Evening star., 1864-12-14

Also, Colors, Cannon, and Small Arms.

Sherman in a Commanding Position.
NEW YORK, Dec. IA special Washington
despatch to the World says:
81 have just heard some news from Sher.
man, which am informed came direct from
loyal residents of Richmond. The statements
made are Of the highest importance if true and
transmit them just as they were given, with
out affirming or denying their authenticity
Should the Richmond papers of to. day, which
l shall receive tomorrow, be reticent in regard
to Sherman's movements, there will be addi.
tional reasons for credNing the subjoined re-
ports.
The party says that. on Saturday, the 10th
instant, at an early hour, three grand corps of
Sherman's army, estimated at 20,0G0 men, in
cluding large brigade OF cavalry, had sue
ceeded IN crossing the Ogeechee river, below
Bloomngdale, some twelve miles below Sa.
yannah, and massing between that point and
Telfair, the next station adjacent on the line
of the Georgia Central railroad.
The left wing was extended so as to cut the
Charleston ard Savannah Railroad and Sc yer
all communication between Savannah and the
rebel forces at the inlet unless by water, thus
placing them in imminent danger of being
Communication had been effected the pre-
vious day with Foster, who was again rapidly
advancing on Grahamsville, the rebels retreat.
ing from their strong position south of POGO.
taligo bridge, evidently alarmed at finding
themselves threatened both IN front and rear
d
Sherman found himself confronted by large
force of Confederate regulars, and Georgia,
Florida, and South Carolina militia, entrenched
behind hasty, but well construc ted earth works
A battle began early in the day and was con.
tested with great fury on both sides. A large
detachment OF the Savannah garrison, which
is declared to number 1900 veterans, inclu-
ding two brigades from Lees army participa-
ted. Towards noon a charge was effected by
the Union troops which carried some OF the
works on the enemy's left centre, threatening
~ iroG Off a in lot tfry
success greatly inspired Sherman's troops, IA
tigued and travel worn as they were.
general advance along the whole line
doubled up the rebel formation, which at first
sullenIy, but at length in considerable confu-
sion, fell back to the immediate vicinity of the
works in the rear Of Savannah, our troops ad-
yancing in purs uIt close to TeIfair on the
south, and q corresponding distance along the
upper railroad. They were, however, so ey-
hausted by the march of the previous night
and the days engagement that further pursuit
was impossible, particularly as the Confede-
rate works were found to be strong There
had been some fighting on Friday, along the
Central road, but 1t was merely preliminary
to Saturdays operations.
The loss was severe on both sides, amounting
to about twenty hundred Union, in all, and
between three and four thousand rebels, among
whom were fully twelve hundred prisoners,
including many officers of rank, colors, cannon,
small arms of all kinds of all kind, wagons and
Hardee, and COBB were in command of the
rebels, whose loss at first was less than ours,
owing to the protection Of field works and the
difference Of the ground. but at the close of the
action they suffered tremendously.
1t was believed that the entire body Of the
Confederates at the head Of the inlet, umber-
ing four or five thousand, would be captured
The greatest CONSERVATION prevailed at
Charleston and Richmond, in which latter
place the news was studiously concealed from
the population, although the agitation at head
quarters was very perceptible, and excited a
general comment.
The news was expressed secretly through the
country west of the Charleston railroad, from
the head Of the inlet to point beyond POGO
Charleston to the rebel capital. reaching the
latter place on Sunday p m. Thence it is said
to have been conveyed by trusty agent to par
ties here. OF course it was Impossible to OBJ
tain further particulars than the outline OF the
intelligence thus hastily collected. But day
or two must reveal all. Suffice it to say that
the last word left Sherman close to the coast,
either able to form a junction with Foster and
the fleet or attack Savannah with success.