New-York daily tribune., 1864-04-16

In retreating theenemy had halted portion OF bis
force al Tunnel Hill midway between Ringeold ana
Dalton. and as he evinced no disposition 70 noles'
Sherman, my command rested at Ringgold. WAS
kept fully advised Of the Rebel movements through t
ACTIVITY and daring OF the "a Kentucky Cavalry which
had joined me on the 9th. ,
In obedience 10 verbal directions given me by the
commander Of the division the railroad was Thoroughly
destroyed for two miles including the bridges on each
side Of Ringgold. by Palmers and Crnits eommanGs;
also the depot tannery all the mills and al material
that could be used in the support OF an army. We
found arrival large quantities OF forage ana
our. What was not required by the wants OF the ser
vice. was either sent TO the rear or burned
Orr wounded were as promptly and rs wen cared ior
as circumstances would permit. surgeon Moore the
medical director Of the army Of the Tennessee youn,
tariy left his chief TO devote himself 10 their relief and
under his active, skillful and humane auspices and
those OF the medical directors with the divisions tDey
were comfortably removed 70 Chattanooga on the 2oth.
My sincere thanks are rendered to a the VI to =,
medical staff for their jealous and careful attentions 70
tho wounded on tts well rs our former heds. rs
pccialy they due to Surgeon Ball. Medical Director
of Gearys division, end TO Surgeon Monies heaicai
director Of Crufts division.
On 'he ?oth, Maj. Gen. Palmer returned TO Chat,a-
nooga. with his command. having in charge such prs
remained in Ringgod. On the Both. the enemy
being reessured by the cessation Of our pursuit. sent
ng of truce 10 our advanced lines at CatOosa by Na
Calhoun Benham, requesting permission to bury ms
dead and for his wounded abandoned on the eld
Of his last disaster 1T Ringgold. Copies OF this
correspondence have heretofore been forwarded Also
the 30th under instructions from Department head
quarters. Crosses brigade. Crus division marched for
the old battlefield at Chickamauca n bury cur deni
and Dec. the infantry and cavalry remaining left
Ringgold-Geary and Cruft 10 return TO their old
camps. 0sterhals to encamp in Chattanooga valley.
Tie reports 0f coYIan4eTs exhibit lose in the cam am
paign including Nil the engagements herein reported
in Killed, wounded. and missing. Of gGC. lnconsdera
be in Comparison with NY apprehension or the ends
accomplished Nevertheless, there is cause for the
deepest regret and sorrow. Among the fallen are some
OF the brightest names Of the army Creighton AND
Crane Of the 7th Ohio Acton Of the 40h Ohio Bushnell
Of the 18th Illinois. Elliott Of the l02d New York and
others whose names my limits will not allow me TO
merate viii he remembered and lamented as long
courage end patriotism are esteemed as virtues among
men.
The reports OF commanders nlso show the capture Of
47 prisoners mot including those taken by Palmer at
irnystown Of which return has been rcceyedD aisO
pieces OF artillery, nine tattefags, not less than
10 900 stand OF small arms one wagon train, and large
amount Of ammunition for artillery and infantry for.
age raons camp and garrison eqipage caissons and
lubers. ambuances, and other impedimentn. The re-
ports relating 10 the capture OF the as are herewith
transmitted.
In the foregoing Il has been impossible 20 furnish
more thnn general outline Of our operations relying
upon the reports Of subordinate commanders to gVe
particular and discriminating information concerning
the services OF divisions brgades regiments and bat
tcriCs These reports horcV ith respectfully trans
mited. The attention OF the Nc or General command
inr Il especially invited % those OF the division COM
manders AS 10 the distinguished services OF those
commanders. cannot speak in terms too high They
served day and night present or absent with all OF
u
have served themselves had they been charged with
the responsibilities of the commander. The o1nhdence
inspired by their active ard generous cooperation
early caused 10 feel that complete success was ineN'
table
NV thanks are due to Gen. Cerln and his brigade for
their services Lookout Mountain on the night OF the
2ith They were posted In an exposed position ana
when acked repeed II with great spirit and success
must also express my acknowledgment To MAJ ten
Palmer and his command for services rendered while
belonging TO my column. ,,.-,-...
Lieut. Ayers Of the Signal Corps with his assistants
rendered valuable aid IN his branch OF the service
during our operations. ,
Npior REYNOLDS the Chief of Artillery OF Gearys d.
vision proved himself % be sllful arilerst and re-
quircs espec al mention for his services His batteries
wero always posted with judgment and served with
marked ability. The precision Of his fire at Lookout
und Ringgold elected universal admiration.
To my staff than am indebted Tor the ae-
sistanc rendered upon this occasion. MAJ Gen Butter.
field Chief Of STAFF always useful In counsel was un-
firing and devoted on the field. Capt H. w. Perkins.
Assistant Adjutant- Generl; Col, james d. Fessenden,
Mai. Wm. Ii. Lawrence, Capt. u. II. Han Lieub. r.
a Oliver and Samuel w. Taylor Aides camp
bravey and inteIlgeuty performed al their duties.
Lieut.. H. e. Wharton, promising young oincer OF
engneers reported 70 me from the star OF the MAJOR
General commanding the department., and was un'
vearod In his assistance both AZ IN engineer ano - AZ
officer OF my personal staf.
Nal Gen Howard has furnished me- FOR trAnsmitta.
bis abo report tLe operations ana services oI te
18th Corps from the time II passed from my command
November - 70 thg, Of It's return. December H.
relates 10 events Of which had personal knowedge
only remains 10 comply with his wishes with the re
quest that the AaorG GeDord commanding the depart.
ut viii give 10 his especial attention may add TINT
the real and dcyotedness displayed by this corps aud
IT, commander In performing all the duties assigned
them. and IN cheerly encountefing its perls and phi
yations afford me great satisfaction.
lam, General. very respectfully your obt sery't
JOsEPH HOOKER Ma. len Comcg.