Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1863-01-09

In front of Murfreesboro', January 3.
via NASHVILLE, January 4th.
10 ~ W. Haleok, General in Chief:
On the 26th Dec, we marched from Nashville
10 three columns. Gen. McCoOk by the Nolans-
vile Pike, Gen. Thomas from his encampment
on Franklin Pike, via Wilson Pike, aud Gen.
Crittenden on the main Murfreesboro Pike
Our left and center met with strong resistance,
such as the nature Of the country permits. The
rolling or hilly routes, skrted by cedar thickets
and farms, interspersed by small streams with
rocky bluff banks forming serious obstacles.
Gen. McCook drove Gen. Hardeo's corps a
mile and half from Noansville, and occupied
the place. General Criuenden reached within a
mile and half Of Lavergne. General Thomas
reached Wilson pike, meeting with no serious
opposition. On the 9th General McCook drove
Gen. Hardee from Nolsnsville, and pushed re-
kconnoitering di jision six miles towards Shelby
vile, which found that Gen. Hardee had retreat
ed towards MurfreesborO' General Crittenden
fought and drove the enemy before him, occupy
ing the line Of Stewards Greek, aud capturing
some prisoners, with slight loss.
Gen. Thomas occupied the vicinity Of Nolans-
vile, where he was partially surprised, thrown
into confusion and driven back Gen. Sheri-
dams division had repulsed the enemy four
times and protected the flank Of the center,
which not only held its own but advanced until
this untoward event, which compelled him TO
retain the left wing to support the right until
il should be rallied and assume new position.
On the LIST the rebels opened by an attack on
us and were again repulsed.
On the 2nd there was skirrnishing along the
front with threats of an attack, until three
Io'clock p. NJ. when the enemy advanced. /
threw a small division across Stones river TO
occupy the commanding ground there
| While accommodating the ground occupied by
this division which had no artillery. / saw a
heavy force coming from the woods and advance
ing in limo of battle, three lines deep. They
drove our little division before them, after a
sharp contest in which we lost 20 or so killed
and 375 wounded. They were finally repulsed
by Gen. Negley's division and the remaining
troops ofthe left wing of Gen. Morton's pioneer
brigade, and fled far over the field and beyond
their entertainments their officers rallying them
with the greatest difficulty. We occupied the
ground with the left wing last night. The lines
were complete at o'clock in the morning.
The Sd was spent in bringing up and distrib-
uting provisions and ammunitons. II has been
raining all day, and the ground is very heavy
W. s. ROSECRANS,
Major General Commanding.
CAMP NEAR MURFREEsBoRo Jan. 4.
10 II. w. HdiIcck, Genera!-in- Chief:
Following my dispatch of last evening, l have
10 announce the enemy in full retreat.
They left last night. The rain having raised
the river and the bridge across it between the
IleIt wing ana center DeinR incomplete, lueeueu
it prudent to withdraw that wing during the
might. This occupied my time until O'Clock
and much fatigued the troops.
The announcement of the retreat was known
TO me at o'clock this a. NJ Our ammunition
train arrived during the night. To-day was
occupied in distributing ammunition, buryine
the dead and collecting arms from the battle
field.
Pursuit was commenced by the center, the
second leading brigade arriving at the west
side of Stones river this evening. The railroad
bridge was saved, but in what condition is moi
known.
We shall occupy the town and push the pur.
suit to- morrow.
1 Our medical director estimates the wounded
in the hospital at $500 and our dead at 1000.
We have to deplore the loss of Lieut.. Colonel
Garesce, whose capacity and gentlemanly de.
I pertinent had already endeared him to all the
officers of this command and whose gallaDtry
on the field of battle excited the admiration Of
all. W. S. ROSECRANS,
Major General Commanding.
New York, Jan. 5.-The Times has the fol
lowing despatch dated Nashville 5th:
Il From persons arriving from the battlefield,
learn that on Saturday night during the storm
the rebels attacked our men in their rifle pits
along the whole line. There was heavy fighting
in the centre. We drove the enemy across
Stone river. The 77th Penn. first carried the
point On Sunday morning Stanely's brigad,
entered Murfreesboro. The town is injured by
shells.
Gen. Sill's body was at the Court House,
The rebels buried their own dead and eur of
fcers.
There has been great loss of Confederate life
We lost about $500 killed and wounded, anC
about 5000 prisoners. The enemy retreated t.
Tulahoma. Our forces are terribly scattered
Out of l36 Oolonels engaged, we lost 10 killed
Headquarters Dept of the Cumberland,
january S, 1863.
To H. W. Halleok Ge,,cral-in-C Chief:
! We have fought one of the greatest battles o
J the war and are victorious. Our entire sue
} cess on the 3lst was prevented by surprise o
the right flank, but we have nevertheless, beater
the enemy, after three days fight
/ They fled with great precipitation on Satur
day night. The last of their columns of cayal
ry left this morning
Their loss has been very heavy Gems Rain
and Hanson are killed; Gems. Dodson Adam
t and Breckenridge are wounded.
W. S. ROSECRANS,
Major General Commanding.
The foowingiss special dispatch to a morning paper
Murfreesboro, Jan. 8. via Nashville 6.-The enem
evacuated in haste during Saturday night reporte
that they terribly demoralzed from losses. The
Infantry cavalry force also followed TO- day wiz
Spears LIST Tennessee brigade attacked and dsperse
i their rear guard ofcavalry.
hundred Thursday 100 Friday, and 900
Saturday night including the wounded and captured.
We have 1,5OO of them prisoners, two colOnels an
The bodies of Brigadier Gems Rains and Hanson ar
here.
The famous LIST Louisiana regiment was destroyed.
Our own losses In all the engagements were LOO killed
abOu. 600 wounded and several Thousand prisoners
duty The army considerably deprecated by strae
gIes including number ofocers who will be disgrace
fully dismissed; several for deserton Col Moody, TAT
lOhio, wounded and a prisoner.