Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1864-12-23
Number L
WASHINGTON, Dec, 18th, 9 P. NJ.
e. Ii. STANTON,
Secretary Of War.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
WASHINGTON, Dec, 18Th, 9 P. NJ
To JEaj- Gen Die:
An official dispatch from General Sherman
was received to-day, dated midnight, Decem-
Der IS, on the gunboat Douelsou, Ossabaw
Sound. tt was written before General Foster
had reached him. He reports, besides some
military details of future operations, which are
omitted, the following:
On BOARD THE DoNELsoN, OssABAw SOUND,
Dec. 1911 80 P. 81.
To-day at 5 P. NJ. Gen. Haynes division Of
the 18th Corps carried Fort McAIister by as
sauIt, capturing its entire garrison and stores.
This opened to US the Ossabaw Sound, and
passed down to this gunboat TO communicate
with the fleet. Before opening communication
we had completely destroyed all the railroads
leading into Savannah, and invested the cliy.
The left is on the Savannah river ten miles
above the city, the right On the 0gechee a
Kings Bridge. The army is IN splendid or
der, the weather fiue and supplies abundant
Our march was most agreeable and not mo-
Tested by guerrias. We reached Savannah
three days ago, but owing to Fort MeAllister
could not communicate but now we have Fort
McAlister, we can 80 ahead. We have cap
tured two boats on the Savannah river and
prevented their guuboat from coming down,
The estimated population of Savannah is
25,00o, and the garrison at 10000, General
Hardee commanding We have not lost a
wagon on the trip, but have gathered in a
large supply Of negroes, mules and horses
Our teams are in better condition than when
we started. My frst duty viii be to clear the
army of superfuous negroes, mules and horses.
I have utterly destroyed over 200 miles Of
rails, and consumed stores and provisions that
were essential to Lae and Hoods armies.
The quick work made with McAllister, and
the opening Of communication with our feet,
and consequently independence fer supplies,
dssipates all their boosted threats to head me
of, and starve my army. regard Savannah
as already gained.
Yours trniy,
[Signed] W. I. SHERMAN,
Major-GeneraI.
The following official report was received
this evening from Gen. Thomas, dated at head
quarters near Franklin:
NEAR FRANKLIN.
A report just received from Major General
Wilson states that q o'clock P. NJ. to-day
he attacked and dispersed SteveDson's division
of rebel infantry and brigade OF cavalry.
capturing 8 guns.
The 4th .. S. Cavalry ard Hatch's division
Of cavalry, handsomely supported by Knipe's
division OF cavalry, did the work, making sew
eral brilliant charges, breaking the rebel in
lantry in all directions.
Had it only been light the rebel rear guard
woald have been destroyed. As it has been
they were severely punished.
The whole ormy will continue vigorous pur-
suit 10 the morning. The attack was made six
miles beyond Franklin.
ISigned7 GEO Fl. Thomas
Headquarters DEPT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
NEAR FRANKLIN, Tenn, Dec, It's 2. NJ.
We have pressed the enemy to-day beyond
Franklin, capturing his hospital, containing
over 800 wounded, and about $50 Of our
own wounded also.
General Kuipe, commanding q division OF
cavalry, drove the enemy's rear guard through
Franklin to-day, capturing about $500 pris-
oners and FIVE battel flags, with very little loss
on our side.
The citizens of Franklin represent Hoods
army as completely demoralized in addition TO
the captures Of yesterday, reported in my dis
pat ches of last night, ! have the honor TO re-
port the capture Of General Rucker, and
about 250 prisoners of the eneny's cavalry,
iu the fight that occurred about eight o clock
last night, between General Rucker and Gen.
Hatch and cur cavalry. The enemy has been
pressed to-day both in front and on both
sides.
Brig. Gen. johnson succeeded in striking
him on the flank just beyond Franklin, captur
ing quite a uumber of prisoners. The number
is not yet reported. My cavalry is pressing
him closely. l am much 10 hopes of getting
many more prisoners tomorrow.
ISigned.I Geo. II. THOMAS,
Major-General.
Other dispatches, unofficial, from Nashville
state that one thousand prisoners were cap
tured by Wilson, aud that Gen. Rosseau's
cavalry at Murfreesboro report Forrest killed
and fifteen hundred of his men captured. The
Superintendent at Nashville reports that the
railroad from Nashville will be opened to
Franklin tonight, and will rapidly follow
Thomas, thus furnishing him supplies and ena-
bling him to push on.
e. M. STANTON, Secretary Of War.
THE REBELS CLOTHED BY ENGLAND.-The
CoIIovinrr from, the Dublin GreIaudO Freefuap's