The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1864-12-22
Z. NJ STANTON,
Secretary of War.
LATER.
WAR DEPARTMENT,

tISH. DhC - he loliDWfilS OinClal report
Of the great victory achieved yesterday by
Gen. Thomas aud his gallant army over the
rebel forces under Gen. Hood. i'll front of
Nashville, was received this morning:
One of the most surprising circumstances
connected with the great achievement. is
the small loss suffered by our troops evinc-
ing among other things, the admirable skill
and caution of General Thomas in his dis
position of the battle. In our rejoicing at
the defeat of the enemy thanks are due to
the Almighty for his protection to our gal
liant officers and soldiers in the great conflict
they have passed through. The report of
General Thomas and also an unofficial re
port containing interesting details are sub
joined.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OuaHERL4Np I
MILES FROM NASHVILLE, A. No Dec. l6. (
To the President Of the United States, Hon.
E. Al. Stanton and LII. General Grant,
This army thanks you for your approba-
ton of its conduct yesterday, and to assure
you that it is not misplaced, | have the hon
or to 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, OH the right turn
ed the enemy's left and captured ID large
number of prisoners, the number not yet re
ported. Maj. Gen. Scho6eld next on the
left of the cavalry, carried several hills and
captured many prisoners, and six pieces of
artillery.
Brevet Major General Smith, next on the
left of Major General SchoteId. carried the
salient point f'the enemy's line with Nc
Melons brigade of McArthur's division,
16 pieces of artillery, 2 Brigadier Generals
and 1000 prisoners Brig Gen. Garrard's
division of Smiths command next on the
left of McArthur's division. carried the enc
my's entertainments capturing the artillery
and troops of the enemy on the line. Brig
Gen. Woods troops on the Franklin pike
took up the assault, capturing the enemy 8
entertainments and in his retreat also cap
tured pieces of artillery, something over
600 prisoners ana drove the enemy within
one mile of Brentwood Hill
Major General Stednlan commanding de-
tachnerts Of the different armies Of the mil
itdry divisions of Mississippi, most nobIy
supported Gen Woods left aud bore most
honorable part IN the operations of the day.
have ordered the pursuit to he continued
. in the morning at daylight, although the
troops are very much fatiSued. The utmost
enthusiasm prevails
must not forget to report the operation
of Brig General Johnson in successfully
driving the enemy. with the GO operation Of
the gun boats under Com Fitch from their
established batteries on the Cumberland
river below the city of Nashville and of
the SUCCESS Of Brig, General Caxtons Brig
AIDE, in covering our right and rear
| I'm tln of Inv - IA
although have no report of the number 81
prisoners captured by johnson and Caxtun &
commands, know they have large mum
Der,
am also glad to he able to state that
| the number of prisoners captured greatly ex-
ceeds the number reported by telegraph last
evening.
The woods fields and entertainments are
strewu With the enemies small arms, aban.
aohed III the retreat
: In conclusion, am happy to state that
all this has been effected with but a very
small less to us Our loss probably does
not exceed 5000 and a very few killed.
(Sigued) GEO II Thomas.
Maj Gen. Com'dg.
NASHVILLE, Dec 16th-Dnring last night
Hood Withdrew his right from the river and
took position covering HiIlsboro, Granny
| Whites and Franklin Pixies which had been
carefully prepared for contingency. He
was driven from the first line easily. but the
second was stubbarnly defended. After
three assaults he succeeded.
1t was carried however, and 20 pieces Of
artillery, 205 men, including Gen. jackson
with the remnant of his division we're taken
The enemy was forced back two miles
and ms army broken into two parts one on
Whites pike and the other on the Franklin
with the range Of hlutfy hills between them
Steduen aud Wood pressing down the lat
ter. A. j. Smith, Schofeld and their caval
~ down the former.
Hood cannot make another such DAYS
fight while Thomas is in good condition t.
press him Every body white and black
did splendidly.
| (Signed) E. NJ STANTON.
Secretary of War.