The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-12-23
Hood Utterly Defeated SIS. twenty
Pieces OF Artillery Captured and a
Large Number of PrisOners...Our
Loss Exceedingly Small.

FROM SECRETARY STANTON TO GEN. DIX.
WAsuINeroN, Dec. 1880 A. n.
To HdioT- General Die:
The following official report OF the great
victory achieved yesterday by General
Thomas and his gallant army over the
rebel forces under General Hood in front
Of Nashville was received this morning.
One of the most surprising circumstan-
ces connected with the great achievement
is the small loss suffered by our troops.
Among other things, this is due to the ad-
mirable skill and caution of Gen. Thomas
in the disposition of the battle.
In our rejoicing at the defeat of the enc
my, thanks are due to the Almighty for his
protection to our gallant officers and SOL
diers in the great conflict they have passed
through.
The report of Gen. Thomas, and also an
unofficial report, containing interesting de-
tails, are subjoined:
HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF THE CUh-)
BkLAND, miles from Nashville,
December 1916, F. n.
To tie President Of the United States. T. n.
St0saton and Lsxet Gen. Grant:
This army thanks you for your approba-
of its conduct of yesterday, and to assure
you that it is not misplaced, have the
honor to report that the enemy has been
pressed at all points to-day on bis line Of
retreat on the Bentewood Hills.
Brig. Gen. Hatch, of Wilson's cavalry
corps, on the right turned the enemy 3
left and captured large number of pris-
oners. The number is not yet reported.
Gen. Scho6eld's corps next on the left
Of cavalry, carried several hills, capturing
many prisoners and six pieces of artillery.
Gen. Smith, next on the left of General
Schofeld, carried the salient point of the
enemy's line, with McManns brigade of
McArthur's division, capturing sixteen
pieces OF artillery, two Brigadier Generals,
and about two thousand prisoners.
Brieadier General Garrard's division Of
Arthur's division, carried the enemy's en-
trenchments, capturing all the artillery
and troops of the enemy on the line.
Brigadier General Woods troops on the
Frankfort Pike took up the assault, cap
turing the enemyis entertainments in his
retreat, also capturing eight pieces Of ar
tillery, something over 600 prisoners and
drove the enemy within one mile Of the
Brentwood Hill Pass.
Maj. Gen. Steadman, commanding de-
tachment of the different armies Of the
Mississippi, most nobly supported General
Woods left, and bore a most honorable
part in the operations of the day.
have ordered the pursuit to be contin-
ued in the morning at daylight. Although
the troops are very much fatigued, the ut
most enthusiasm prevails. IT,
must not forget to report the opera
tions of Brig. Gen. johnson, in successful
ly driving the enemy, with the co-opera-
ton of the gunboats under the command
of Fitch, from their established batteries
on the Cumberland River below the city
of Nashville, and of the success of Brig
Gen. Cations brigade in covering our
right and rear in the operations of. yester-
day and to-day.
Although l have no report of the num-
Der of prisoners captured by Johnson and
Cations commands, I know they have
taken large number. d.
lam also glad to report that the num-
Der of prisoners captured Yesterday ex-
ceeded tue number telegraphed LAST
evening. z
The woods, fislds and entrenchments