Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1864-12-23
Number 2.
f. NJ. STANTON.
[Signedl
WAR DEPARTMENT,

w AR OEPAREAENTs
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1855 4. NJ.
To MGjor- General Die:
The following official report of great vic
tory achieved yesterday by General Thomas
and his gallant forces, over the rebel forces un-
der Hood, in front of Nashville. was received
this morning.
One of the most surprising circumstances
| connected with the achievement is the small
| loss suffered by our troops, evincing, among
other things, the admirable skill and caution
of General Thomas in the disposition of the
battle.
In our rejoicings at the defeat of the enemy.
thanks are due to the Almighty for his pro-
lection to our gallant officers and soldiers in
tho great conflict they have passed through.
The report of Gen. Thomas, and also an
unofficial report, containing interesting details,
are snbjoined:
HEADQ'Rs DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND,
8 Miles from NashviIle-6 p. NJ. Dec Is.
To the President of the United States,
Hon. Z! III. Stanton, and Lieut.. Gen.
Grant:
This army thanks you for your appreciation
of its conduct yesterday, and TO assure you
that it is not misplaced, 1 have the honor 20
report that the enemy has been pressed at all
points to-day on his line of retreat to the
Brentwood Hills
Brig. Gen. Hatch, of Wilson's corps of
cavalry, on the right, turned The enemys left
and captured a large number of prisoners
The number is not yet reported.
Maj. Gen, Schofeld's corps, next on the left
g %ba 4 I
many prisoners, and six pieces of artillery
Brevet Maj, Gen. Smith, next on the left of
Maj. Gen. Schofed, carried the salient point
of the enemy's line with McNillan's brigade of
MeArthur's division, capturing I6 pieces OF ar
tiuery, two Brigadier Generals, and about q
900 prisoners.
Brigadier General Garrard's division of
Smiths command was next on the left of Nc
Artbur's division, and carried the enemys en-
trenchnents, capturing all the artillery and
troops of the enemy on the line.
Brigader-Geueral Woods troops, on the
Franklin pike, took up the assault, capturing
the enemy's entertainments, and in his retreat
also captured eight pieces of artillery and some
thing over GEO prisoners, and drove the enemy
within one mile of the Brentwood Hill Pass.
Maj-General Steedman, commanding detach-
ments of different armies of the military di-
visions of the Mississippi, most nobly support
ed General Woods left, aud bore a most hon
orable part in the operations OF the day.
have ordered the pursuit to be continued
in the morning at daylight, although the troops
are very much fatigued.
The utmest enthusiasm prevails / must
not forget to report the operations of Briga-
dier General johnson in successfully driving
the enemy, with the cooperation of gunboats,
under Lieutenant Commander Fitch, from their
established batteries on the Cumberland river,
below the city Of Nashville, aud OF the success
of Brigadier General Croxtans brigade in Gov
eriDg and returning our right and rear In
the operations of yesterday and to-day, al
though have no report Of the number of pris-
oners captured by johnson and Crexton's com
mands, know they have made large num-
ber
l am also glad to be able to state that the
number of prisoners captured yesterday great
ly exceeds the number reported by telegraph
last evening.
Tbs woods, fields and entrenchments are
strewn with the enemy's small arms, abandon
ed in the retreat In conclusion, am happy
to state that all this has been effected with but
u very small loas to u.s.
Our loss probably does not exceed 5000
and very few killed.
lSignedl GEO. II. THOMAS,