Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1864-12-16
The NEWS.

After the suspense caused by the somewhat
protracted period Of uncertainty as to Sher-
mans movements and whereabouts. owing to
the efforts of the rebel authorities and papers
TO keep us in the dark, he has finally reached
a Doint where further concealment is impOssi-
BILE, and direct intelligence from our forces
must verv soon reach US. We give in anoth-
ar column the latest intelligence received
through rebel sources, from which it will be
seen that our forces had reached the vicinity OF
Savannah, that battle had been fought, re-
sulting in our indicting serious damage on the
enemy and driving him to the inner defences
of the city. A junction had been formed
with the forces under Gen. Foster and the
feet, and it is not improbable that at this
time our flag floats over the chief seaport city
of the Empire State Of the South. The next
intelligence from that quarter will be looked
for with great interest.
Gen. Fosters co operative movements have
been quite successful Starting out from Hill
ton Head with land and naval force he as
eended Broad river and after fighting the reb-
es drove them from'the south side Of the rail-
road leading from Charleston to Savannah
destroyed the important bridge spanning Broad
river, and took possession of and held the
road, thus cutting Savannah of from receiving
aid or re-inforcements from that direction
His aid has since doubtless been efficient, and
if Savannah is captured he Of course partici-
pated in the work. The reports last received
say these movements have caused great con-
sternation in Charleston; and well they may,
for the lodgment made by Foster on the rail-
" menace that hot-bed of treason from the
land side. 1t is not improbable that if Ss-
vannah falls Charleston will next receive at.
tention from our invinei6le forces,
From Nashville there is nothing important.
The late severe weather has rendered active
operations impossible; and while not materially
ineommOding our forces, who are well-clothed,
fed and sheltered, it has been particularly hard
on the rebels, who are poorly clad, short Of
supplies, and almost entirely destitute OF tents.
Hood cannot remain long in his present posi-
ton without loss, and it is safe TO infer that
any movement be may attempt, whether it be
10 advance or retreat, will receive prompt at
tention from the brave and visilant Thomas
The military authorities are well satisfied with
the position of affairs in that region.
Appearances around Richmond are highly
encouraging, and the rebels are living IN hour
y anticipation of formidable land und naval
demonstration against their capital, The
Dutch Gap canal is understood to he about
ready for opening, formidable feet of IRON
elads is concentrated at Fortress Monroe, our
forces have effected lodgment at an impor-
tsnt point near Drury's Bluff, and if The rebel
reports are reliable Grant has heea largely re-
enforced. a few days since an expedition was
sent out under Gen. Warren to operate on the
railroads south Of Petersburg, which was en-
tfFely successful the results being summed up
miles, he destroyed three important bridges,
over twenty miles of railroad, large amount
of forage and other stores, burned Sussex
Court House, captured a score or Two OF pris-
Oners, and sustained but trifliDg loss"
Admiral Lee, in command OF our gunboats
on the Cumberland reports 30 the Navy De
partment that he had driven the lett wing of
Hoods army from the river banks with serious
loss, including several officers, and had cap
tured two transports from the enemy.
Nothing of interest has lately traDspired in
the Shenandoah valley; and at Mobile and
other points recently regarded with interst,
quiet prevails.
LArER.-Sherman has been heard from di-
rect See official bulletin in another column.
Scouts report Savannah captured on the 10th,
but it lacks official confirmation.