The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1864-12-14

~ were encountered and driven back to
where the Weldon road crosses the Nottowa.
About noon asmall force Of the enemy made
a dash in between our cavalry and the a6-
vance Of the infantry, but were soon routed
with slight loss on both sides. Here a cav
airy man was found evidently murdered,
and stripped of even his boets. The ad-
vance then commenced the destruction Of
the railroad, by burning the bridge across
the Nostowsy, and continued TO JsFrstt's
Station, bivoucking at that plaes on Thurs
day night. Friday morning an early starr
was made and in the afternoon the advance
reached point near Hicksford where the
enemy were found to be in some force and
having q battery IN position with strong
works on both sides Of the Meharren river,
after the position had been examined an at
tack was deemed imPractieable On account
Of the strength Of the works and difficulty
ofspprOaching them, particularly with ar
tillery.
twas determined to carry line OF works
on this side, and destroy the depot, which
was successfully done. During this charge
Colonel Sargent, First Massachusetts, is said
to have been killed
Troops were seen moving into position at
this point, as though they had Just arrived,
and the fire from the Rebel batteries soon
after showed thatthey had been reinforced.
1t now got dark and began showing and
freezing. The troops camped in the vicinity
for the night, and in the morning started on
their return, reaching Sussex Court House,
and hating there Saturday night.
The Rebel cavalry and q small body Of
their infantry followed, and endeavored to
annoy our rear guard, but each time they
were driven back with loss.
This ! P. NJ, the Holloway river was
reached, and the entire command crossed
in safety, where they found part of the eth
Corps, who had started to their aid in case
of an engagement.
Tomorrow they will all be back in their
position in front of Petersburg.
LOUISVILLE, Dec. 1S.-Capt. Bridgesater.
with 125 men went into Newcastle, and
drove out Jesse, with loss to the latter of
fifteen killed and wounded. Bridgewater
chased them through Port Royal, and was
only three minutes behind them at That
place. It is thought the rebels would be
captured by Bridgewater's forces.
Col. johnson telegrsphs that the rebel
Gen. Lyons advance is moving on RUSSELL
vile. His main force, $500 strong is at
Elkton.
NEW YORK, Dec. I3.-Gold has been dull
during the morning at sS1<a2 SAY. The
bulls attempted to break the monotony by
a runner that Butler had been defeated, but
the effect of the rumor was hardly felt.
This afternoon the market was weaker and
gold declined X.
NEw YoRK, Dec. lS.-The Commercials
Washington Dispatch says of Gen. War
ren's expedition, and the destruction in
hicted on the Weldon railroad, that there is
no doubt the loss of this important road is
great Inconvenience TO Lee, and may posi-
bly, lead to the evacuation of Petersburg
He is now dependent apon the south line
railroad for supplies.
The Posts Washington special says Cen.
Banks testified in the Virginia election
case to-day, saying that the election was
fair, and voters generally participated,
Admiral Farragut's flag ship, with the
on board, arrived in the Lower
Bay this morning, and subsequently came
up to the city and was saluted.
The following important official dispatch
has been received by Gen. Dix:
To Major General Dix:-RichmOnd pc
pers of yesterday report Sherman at Wyo-
19 miles from Savannah, on Sat
urday. He is reported in this mornings
Richmond papers, as will be seen by the
following from Gen. Grant, to be in line OF
battle not miles from Savannah
CITY PoIxT, Dec. 13.-Hon. E. NJ. Stanton:
Richmond papers Of to-day say Sherman is
near Savannah, probably not FIVE miles dis
tant. He has not made an attack.
1t is still doubtful whether he will do 20
or make for the coast south east of the city.
1t is very certain he has lot opened COM
munications with the coast though he may
do 50 very soon.
LATER.-A telegram from below Charles
ton states that Sherman was in line of bat
tie, we will not say where, confronted by
strong Confederate force. Another paper
states there has been no direct communities
tion with Savannah for several days but we
appreheAd the wires have been cut between
that place and Charleston.
lsignedl U. s. GRANT.
EDWIN NJ. STAEToS,
Co. g W.