Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1864-09-08
Correspondence Cincinnati Commercial.l

Hoods army was then in retreat, with Sher-
man fiercely pressing on his rear. The head
of Sherman's column was skirmishing with
the rebels near Fayetteville, some six miles
from Jonesboro.
The fighting around Jonesboro has been
very severe, and the enemy has been routed
at all points. ......
On the Both ult., the 18th and 23d Corps
struck the Macon line some five miles be-
yond Eastpoint Junction. Meantime, the
Army of the Tennessee and Kilpatrick's
cavalry was skirmishing briskly with the
enemy on our right, driving them across
the Flint river toward Jonesboro. Hazen,
of the 10Th Corps, took possession of q
prominent hill, which was the key to the
enemy's position.
The other divisions formed on his right
and left; the 10th Corps, somewhat retired,
formed the extreme right, with the 18th on
Lyons left; the 14th and 23d Corps forming
connecting line, and extending beyond
the railroad on the left. The 18th Corps
spent the night intrenching, and next day,
before the right and LETT fanks had taken
up their advanced position, the enemy burst
in masses on the 18th Corps, but were steadi-
ly and resOlutely met, their repeated as
saults being repulsed, they losing several
general, officers, including Major General
Anderson, mortally wounded, Colonel WA
liams and Major Barton, killed, five Colonels,
Majors, &C., wounded or taken prisoners,
besides near one thousand rank and file
killed, wounded, and captured.
Our loss was slight, as we fought behind
our works. The brunt of the fight fell on
Hazen's division, which captured two flags.
Next morning (the 1st of September) the
14th Corps marched along the Macon line,
destroying the track for several miles, and
about four o'clock took up position on the
left of the 18th Corps, which was formed in
line of battle. The enemy had intrenched
themselves in front, and the 18th Corps was
ordered to assault them. Cavalry and in
fantry steadily advanced under scourging
fire of musketry and artillery, and after a
most desperate conflict of some two hours
duration, succeeded in driving the enemy
from their works, capturing two batteries,
one Of which was Loomis' celebrated bat
terry taken from US at Chickamanga Give
guns), and another of four guns, some bat
tle-fags, and large number of prisoners.
We also took Gen. Gaven and his Adju-
tant General. Brig. Gen. Cummings, OF 5.
d. Lees corps, was mortallly wounded. :,
1t is said an entire brigade was captured
with Gaven. This swells the list of prison
ers to near two thousand.
While the 10Th Corps was thus nobly and
fiercely engaged, the Army of Tennessee
and 4th Corps were vigorously pressing the
enemy on the right and left.
Early in the night Lees (rebel corps
moved noiselessly away, with the intention
of forming junction with Stewards corps,
which had remained in Atlanta, besides six
hundred militia, which Hood had stationed
there to wacth Sherman's movements,
which seemed to confound him. The COM
mand in the field therefore devolved on
Hardee, who retreated along the Macon
railroad.
Hood, finding his situation desperate in
Atlanta, also retreated, first burning up
nearly one thousand bales of cotton and
eighty-six wagons laden with ammunition,
chiefly cartridges and canister.
At the break of day, when Sherman found
the enemy had retreated, he put his whole
army in motion, and followed in hot pur-
suit, his object being to get between Hood
and Hardee, and thus cut off either parts.
Though he may not succeed in this, as they
had an all nights start he will certainly
harass their rear, cutting off and capturing
large numbers.
The defeat has most paralyzing effect on
Hoods army, for soldiers and militia are
breaking for home, on all sides. We heard
the roar ofeXploding ammunition at Allan
ia and at Jonesboro. General Slocum, who
was guarding our communications and
trains along the Chattahoochie, sent for
ward detachment from Wards, Geary's
and Williams divisions on reconnois-
sance. These advanced to the city, which
they found evacuated, and entered about
IL o'clock on the morning of the I'd Of Sep
tember. They were at once met by depu
tation, comprising the Mayor, High Sher-
iff, and some citizens, who made a formal
surrender OF the town to Gen. Ward; sim
ply making the following request:
cApIrULATIoN OF ATLANTA, GEORGIA, SEP
TENDER 2, 1864.
Brigadier General Ward, Sd Diuision, 10Th
( Army Corps:
/ SIR-The fortunes of war have placed the
city of Atlanta in your hands. AS Mayor
OF this city, / ask protection for non-com-
batants, and private property.
[Signed] JAS. M. CALHOUN,
Mayor of Atlanta.
Attest: 9