapet and cheer-
ing a defiant adi,m. Near fort M'Allister the blockade
runner Nashville was destroyed on the 28th of February,
1863, by the M. ntauk.
_ _

A despatch from Baltimore reports the capture
of Sivanuah

Baltimore, Dec. 16.

The correspondent of the American at Annapolis tele-
graphs as follows :—" The steamship Varuna left Charleston
bar on the 14th inst. at 5 o'clock in the morning. The re-
port had reached there by the rebel fi ig of truce boat that
Sherman was in p3ssession of Savannah after an eight
hours' fight, capturing 11,000 prisoners."
The _Richmond Examiner of the 14th says :

The only definite information from Georgia is the ap-
pearance of Sherman's array in the vicinity of Savannah.
The Yankee papers informed us that he had accomplished
this much almost a week ago, but of course their state.
ment was based upon what they deemed the probabilities of
the situation. Up to yesterday forenoon—December 12—no
fighting had taken place between Sherman's army and the
Confederate troops in the defence of Savannah. General
Hardee commands the latter. A contemporary paper speaks
of Savannah as invested. This is not the case. Savannah
is no more invested than Richmond, and we have no
evidence that it stands in the least danger, either from as-
sault or siege. An official despatch of yesterday mentions
that Sherman had developed his army near the town ; but
that does not signify that he will go into trenches, Savan-
nah has a triple lines of defences."
Tho following is from the Richmond Whig of the
14th :
" We again failed to receive our exchanges from Georgia
and South 'Carolina this morning, and are consequently
without details of recent events in the vicinity of Savannah,
and between that city and Charleston. So far as we can
learn, Sharman's army has invested Savannah; but beyond
the usual skirmishing no fight had yet taken place. Gen.
Hardee is in command of our troops. A telegram from
Augusta says :—" In the fight at Coosawatchie, Friday,
Dec. 9, Brigadier-General Gartrell was badly wounded in
the side by a shell. Notwithstanding the severe wound he
remained on the field until the fight closed. He was brought
to Augusta on Sunday." We have no report of a fight at
Coosawatchie on Friday last, and no information of any
conflict at that point since the 31st ult. has been received at
the War Department. Gen. Gartrell commanded a brigade
of Georgia Reserves. He was a representative from that
State in the last Congress.

The liichmoncl Sentinel of the 12th reports a re.
connaissance by General Longstreet, and publishes
official despatches from General Lee :
General Longstreet, on Saturday morning, made a re-
connaissance on the Darbytown and Williamsburg roads,
for the purpose of discovering the strength and position of
the enemy. The reconnaissance was satisfactorily accom-
lished, and Gen. Longstreet now reoccupies hio old position.
Our loss was one man killed and several wounded. We lost
no prisoners. A number of the enemy's pickets were cap-
tured, and some killed and wounded.
Head-quarters, Army of Northern Virginia, Dec. 10.

Gin. Hampton, after driving the enemy's cavalry upon
his infantry, on the afternoon of the Bth, recrossed the
Nottoway and reached Bellfield at daylight yesterday. In
the afternoon the enemy attacked the position, but were
successfully resisted. This morning the enemy is reported
retiring. and Hampton following. The bridge over the Me-
herrin was saved. Our loss as far as known is small, The
garrison under Garnett and the Reserves behaved well.
R. E. LEE, General,
Hon. James A. Seddon, Secretary of War,

(Bellfield is on the northern bank of the Mehorrin River,
where crossed by the railroad from Petersburgh to Weldon.
It is in Greenville county, 50 miles south of Petersburgh,
and 23 miles north of Weldon.)

The following daspateh tells of an attempt of the enemy
to gain ground on our right, below Petersburgh, and of the
repulse of that attempt, and of the re•eatablidhment of our
lines : _ _ _

,‘ Head-quarters, Army of Northern Virginia, Dec. 10.
" About noon yesterday the Ist division of the second
corps of the enemy, supporting the cavalry, forced back our
cavalry pickets on the Vaughan road, south of the Appo-
mattox, and advanced towards Dinwiddie, C. H. To-day
our cavalry, reinforced by infantry, drove them back across
Hatcher's Run, capturing a few prisoners, and re establish-
ing our lines. " R. E. LEE,
" Hon, James A. Seddon, Secretary of War."
The following official despatches announce a
great battle in front of Nashville between Thomas
and Hood :
- -

_
War Department, Washington, Dec. 15, 11 30 p.m.
The 'War Department has just received unofficial de-
spatches from Nashville, announcing that Gen. Thomas,
with the forces under his command, attacked Hood's army
in front of Nashville at 9 o'clock this morning, and, although
the battle is not yet decided, the whole action to-day is de-
scribed as pplentlidly succeesful, Our line advanced on the

right five miles. The enemy were driven from the river,
Emu their entrenchments, from the range of hills on which
their left rested, and forced back upon his right and centre,
and the centre was pushed back from one to three miles,
with the loss of 17 guns and about 1,500 prisoners, and
his whole line of earthworks, except about a mile of his
extreme right, where no serious attempt was made to dis-
lodge him. Our casualties are reported to be light. Hood's
whole army, except the cavalry and a small force near Mur-
freesboro,' were engaged.
EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.
Major-General Dix.
War Department, Washington, Doc. 16, 9 14 a.m.

The following official report of the bat tle before Nash.
ville has been received from Major-General Thomas :--
"Nashville, Tennessee, Dec. 15, 9 p.m.

" Attacked enemy's left this morning and drove -it from
the river below the city, very nearly to Franklin point—a
distance of about 8 miles—have captured Chalmers's head-
quarters and train, and a second train of about 29 waggons,
with between 800 and 1,000 prisoners and 16 pieces of artil-
lery. Oar troops behaved splendidly, all taking their share
in assaulting and charging the enemy's breastworks. I
shall attack the enemy again to-morrow if he stands to
fight, and if he retreats during the night I will pursue him,
throwing a heavy cavalry force in his rear to destroy his
trains, if possible.
"GEORGE H. THOmAs, Major-General.

" Major-General Dix, New York."
Aa unofficial despatch• gives the following de.
tails :

Nashville, Tennessee, Dec. 15, 10 30 p.m.

Our line advanced and engaged the rebel line at 9 o'clock
this morning. The line was formed thus :—Steed man on
IL a' left; 'ir.7,—irti/rd`,--WlThnne TElisirex t 3.
Smith next, with Cox in reserve, and the cavalry under
Wilson, fighting dismounted, occupying the extreme right,
aided by gunboats on the river. The artillery practice has
been fine, and at times the musketry firing continuous and
heavy, and though the casualties have been light the results
are very fair. The left occupied the same ground as at
morning, but the right has advanced five miles, driving the
enemy from the river, from his intrenchmeute, from the
range of hills on which Ws left rested, and forced it back
upon his right an I centre. His centre was pushed back from
one to three miles, with a loss in all of 17 guns and about
1,600 prisoners, and his whole line of earthworks, except
about a mile on his extreme right, where no serious attempt
was made to dislodge him. The whole of Hood's army is
here, except the cavalry and one division, which has been
detached to threaten or attack Murfreesboro'. The whole
action of to-day was splendidly successful. The divisions
commanded by General Kimball, of the 4th corps ; by
General Garrard, of the command under General A. J.
Smith, and the cavalry division under General Knipe, were
under my observation, and I have never seen better work.
Gen. Kimball's division carried two fortified positions by
assault, capturing 400 prisoners and six guns. No doubt
the other parts of the line did as well. I only speak of what
I saw. No intelligence has been received from General
Sherman's army later than the published despatches fur-
nished by General Foster and Admiral Dahlgren.
EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.
Washington, Dec. 16, 1864.
The following has been received at the Navy Depart-
ment :

" Clarksville, Tennessee, Dec. 16, 10 a,m.

"General Thomas's attack yesterday upon Flood's loft,
supported by the 10th division of this squadron, resulted in
the capture of Chalmers's head-quarters' train, with papers.
1,000 prisoners, and 16 pieces of artillery. The probable
loss to the army will not exceed 500 killed and wounded.
V The attack will be resumed this morning.
" S. P. LEE,
" Rear-Admiral Commanding Mississippi Squadron.
" To Hon. Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy."
War Department, Washington, Dec. 16, 10 30 p.m.
The Western telegraph lines are working very badly on
account of the rain storms prevailing.
The following unofficial despatches have been received :
"Nashville, Dec. 16 (hour not stated).
"Just returned from the battlefield. Battle severe and
terrific. Our forces victorious.

" Nashville, Dec. 16, 2 15 p.m.

"Hood has fallen back, and is apparently doing his best
to get away, while Thomas is pressing him with great
vigour, frequently capturing guns and men. Everything
so far is perfectly successful, and the prospect is fair to
crush Hood's army. There is nothingsince my last despatch
from any quarter.
"EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary• of War.
" Major-General Dix, New York."
The subjoined despatch gives General Ilooti's
official report of the battle of Franklin :

War Department, Washington, Dec. 10.

The Richmond papers of to-day contain General hood's
official report of the battle of Franklin, in which he ac-
knowledges the loss of many gallant officers and brave men,
among whom he enumerates Major General Cleinu•ne,
Brigadier Generals John S. 'Williams (" Cerro Gordo"
Williams, of Kentucky) ; Adams ; Gist of South Carolina ;
Strshl, cf Tennessee ; and Granberry, of Texas, killed ; and
Major General John C. Brown, of Tennessee; and Briga-
dier Generals S. Carter, Manigault, of South Carolina ; W.
A. Quarles, of Tennessee; Cockerel' and Scott, wounded ;
and Brigadier General Gordon, captured.

The following is General Hood's despatch :
"Headquarters, Army of Tennessee, Sit Miles from
Nashville, Dec. 8 (vtz Mobile, Dec. 9).

"About 4 o'clock p.m., November 30, we attacked the
enemy at Franklin, and drove them from their centre line
of temporary works into the inner lines, which they evacu-
ated during the night, leaving their dead and wounded in
our possession, and retired to Nashville, closely followed by
our cavalry. We captured several stands of colours and
about 1,000 prisoners. Oar troops fought with great gal-
lantry. We have to lament the loss of many gallant officers
and men. Major-General Cleburne and Brigadier-Generals
John Williams, Adams, Gist, Strahl, and Granberry were
killed. Major-General John Brown and Brigadier-Generals
S. Carter, Manigault, Quarles, Cockeritl, and Scott were
wounded. Brigadier-General Gordon was captured.
" J. B. Hoon, General.
" To the Hon. J. A. Seddon."

A subsequent telegram from General Hood says :
"Our loss of officers was excessively large in proportion
:o the loss of men.

" EDWIN M, STANTON, Secretary of War.
"To Major-General Dix, Now York."
The Richmond Examiner of the 14th says :

Yesterday evening it was reported that a gentleman had
just arrived here from Tuscumbia, bringing direct advices
from General Hood's army, to the effect that he gained a
decisive victory at Franklin, though losing 3,500 men killed
and wounded, and that since crossing the Tennessee river
he had captured some 5,000 prisoners. The same authority,
it is said, confirms the painful report of the Yankee papers
that Major-General Cleburne was killed in the fight at
Franklin.
The Sentinel of the same date says :

Intelligence received here yesterday, through private
sources, confirms the report of Hood's victory at Franklin.
He captured between 5,000 and 6,000 prisoners, and it is be-
lieved the enemy's loss in killed and wounded will swell
their total casualties to between 10,000 and 12,000. Three
Federal generals are reported to have been killed. Our
whole loss in killed, wounded, and missing is reported to
be about 3,500. We regret to learn that among those re-
ported killed were the gallant Major-General Cleburne, of
Arkansas; General Granberry, of Texas; and General
Govan, of Arkansas. The account represents the battle as
a severe one, but the victory decided.
Our own correspondent at New York sends the follow•
log, dated 17th, 11 15 a.M.
Official despatches just received from Mr Stanton re-
port that Thomas gained a great victory over Hood yes-
terday, capturing about 3,000 prisoners and 60 cannon.
They add that Hood still made a stand, and the battle was
expected to be renewed to-day. Gold, 230."
The following despatch from Secretary Stanton,
reports the successful cooperation of Gen. Canby
with Sherman and Thomas, cutting Hood's commu•
nications with Mobile :
--- - - -

War Department, Washington, Dec. 16, 8 15 p.m.
Official despatches from Gen. Canby have been received
to-day, showing the complete success of an expedition sent
by him from Vicksburg to co-operate with General Sher-
man's operations and cut Hood's communications with
Mobile. General Canby also reports the probable success of
another expedition from Baton Rouge, under command of
General Davidson, the details and object of which it is not
proper now to disclose. When last heard from, Davidson
was reported as having caused quite a panic in Mobile, and
to be devastating the country generally. Lieut.-Col. Earl
commanding a special party, was severely wounded, and
fell into the hands of the enemy, at Fayette, Mississippi.
The despatch of General Canby, so far as is proper for pub-
lication, is subjoined :
" New Orleans, Lvui•iana, Dec. 9.

" On the 25th ult. I reported that movements co-opera-
tive with General Sherman's operations would be made
from Vicksburg and Baton Rouge for the purpose of cutting
Hood's communications with Mobile. The expedition sent
from Vicksburg, and consisting of about 2,000 cavalry and
eight pieces of artillery, under the command of E. D. Os-
band, of the 3d Coloured Cavalry, returned on the 4th haat ,
having met with a complete success. After an admirably
executed flank movement on Jackson on the 24th ult., the
expedition started for the Big Black Bridge, on the Missis-
sippi Central Railroad, which was reached on the 27th,
and, after a stubborn resistance, captured and destroyed it.
This cut Hood's army off from the large quantity of sup-
plies and stores accumulated at Jackson, Mississippi, and
makes that railroad, which was his main reliance, unavail-
able to hin4 for months to come, Besides this important

bridge and trestle work, the following property was com••
pletely destroyed :—Thirty miles of track, including cul
verts ; the waggon bridge over the Big Black, Vaughan,
Pickett, and Goodman stations, with all the railroad depots
and buildings ; 2,600 bales of cotton, two locomotives, four
cars, four stage coaches, 20 barrels of salt, and 166,000 dull.
worth of stores at Vaughan station, The expedition was
considerably harassed on its return by large bodies of the
enemy's forces, but suffired no material losses, and brought
back more recruits than its entire 10F43 in effectivo men.
Major J. B. Col, commanding the 3d Coloured Cavalry,
distinguished himself and his regiment greatly by the gal
lantry with which the force guarding the Big Black Bridge
were driven from behind their strong stockades on the op-
posite side of the river. Our men had to charge across the
bridge dismounted, with nothing but railroad ties for a
path, and in the face of a sharp fire. I have announced
Major Cuok in general orders as promoted to the vacant
lieutenant-c )loncicy of the regiment, subject to the approval
of the President.

" E. R. S. CANBY, Major-General,"
EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary at War.
To Major-General Dix, New York.
War Department, Washington, Dec. 16.

Another despatch announces important move-
ments in South. West Virginia, and the probable
capture of Saltville
The Richmond papers of to-day confirm the reported
capture of Bristol by an expedition supposed to be under
command of Stoneman and Burbridge ; also the surprise
and capture of the Glade Spring depot, on the railroad, 13
miles south of Abingdon,Virginia. The Richmond Dispatch
of today, after fully confirming the previous reports of the
,capture of Bristol, states that the enemy then advanced up
the railroad towards Abingdon, which we presume will fall
to their hands, though we have no information of the fact.
The next we hear of them they had, at 9 o'clock yesterday
morning, poured down on Glade Spring, a depot on the
railroad, 13 miles this side of Abingdon, taking every one
there by surprise and capturing all the railroad employes
except one, who managed to escape to tell the tale. At last
accounts the enemy was pushing up the railroad in the
direction of Marion, which is 27 miles on this side of
Abingdon. This is a raid in Breckinridge's rear, The
raiders, leaving his forces somewhere in the neighbourhood
of Knoxville, came upon the north side of the Holston river
and crossed over to Bristol. It is probable the raiders
separated, one party proceeded to Bristol, and the other to
Abingdon. If unchecked it is likely they will come up the
railroad even as far as Salem, and thence escape to the
Kanawho by the route followed by Bunter last summer.
It is unknown who is in command of this expedition, but it
looks very much like some of Stoneman's galloping work.
None of the despatches received say anything about Salt•
villa. If it is unprotected, it has doubtless been visited by
the enemy. If, however, there were any troops there, the
Yankees were apt to fight shy of it and confine their opera-
tions to the railroad. The Richmond Examiner has the
following
" At Glade Spring the enemy captured an engine and 14
fiats, with some railroad hands. On these a party of men
were mounted and sent up the road towards Marion, and a
despatch from the operator at that place on yesterday tells
us that they were at 2 o'clock within a mile of that place.
Their object is easily divined. It is to burn the bridge over
the Holston river and break the road, to prevent troops
from being sent down the line by steam to reinforce Salt-
ville. To Saltville the main body will undoubtedly go, and
in all humar probability has already gone. There are some
fortifications at Saltville and some reserves, whose numbers
we do not know. If these can check them by any sacrifice,
reinforcements will soon put the place out of danger. At
present it is certainly in great danger.

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

To Major General Dix, New York.

The subjoined despatches from Admiral Dahlgren
and Commander Preble give some interesting de.
tails of operations on the Caatleston and Savannah
Railroad previously reported
Washington, Dec. 15.

The Navy Department has received reports from Admiral
Dahlgren to Dec. 7, which contain some interesting details
of the operations on Broad river, and against the Charleston
and Savannah Railroad, which have already been reported.
On Wednesday, the 30th ult., the advance was made directly
upon and towards the railroad above Grahamsville. The
assault upon the work which barred the progress of the ad-
vancing columns and its result have been already reported.
A. brigade of sailors and marines from the fleet co-operated
in this advance, nd rendered good service with its boat
howiezers, as well as its musketry. On Sunday Gen. Fos-
ter, with a few tugs and 200 or 300 men, went into Wash
'Branch, ascended nearly to Port Itoyal Ferry ; captured- a
small work of two or three light pieces, the guard running
away, evidently surprised. At the same time the Admiral
passed to the head of Broad river and into the Coosahatehie,
whh the Pawnee and Sonoma, where a small work, with a
couple of small guns, was placed so as to bar the passage,
and the stream here was too winding and narrow to get
nearer than a couple of thousand et yards, and the rebels,
after firing a few shots, retired to the woods and let them
pound away. At the same time another column was
pushed out by General Hatch from his right, and the
Pontiac sent her boats up from Boyd's Landing. The
whole affair, however, was merely n reconnoissance, made
to appear like a demonstration, for the purpose of mislead-
ing the rebels and dividing their forces. The firing was
renewed the next, day, while a reconnoissance was made
of another stream, the Tulifinny, going in another direc-
tion, and, with the Coosahatchie, forming a peninsula or
island, over which the railroad passed by two bridges, at no
great distance from each other, where the ground was very
favourable for cutting the railroad. On Tuesday, the Gth
inst., gunboats and transports moved very easily up Broad
river, and reached the entrance of the Tulifinny about 8
o'clock a.m., and in consequence of the low tide the force
was obliged to land in boats. In the lead was a launch of
the boat division, under Acting-master E. G. Furber.
After landing the whole force moved quickly up the single
road that leads up between the rivers, the width of the
island being well adapted to the front of a small force, and
each flank covered by a stream. The rebels appeared to
have been completely deceived by the previous demonstra-
tions towards the Coosahatchie and its battery, and when
they perceived the real direction sent a force with all de-
spatch to dispute the landing, one of their regiments being
a veteran regular ; but they weregradually pushed back
towards the railroad. The rebel force gathered thickly upon
the front, when the blue jackets came up at a quick pace
with their howitzers and opened fire, when the rebels gave
way, still falling back before our men. By evening a report
came that the country bridge had been destroyed—a very
important result, as only a little farther on are the railroad
and bridges. As the report was being prepared matters
were reported going on favourably, the sound of the howit-
zers and musketry being lively. Commander Preble reports
to Admiral Dahlgren, under date Dec. 7, as follows :
" Yesterday, after landing, we dragged the howitzers
through the swampy ground and hurried them forward with
the marine battalion. The sailor infantry landed above with
the army and advanced with it. As we hurried on we heard
sharp filing of musketry in the advance, and hurried up to
reach the field just as the rebels had been driven from it
with a loss, Our sailor infantry fought well, and had 13 or
15 wounded out of 110. As soon as the howitzers came up
one was placed in the road, and scattered an attacking
column, while the other piece shelled the woods to the left.
The marines skirmished through the woods, and there was
more or less firing until night. The rebels had a battery on
the left, and they played upon us down the cross roads, and
another on the right of the same road. A regiment of infan-
try was sent by Gen. Porter to the right, which destroyed a
bridge and prevented the rebels flanking us. The rebels ap-
peared to be in good force, and to receive continual rein.
foreements. We drove the enemy and encamped on the field
of battle. This morning the firing was renewed by the
enemy from the woods in front and on the right. Our
howitzers shelled the woods to the right and prevented the
enemy from closing on us in that direction. Sharpshooters
were in the trees in front when the firing had ceased in a
measure, and four pieces were withdrawn as a reserve to the
rear to occupy the position we are now intrenching.'lwo
heavy howitzers are still at the front for the night. under
Lieut. Hayward. I have been in battle or on the move all
day, and it has been raining hard."