Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1864-12-02
TELEGRAPHIO NEWS
Tho Great Battle at Franklin, Tennessee.

Hood Attacks Gen. Schofield-He is Re.
pulsed with Terrible Loss-6OO X ebeIs
Killed and Wounded-1OO Prisoners Ar.
rived at Nashville-Two X ebel Generals
Taken Of the Rebel Attack
Hood Com IN ands in Person-Great Cal
Iantry of Our Troops-Union Loss700
Killed and W Ounded-Our Army Concen-
trated at Nashviile-Arrival OF Gen. A.
J. smiths Corps-Panic Am ons the Citi-
zeps, White and BlaCk-NashyiIIe full
of efusees.
despatch to the Phila. Irouirerr
NASHVILLE, Dec. THE great battle at
Franklin, fought on Wednesday, began by
preliminary encounters at positions in advance
of that position three previous days. Our
army fell back, during that period, severely
pressed by Cheatham's and Stuarts corps, and
took position in improvised works in front
of the town of Franklin
\ SkirmIshing began about noon, and at four
p. m. developed into the full proportions OF
battle.
For two hours subsequent to that time the
contest ragged with most dee perate fury.
The enemv's attack was directed chiefly
against our center, and aimed 70 pierce that
portion OF our line. In this design he was un-
happily so far successful that the left center,
under command of General Wagner, gave way.
This for time created great confusion, but
after some effort the troops were rallied. and
the integrity of the line of battle restored This
being accomplished, a vigorous counter charge
on the enemy was made, and the rebel front
was forced back in confusion. We captured
five hundred prisoners and rebel division
commander, General Gordon
While this advance was being made on our
part, the enemy attempted counter maneuyer,
with the view Of turning right flank. In
this design he failed, AID the tactical victory
remained with the Union army. The brunt of
the battle fell upon our right and center, and
was only closed by the mantle OF night falling
upon the combatants.
Hood commanded in person, and the assaults
were marked by his CHARACTERISTIC impetuosity.
After dark made persistent efforts to drive
the Union araiy across Harpeth river, but our
men stood their ground, and held the works
until two this morning, when the whole army
was transferred across the river and Franklin
evacuated. the enemy making demonstrations
on our rear with their cavalry. Our loss IN
killed and wounded is about one thousand, but
of the enemy must reach at least five times
that number, the disparity being due to the
fact that our troops fought under cover of
breastworks. The experience Of to-day's bat
tie demons trates that Hood has with him very
formidable army, and he brought into play not
less than fifty pieces of artillery. Our whole
army is now concentrated in Nashville, the
strategic point which forms the object of the
next attack by Hood, and which is hourly ex-
pected. Our wounded have all been lodged in
hospitals In this city, and our dead were prop
erly cared for during the night.
While, as previously reported, all present
indications go to show that Hood will lavish
his most energetic efforts in an attempt to cap
ture this point, yet if he concludes it impru-
dent to risk the attempt, his object will proba-
bly, he to turn his line of advance towards
Knoxville, where he would be in position
either 10 make further advances via Cumber-
iand tap, or, II necessary, TO effect junction
with Lee, via Lynchburg.
II is not contraband for me to add, for the
err onragem ent Of the country, that the defenses
and engineering skill, and he will find an at
tempt at its capture much more difficult task
thar 'e had before him at Franklin. i firmly
belin'" that our impregnable lines Will set
h"fr,er TO his further progress north award.
ma TvILLR, Dec. Hoods infantry force
cr>5'' Harpeth river this morning. and ne
has n' advanced that portion Of his force since.
HIS airy passed Harpeth on the fords this
morn z at day break, closely following Gen.
WiSc! who retired in this direction. Skin
M: hi :, with his advance has occurred all
daN.
CEREAL Wilson occupies strong position a
few n rs south of Nashville, and is able to
resist any force the Rebels may bring against
him.
The e. nfederate General captured Yesterday,
was c. lionel Gordon, of the llth Tennessee,
breyet irigadier General.
An c,cer who witnessed the fight at Frank
lin vest rday describes the battle as one OF the
most anguinary Of the war. The determined
bravery of the Rebels Exceeded anything before
seer.
Although slaughtered by hundreds. they still
advanced against our batteries, and within
five hours eIeven distinct assaults were made
against our works, each Of which were fail
ure.
The battle being ended, our forces quietly
witndre W from the town.
The following are among the casualties -
the neck. The Rebel General Cheatham is re-
ported wounded. Killed - Captain Bissell,
l2sth Indiana: Captain Staley, 12ith Indiana;
Major -, 124sh Indiana; Capt. Hinton, 12ith
Indiana. MORALLY wounded; Colonel Surrey,
10th illinois, Captain Coughton, Of General
Cox's staff.
Wounded--Col. Watkins. Sd brigade 1st d.
vision, in shoulder; Capt. Bowling, Nth Ohio;
Col. Conrad, in command OF a brigade of the
I'd division.
Among the rebel casualties are Brig. Gen.
Adam killed, and Brig Gen. Scott, wounded.
Tie total loss of the enemy in killed,
wounded and prisoners is estimated at 1000,
1900 being either killed or wounded. The Fed
eral loss in killed and wounded is 700. The
loss i'll prisoners Is tritiing; our loss in regf-
ments is light
Gen. Bradley is also wounded and in the
city. Col. Stockton and MAJ. James, of the I'D
Illinois, are also wounded.
It's rumored this evening that Hood is mo-
wing eastW ard toward Murfreesboro.