Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1864-12-05
photographic.
The Battle NJ Franklin.

NASHVILLE, Dec. al have received full
accounts of the late battle at franklin
which must be chroncled as one of the
most brilliant in its general results of the
war. For three days sharp skirmishing
was kept up during the retirement of our
army from Duck river to Franklin, during
which time multiplicity of exploits
and successes resulted to the National
arms. General Cox conducted the rear
guard, and on the Goth ult., achieved a
splendid victory over the rebels at Spring
fill, while General Wilson's cavalry gained
series of important successes over For
rests advance under Roddy, Oh the pike
between Truine and Spring Hill.
During the afternoon of the Both ult., the
rebel army sorely pressed lis, under Hood,
who had Cheatham's and Stewards corps,
and portion of Dick Taylor's command,
numbering in all over %, QUO men. Owing
to CoX's gallant check at Spring Hill
a portion of the 4Sth and 23d corps were
enabled to gain Franklin early in the day,
where they threw up line of breastworks
extending from one side to the other of.the
curves in the river behind which our en-
tire infantry command took position. At
precisely p. M. the entire rebel force made
a charge, and succeeding in making tenn
porary break in the centre, commanded by
wagner, with characteristic impetuosity
the soldiers composing -CheatlIams corps
dashed into the breastworks, and co-operat-
ing with the attacking party on their left,
attempted to envelope and destroy our
right. In the nick OF time the troops of
Wagner were rallied, and throwing their
whole force upon the rebel column, drove
back the storming party in great disorder,
capturing several hundred prisoners.
-Four times after the rebels charged in
three lines, but were repulsed as often with
great slaughter. The rebels numbered at
least two TO our one. Nearly half Of the
4th and 23d corps were i'm reserve.
Our breastwOrkS were over knee high,
and the rebel loss in killed is three times our
own, while their wounded is at least six
times more than ours, most of our men be-
ing wounded in the head, arms and body.
The artillery fire OF the enemy was made
with great precision, but their ammunition
consisted chiefly of shot and shell, while
for two hours immense quantities of more
murderous missiles were hurled with fearful
fury into the rebel lines. All attempts of
the rebels to gain a permanent advance
were frustrated, and at dark the Federal po-
sitiOn was unchanged, while the rebels re-
tired to'a cover OF woods south of the CO.
lumbia pike.
The rebel loss, as before stated. is fully
5000, including over 1000 prisoners, an un-
usual number of which were officers. Our
loss reached total of about one thousand.
An artillery duel was kept up until near
ly midnight, when our troops commenced
crossing Harpeth river, bringing all our
trains and paraphernalia over in safety be-
fore daylight. The army then retired to
within four miles of this city, at which
point our front line confronts the enemy.
The falling back of the army is in accord
ancc with the programme, and the battle at
Franklin, although one of the most bril-
liant form, was an inpromptu affair, and
brought about owing to the necessity to
check the rebel advance and insure Il safe
crossing of the river by our trains.
NASHVILLE, Dec. 2-Additional reports
received increase the magnitude of the
late victory at Franklin. Thirty stand of
colors were captured by the Union forces.
General Stanley's corps, 10th Indiana, 9TH
and S0th Illinois, three of Reily's old bri-
gade, 18th and 23d corps, captured four
stand-a total of thirty stand of colors.-
General Stanley, commanding the 4th corps,
had very narrow escape, having had his
horse killed under him and was shot in the
right shoulder, the ball traversing back and
going out OF his left shoulder. He is in the
city, and though suffering considerably, is
still attending to duty.
1t is confirmed that General Pat Cleberne,
of Tennessee, is killed. General Kimball,
commanding the I'd division of Stanley's
corps, in the heat of the battle passed reb-
el Major General, who told him he was
mortally wounded. His men succeeded in
carrying off the body. $50
! 1t is believed that Hoods main army is
threatening Murfreesboro. Forests rebel
cavalry is demonstrating on our front and
right flank. Com. Fitch is here with a fleet
of boats and sufficient forces have arrived
to insure not only the safety of Nashville,
but another Union victory in case of q |
battle under any circumstances. Military
men all unite in the opinion that Generals |
Stanley and Schofield conducted the re-
tirement from Pulaski in the face of the
enemy with admirable skill, crowning all |
with magnificent Union victory at Frank
lin. J.D. WEBSTER, Agent.