The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1864-12-23
CAPTURE OF FORT MeALLISTER.
Capture Of Negroes, Mules, Horses. &e-OG-
cial Dispatches from Gen. Thomas-Cdp
iure of Prisoners and Battle Faos-Gsn.
Forrest Reported Killed.
WAR DEPARTMENT.

Washington, Dec. IL, PM.
To MAJ. Gen. Dir:-An official dispatch
from Gen. Sherman was received to-day, dated
near midnight Dec Is, on the gunboat Dande
lon. 1t was written before Gen. Foster had
reached him. He reports besides some militia
ry details of future operations, which are omit
ted in the following interesting particulars oil
his operations:
On board Dandelon. Osabap Sound, l.5o
p. NJ, Dec.-To.day at 5 p. NJ. Gen. Hazen's
division Of the 18th corps, carried Fort Meal
lister by assault, capturing its entire garrison
and stores. This opened to us the Ossahaw
Sound, and pulled down to this gunboat to
communicate with the feet. Before opening
communications we had completely destroyed
all the railroads leading into Savannah and in
vested the city, The left is on the Savannah
River three miles above the city, and the right
on the Ogeechce at Kings Bridge. The army
is in splendid order and equal TO anything,
The weather has been fine and supplies abun.
dant.
Our march was most agreeable, and we were
not Mt all molcsted by Guerrillas. We reached
Savannah three days ago, Int owing to Fort
McAllster we could not communicate, hut now
we have McAllistcr we can 90 ahead. We have
already captured two boas in the Savannah
River, and prevented their gunboats from com.
ing down. [ estimate the population OF 81
vannah at 1850, and the garrison at $4,000,
Gen. Hardee's command.
We have not lost n wagon on the trip, hut
have gathered large supply OF negroes, mules
horses, SC, and our teams are in far better
condition than when We started. My first du.
~ will be to clear the army of the surplus oil
negroes, mules and horses. We have certainly
destroyed over 300 miles OF rails and consumed
stores and provisions that were essential to
Lees and Hoods armies. The quick work
IA, MA No Il;star nd ha
munication with our fleet, and consequent in.
dependence for supplies disspate all their boast
ed threats to head off and starve the army.
regard Savannah rs already gained.
tsirn aST'' truly ". T. SHERMAN, Mai. Gen.
Tho following official reports were received
this evening from Gen. Thomas, dated at hi'
headquarters near Franklin
Headquarters OF the Cumberland. near
Franklin, Tenn, Dec IA report just re-
ceivei from Mai. Gen. Wilson. states that at
6P. NJ. to day he attacked and dispersed Ste
venson's division OF rebel infantry and brig
ade of cavalry, capturing three guns. The ath
U. S. cavalry, handsomely supporte by Knipe's
division Of cavalry did the work, making sever
nj beautiful charges, breaking the rebel intan'
try in all directions Had IL only been light
the rebel rear guard would have been entirely
destroyed rs it has been severely punished
The whole army will continue vigorous pur.
suit in the morning. This attack was made
six miles beyond Franklin.
(Signed) g. II. THOMAS, Maj, Gen.
HEADQUARTERS of the Cumberland, near
FrqnkIta, Tenn. Dec. live hal pushed
the enemy to-day beyond Franklin, capturing
his HOSPITALS containing over 1900 wounded and
about $50 of our wounded. In addition to the
above, Gen. Knipe, commanding division OF
cavalry, drove the enemy's rear guard through
Franklin to-day, capturing about $50 prison
ers and five battle flags with very little loss on
our side.
Citizens of Franklin represent Hoods army
as completely demoralzed. In addition to the
captures yesterday, reported in my dispatches
OF last night. have the honor to report the
capture of Gen. Rucker and about $50 prison
ers of the enemy's cavalry, in fight that oc
cured about 8 o'clock last night between Gen
Rucker and Gen. Hatch Of our cavalry.
The enemy has been pr essed to-day both In
front and on both tanks. Brig. Gen johnson
succeeded In striking him In the flank just be.
yond Franklin, capturing quite a number OF
prisoners, number not yet reported.
My cavalry Is pressing him closely, and am
in hopes Of getting many more prisoners TO-
morrow.
(Signed) GEO. II. THOMAS,
Major General.
Other dispatches unofficial from Nashville
state that 1000 prisoners were captured BY Viii
son; and that Gen. Ros,eau commanding at
Murfreesboro'. reports Forrest killed and 1900
Of his men captured.
The superintendent Mt Nashville reports that
the railroad from Nashville will open to Frank.
lin tonight, and will rapidly follow Thomas,
thus furnishing him supplies, and enabling him
to push on after Hood.
(Signed) EDWIN NJ. STANTON,
Secretary Of War.