Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1864-12-23

WAR DEPARTMENT, Dec. II,
IN u M

~ Ucn. DtL
Dispatches have been received to day from
Gen. Foster, who had a personal interview OF
the morning Of Wednesday the 18th inst.
with Gen. Sherman at Fort McAllister, which
had been taken by assault on the precedin,
day.
Savannah was closely besieged, and Il,
capture with the rebel forces there was conf
IDENTITY expected. Its surrender was to be de-
msnded in two days. and IL not surrendered
Sherman would open his batteries upon it,
Gen. Foster reports that Sherman's arm,
Is in splendid condition, having lived on it,
march on the turkies, chickens, meats, pota
toes, and other good things OF the riches
part OF Georgia. Nothing has been hearc
from Gen. Thomas to-day.
Unofficial dispatches state that the Provost
Marshal at Nashville reports 5000 prisoners
and 40 pieces of artillery as being already Sc.
cured. 1t Is ascertained that in transmitting
Gen. Thomas report last night, telegraphic
mistake was made at Louisville or Nashville
IN estimating the number Of our Casualties.
The dispatch written by Gen. Thomas stated
that bis whole loss would not exceed 5000,
and that very few were killed.
despatch from Lexington this morning
states that on the 18th inst, at Kinsport.
Tenn, Gen. Burbridge had a fgh. with BAIL
Dukes brigade. formerly Morgan's, and rout-
ed 1t with loss to the enemy Of one hundred
and fifty killed, wourded and prisoners, and
their tram. Dick Morgan, brother Of John,
was captured.
LATER. Dec. 1873 p. NJ An official
dispatch from Gen. Sherman was received to-
day, dated Near midnight, Dec. 18Th, on
the gunboat Dandelon, Ossabaw Sound. -
was xyrff kafo
ed him. He reports the following interest
ing particulars of his operations:
Gen. Hazen's division of the 18th corps
carried Fort McAllister by assault, capturing
its entire garrison and stores This opened
the Ossabaw Sound, and l pulled down to
to this gunboat to communicate with the
Meet Before opening communication we had
completely destroyed all the roads leading
into Savannah, and invested the city. The
left is on the Savannah river, three miles
above the city, and the right on the Ogeeche
at kingsbridge. The army is in splendid or
der and equal to anything. Our march was
most agreeable, and was not at all molested
by guerrillas. We reached Savannah three
days ago. but owing to Fort McAllis,er we
could not communicate, but now we have
McAllister and can go ahead. We have al
er, and prevented their gunboats rom COM
ing down. estimate the population of Sa-
vannsh at 1000 and the garrison at Is, 600.
Gen. Hardee commands.
we have not lost wagon on the trip, bu,
nave gathered in large supply of negroesr
mules, horses, &C., and our teams are in fat
better condition than when we started. NY
first duty will be to clear the army of surplus
mi nd {
destroyed over 200 miles of rals and con- |
sumed stores and provisions that were essen
tisl to Hoods and Lees armies. The quick
work made with McAllister and the opening
of communication with our feet and conse-
quent independence for supplies, dissipate all
their boasted threats to head off and starve
the army. regard Savannah as already
gained. W. T. SIBERIAN. Mai. Gen.
The following official report was received
this evening from Gen. Thomas dated at his
headquarters near Franklin:
Headquarters Dept. Cumberland near
Franklin. Dec. ia report Just received
from Maj. Gen Wilson states tina. at 8 P. M.
to-day he attacked and dispersed Stevenson's
division OF rebel infantry and brigade Of
cavalry, capturing three guns. The 4th u.
handsomely supported by Knaps division Of
cavalry. did the work, making several beau
tlful charges. breaking the rebel infantry in
all directions. Had 1t only been light the
rebel rear guard would have been entirely de-
stroyed, as IL is 1t has been severely punish
ed. This attack was made six miles beyond
Franklin.
GEO. H. THOMAS,
Majo- General.
Headquarters Dept. Cumberland, near
Franklin. Tenn, Dec. II. s P. M-We have
pursued the enemy to-day beyond Franklin,
capturing his hospitals containing over 1900
and about $50 of our wounded in addition.
Our cavalry drove the enemy's rear guard
through Franklin to-day, capturing about
2f0 prisoners, five battle flags, with very lit
tie loss on our side Citizens of Franklin
represent Hoods army as completely demon
allied. In addition to the capture of yester-
day, reported in my dispatch of last night,
have the honor to report the capture of Gen.
Rucker, and about $50 prisoners of the enc
my's cavalry in fight that occurred about 9
O'Clock last night between Gen. Rucker and
Gen. Hatch of our cavalry. The enemy has
been pressed to-day both in front and on
both TANKS. Brig. Gen. johnson succeeded
n striking him in the flank just beyond Frank
lin. capturing quite number of prisoners
number not yet reported. My cavalry is press
ing him closely, and am very much in hopes
OF getting many more prisoners tomorrow.
(signed) GEO. H. THOMAS,
Major General.
Other dispatches unofficial from Nashville
state that 1000 prisoners were captured by
Wilson, and that Gen. Rousseau. command
ing at Murfreesboro, reports that Forrest is
killed and 1900 Of his men captured.
Thomas is pushing on after Hood.
(signed) 4. NJ. STANTON, secy of War.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, Dec. 1919 p. M.
To Maj. Gen. Dir:
The following report of his operations on
yesterday has been received from Mai. Gen.
Thomas
Headquarters Dep. Of the Cumberland
Near Spring Hiu Dec. IS.
The enemy have been vigorously pursued
to-day. but has studiously avoided any al
tack by my troops. have succeeded in
taking few prisoners. some 200 or 500, but
our captures are light in comparison with The
masses Of the past three days. The pursuit
will be continued in the morning at as early