The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1862-12-14
LATE NEW s.

HEADQUARTERS Army OF THE PoToMAcl
Fridav. Dec. ~. 1Oo'clock- p. M.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PoToMAcl
Friday, Dec II, 10o'clOck, p. NJ { g
After occupying the river front Of the
city, last night we lost about one hum
dred men in killed and wounded while
driving the rebels through the city, they
firing upon our men as they advanced
through the streets, the rebels being Sc
creted In and behind houses. Not much
mercy was shown TO those who were
caught. Ibis morning dense fog hid
everything from view, but now it is prac-
tically cleared away.
The troops commenced moving at an
early hour, Major General Summers
grand division leading the way, over in
front of the city, TO be followed by Maj
Gen. Rockers grand division. General
Franklin's grand division, which is cross
ing nearly three miles below the city, is
neatly over. At quarter past 0 the
first gum was fired, the engagement last
ing about half an hour the rebels not
making very spirited reply. 1t is
thought the troops with all be over at
noon.
Information reached here during the
night and this morning from deserters
and prisoners shows that the rebels have
two strong lines of batteries in the rear
of the city--the first one being one mile
back and the second q mile from the
first.
The whole army is in rapid motion
and we'll concentrated. The troops are
in excellent spirits and anxious to be led
on the enemy's works. The enemy has
concentrated his forces and it is be-
lieved will give battle. Much will de-
pend on the result of to-day. All feel
sanguine of success.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PoToMAo,l
\ December II, p. M
| ( AT ten o'clock this morning the fog be-
gan to clear away, but before eleven
O'clock the air was again thick, which
continued until two O'clock, when it en-
tirely disappeared.
At quarter past two the rebels OPEN
ed with all their guns, posted on the first
ridge of hills. The main fire was di-
rected upon the city, which was filed
with our troops. Those guns which
were posted on the left of the ridge were
opened on the large body of troops which
crossed on the two lower bridges and
had formed in line of battle and were
moving obliquely down the river, 'front.'
ing the Massaponix.
Although several of their shells explo-
ded over our troops, none were injured
General Bayard's cavalry, which crossed
on the lower bridge, had five men killed
while endeavoring to ascertain the enc
my's position.
The troops which crossed below are
sleeping on their arms tonight, the adj
vance being within three quarters of a
mile of Massaponix creek their left rest
ing on the Rappahannock. The enemy
occupies the opposite side Of the creek in
force. The guns posted on the bank this
eide of the river silenced the enemy's ar
tillery. After duel of half an hour
they ended the firing for the day.
The only damage done by the rebel
shells thrown into the city was to add so
much to its destruction. Twenty five of
our men were killed last night in the
streets while driving the rebels out,
Nearly every house in the city has been
damaged more or less by the firing of the
past few days. Several spendid resi-
} dences haye'been completely riddled, as
also all the churches. The fire appeared
to be directed on the most prominent Of
the edifces. Several cases of wanton
destruction Of property by our troops oc-
Cured when they entered. Property
which could be Of no use TO the enemy
remained in many of the houses.
Some of our troops mistook the British
flag for secesh, and tore it FROM The
: residence of the British Consul This
morning the owner came to recover it,
and il was returned TO him.
The main body of the army is now
! over the river and the balance are being
placed in position TO cross at any time
There is no indication Of the enemy
evaeuating. If they remain, a battle
0 must Immediately ensue.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 12.-0ficial infor
nation just communicated warrants tn
assertion that the French Government
hos M idaa IF Yarnaaoufinn ann fpriha