Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1863-01-06
RFpORT OF GEN. ROsRCRANs,
HEADQUARTERS 14TH ARMY CoRPs, "
In FRONT OF MURRREEsBORo', Jan. 8,


In FRONT OF MURRREEsBORo', Jan. 8,
ria NASHVILLE, Jan. 4.
To H. w. Halleck: On the 26th Dec, we
marched from Nashvillein three columns.
Gen. McCook by the Nolansville Pike, Gen.
Thomas from his encampment on Franklin
Pike, via Wilson Pike, and Gen. Crittenden
on the main Murfreesboro' Pike. Ourleft
and center met with strong resistance,
snch as the nature Of the country permits.
The rolling or billy routes, skirted by
cedar thiekets and farms, interspersed by
small streams with rocky bluff banks,
forming serious obstacles.
General McCOok drove General Hardee's
corps a mile and a half from Nolansyille,
and occupied the place. General Critten-
den reached within mile and half of
LaYergne. General Thomas reached Will
son pike, meeting with no serious opposi-
tion. On the 9th General McCook drove
General Hardee from Nolansville, and
pushed q reconnoitering division six miles
towards Shelbyville, which found that
General Hardee had retreated towards
Murfreesboro'. General Crittenden fought
and drove the enemy before him, occupy
ing the line of Stewards Greek, and cap
turing some prisoners, with slight loss.
Gen. Thomas occupied the vicinity Of
Nolansville, where he was partially sur
prised thrown into confusion and driven
back. Gen. Sheridan's division had repuls-
ed the enemy four times aud 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 it
should be rallied and assume a new posi-
ton
On the 1st the rebels opened by an at
tack on us and were again repulsed.
On Ine "a tnere was skirmlshing along
the front with threats of an attack, until
tl-AA- -e1Alaak p N when the enemv sd-
vanced. threw small dIVIsIUu 8UrUss
Stones river to oscupy the commanding
ground there.
While recOnnoitering the ground occu-
pied by this division, which had no artil-
lery, l saw a heavy force coming from the
woods and advancing in line Of battle,
three lines deep. They drove our little di-
vision before them, after a sharp contest,
in which we lost 20 or so killed and 3T5
wounded. They were finally repulsed by
General Negley's division and the remain
ing troops of the left wing of General Nor
toms pioneer brigade, and fed far over the
field and beyond their entrenehments,
their officers rallying them with great diff
iculty. We occupied the ground with the
left wing last night. The lines were com
plete at 4 o'clock in the morning.
The Sd was spent in bringing up and
distributing provisions and ammunitions.
1t has been raining ali day, and the ground
is very heavy.
CAMP NEAR MURFREEsBoRo', Jan. 4.
To Major General Halleck Following
my dispatch of last evening, 1 have to an
nounce the enemy in full retreat.
They left last night. The rain having
raised the river and the bridge across it,
between the left wing and center being
incomplete, l deemed it prudent to with
draw that wing during the night. This
occupied my time until o'clock and much
fatigued the troops.
The announcement of the retreat was
known to me at 9 o'clock this A. N. Our
ammunition train arrived during the
night. To-day was occupied in distribu-
ting ammunition, burying the dead and
collecting arms from the Lattle field.
Pursuit was commenced by the center,
the second leading brigades arriving al
the west side of Stones river this evening
The railroad bridge was saved, but in what
condition is not known.
We shall occupy the town and push the
pursuit tomorrow.
Our medical director estimates tbs
wounded in the hospital at $500 and oul
dead at 1000.
We have to'deplore the loss of Lieut.. Col
Garesce, whose capacity and gentleman,
| ly department had alredy endeared hin
to all the officers of this command, anC
whose gallantry on the field of BATH,
excited the admiration Of all.