Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1864-12-19

| WASHINGTON Dec. III-S;4o A. H.
Coz. BoremGn:-
The great battle between the Uuitsd
States forces under Major Gen. Thomas
and the rebel army under General Hood,
before Nashville, resulted yesterday IN 2
great and decisive victory for the Union
arms. The rebel army hes been broken
and routed, large portion Of its artillery
and great numbers of prisoners captured.
This triumph has been achieved with small
loss to our army. General Thomas reports
that his loss has been very small, not ex-'
eeeding three hundred aud very few killed.
EDwm NJ. STANTON, z
Secretary Of War.
tReRular Oaisial Di.pateh from Secretary Stanton
70 Major General Diz)
Wan DRPAEfhrENT, WAsHIEsTOE, Dec, II,
1896 A. Mo Gen. Dir, NeIO HOEk:-The
following official report Of the great VIC
tory achieved yesterday by Gen. Thomas
and his gallant army, over the rebel forces
under Gen. Hood, In front of Nashville,
was received this morning. One OF the
most surprising circumstances connected
with the great achievement is the small
loss suffered by our troops, eVinciDg among
other things the admirable skill and eau
ton of Gen. Thomas in his disposition of
the battle. In our rejoicing at the defeat
of the enemy thanks are due to the AL
mighty for his protection to our gallant
officers aud soldiers In the great conflict
they have passed through. The report Of
Gen. Thomas, and also an unofficial re-
port giving interesting details, are sub
joined:
HEADQ'Rs DBP'T OF TIE TEHSEssEB, 8
NILES From NASHVILLE, Dec. IL, 6P. NJ
TO the Pres't ofthe U. s., Hon. E. II. Stan
ton and 1t. Gen. GrGHt:-This army thanks
you for your appreciation of its conduct
Yesterday, and assures you that 1t Is not
misplaced. l have the honor to report
that the enemy has been pressed at all
points to-day on his line Of retreat to
brentwood hills. Brig. Gen. Hatch. of
Wilson'S corps of cavOlry, in the night
turned the enemy's left and captured
large number of prisoners; the number Is
not yet reported.
Mai. Gen. Schofeld's corps, next on the
left of the cavalry, carried several hiIlsI
captured many prisoners and six pieces OF
Brevet Msj. Gen. Smith, next on the left
of Mai. Gen. SchOfield, carried the salient
point of the enemy's line with McMillen's
brigade of McArthur's division, capturing
I6 pieces ofartilleFy,2 BFigadier Generals,
and about 1000 prisoners.
Brig. Gen. Garrsrd's division of Smiths
command, next on the left of McArthur's
division, carried the enemys entrench:
ments, capturing all the artillery and
troops of the enemy in the line.
Brig. Gen. Woods troops. on the Frank
lin pike, took up the assault, capturing the
enemy's entrenchments, and in his retreat
also captured pieces of artillery, some
thing over 600 prisoners, and drove the
enemy within one mile of Brentwood hill.
Major General Steadmau, commanding
detachments Of different armies Of the
Military Division Of the Mississippi, most
noblv supported Gen. Woods left, and
bore q most honorable part in the opera
lions of the day
Ihaye ordered the pursuit to be contin-
ued In the morning at daylight, although
the troops are very much tatigued. The
utmost enthusiasm prevails.
must not forget 10 report the operations
of Brig. Gen. johnson in suOcessfully dri-
wing the enemy with the cooperation Of
the PunbOats. under Lieut.. Commander
Fitch, from their established batteries on
the Cumberland river below the city of
Nashville, and of the success OF Brig. Gen.
Croxton's brigade in covering and return
ing our right and rear In the operations OF
Yesterday and to-day. Although have
no report of the number OF prisoners cap
tured by JohnsOn's and orOxton's COM
mands, 1 know they have made Q large
number. am also glad to be able to
state that the number OF prisoners cap
tured Yesterday greatly exceeds the num-
Der reported by telegraph last evening
The woods. ieIds and entertainments Ure
strewn with the euemy's small arms aban-
doned in the retreat. In conclusion, am
happy to state that all this has been effect
ed With but very small loss to us. Our
loss probably does not exceed 300, and
very few killed.
Maj, Gen., Commanding.