The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-11-25
Gen. Sherman's Congratulatory Or.
der on the Defence of Allasoona,

The following is the congratulatory or
der of Major General SHERMAN compli-
mentary to Gen. CoRss, Col. TouErE-
LorrE, their officers and men, on the glo-
rious defence Of Allatoona, Georgia,
against superior force of the enemy.
In TIE FIELD, KENEsAw MoUNrAIy|
October7, 1864.
SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, No. 80.
The General Commanding avai!s himself of
this opportunity afforded in the handsome de-
fence Of "Allatoona," to illustrate the most
important principle of war, that fortified posts
should be defended to the last, regardless of
the relative numbers of the party attacking
and attacked. t.... JONI.
AllatOona was GAR isoned by three regiments
commanded by Col. Tourtellotte, and reinforc-
ed by detachment from division at Rome.
under command of Brig. Gen. j. NJ Corse, on
the morning of the fifth, and q few hours after
was attacked by FreDch's division, of Stew
arts corps, two other divisions being near at
hand and in support. Gen. French demanded
surrender in q letter, to "ayoid an useless
expenditure of blood, t" and gave but five min
utes to answer. Gen. Corse answer was en-
phatic and strong. that he and his command
was ready for the useless expenditure of
blood, as soon as it was agreeable to General
French.
The answer was followed by an attack which
was prolonged for five hours, resulting in the
complete repulse Of the enemy, who left his
dead on the ground, amounting to more than
two hundred, and four hundred prisoners, well
and wounded. The 'effusion Of blood was
not useless" as the position of Allatoona was
and is very important to our present and future
operations
The thanks Of the army are due, and are
hereby accorded to Gen. Corsc, Col Tourtel-
lOtte, officers and men, for their determined
and gallant defense of Allatoona, and it is made
an example to illustrate the importance of pre-.
pairing in time, and meeting the danger when
present, boldly, mantully and well.
This army, though unseen to the garrison.
was cooperating by moving toward the road
by which the enemy could alone escape but
unfortunately were delayed by the rain aud
mud but this fact fastened the retreat of the
enemy.
Commanders, and garrisons of the post
along our railroads are hereby instructed that
they must hold their posts to the last minute
sure that the time gained is valuable and neces.
eary to their comrades at the front.
BY order of Maj. Gen. w. T. SHERMAN
L. NJ. DAYTON, A. D. C.
Official: L. H. EvERTS,
Captain and A. A G.
And the following is Gen. HowARDs,
rendering the thanks of the Army of the
Tennessee:
HEADQUARTERS DKP'r AID ARMY TKSNEssBE)
NEAR kKNEsAw MOUNTAIN
October 9, 1854.
General Field Order No. 1871
While uniting in the high commentator
awarded by the General-iD-chief the Army of
the Tennessee would tender through me its
most hearty appreciation and thanks to Brig.
Gen. j. NJ. COrse for bis promptitude, energy
and eminent success in the defense of AllatoO-
ma Pass, against force SO largely superior to
his own and our warmest congratulations are
extended to him, to Col. Tourtelotte, and the
rest of our comrades in arms, who fought at
Allatoona, for the glorious manner in which
they vetoed the useless effusion of blood"
DO. HOWARD, Major General.
Official NJ. 4. FLINT, a. d. G.