The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1864-12-16

tney mao more eApOseo POSITION, anu
in their front the rebel works we're
stronger than elsewhere; but at all
points the work was sufficiently dill
cult and dangerous
The men moved steadily forward,
however, under a shower of grape, can
mister and musketry, which, but for the
fact that it nearly all passed over our
mems heads would have been terrific
Some Of our men we're shot down, but
the casualties were less than was to
have been expected; but my obserya-
ton has convinced me that charge
up hill, is less dangerous than one
across level field; as the shot, in the
former case, is nearly al too high.
When within about a hundred and
fifty yards Of the rebel works, the fire
they encountered was severest; but
there was no turning back-and only
a momentary halt; general shout was
then raised, and our long lines, closing
up from the HiIlsboro pike, came full
in view, and again all pushed forward.
Our men were now almost immeA
diately up to the intrenchments; the
distance yet TO be passed did not ex.
coed fifty yards; our boys were shout
ing, and reinforcements were coming
up at the double quick Still the reb-
els did not appearsdisposed to yield
to give back, and they poured forth
volley after volley, that was truly deaf
ening, Twenty FIVE yards Of the space
was now gained and a few Of our
bravest boys had reached the works
and were applying the bayonet, and
others we're rushing up, when here ana
there a rebel could be seen flying TO
the rear, then more, and yet more;
until ali broke, and fed in the widest
cof5dsion Four twelve pound Napo-
leon guns had been posted on the
highest point of the hill these the
artillerists tried to save, but only suJ
ceeded in getting one off the field. The
other three, and two caissons, fell in
10 cur hands, together with large
number Of small arms
We here captured about four hun
dred prisoners, who we're at once sent
to the rear They were a hardy look
ing set of fellows, but were badly Of
for shoes, and overcoals. Otherwise,
they had comfortable clothing
l conyersed with number of them,
and they all stated that Hood and
Stewart had both visited the battery
just before the charge, and appeared
highly pleased with the prospect ofan
easy repulse of the Yankees.
Our loss in this charge, did not ex-
coed hundred and that Of the enc
my, in killed and wounded, was about 1
the same
Simultaneously with the capture OF
this fort, which proved to be a very |
strong one, Smith and Scho6eld, and 1
our cavalry, advanced to the south of /
the Hillsboro pike, at least half mile,
one entire battery. This
made eighteen guns, in all, captured;
while from six to ten battle flags were
picked up. The whole number of pri
soners captured, throughout the day,
was about 200; while we did not lose
over 800, altogether, in killed and
prisoner being taken.
The 18th Ohio, of Col. Straights bril-
yade, commanded by Col Frank Askew,
captured Eve guns on the extreme left, |
near McCeedy's house, on the Granny
White pike.
Weregret that in this hurried sketch
We have not done justice TO all our
rave officers and men; all deserve the
highest praise; there was no faltering
mo struggling = The spirit which per
AIDED our mon was scarcely ever be
ore equalled; one old veteran actually
ried, that night had come on, and he
ould not join in another charge.
refrain from giving the position OF
ur troops, at nightfall, as the enemy
nay stand again to-day, and I do not. {
esire to give them any information
hough it is highly probable that they
re pretty well aware of the position OF
ur men, having JsA their approaches i
We are unable to pArticularize, as to
len who distinguished themselves,
lore than others, il there were any
ich, in battle where every man was
hero.
Our gunboats were Smelling the rebels |
i the morning, til the flank move
tent drove them away from the river
All have learned relative TO move 5
ents in Steedman's commsnd, was,
lat the Ilth, 18th, 18th, l4th, 18th,
i'd lllth eolored regiments made /
large on Rains bluf, near the No '
nsville pike, and utterly routed the
bel line Our troops behaved splen-
dly, and lost severely. Col. Skaters
giment, the 18th, had nearly all il
hcers killed and wounded.
J, B. "
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