The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-12-16

HIGHLY IMPORTANT FROM GEN.
'' SHERMAN. III.
A Reported Battle in Front Of
q, Savannah. ,ar.n.
TELEGRAPH
WAR DEPARTMENT, I
WASHINGTON, December 49,.

- .' WAsHINGToN December 1871
To 1fojor General DIG: ~" -l
The Richmond papers of to-day contain the
following 't+ '.. j.
The Richmond Dispatch says Sherman is near
Savannah, probably not five miles distant. He
hos not yet made an attack. 1t is doubtful
whether he will do SO or make the coast east
Of the city. 1t is very certain he has not yet
opened communication with the coast though
he may do so soon.
LATER.
A telegram from below Charleston states that
Sherman was in line of battle-we will not
say whether confronted by strong COnfed-
crate force or not.
Another paper says there has been no direct
communication with Savannah for several days
but we apprehend the wires have been cut be-
=, u. 8. GRANT.
The severity of the weather has prevented
any important movements by either side at
Nashville. ...
Nothing of importance is reported from the
armies of the Potomac or Of the Shenandoah.
(Signed) E. N. STANTON,
.,.,.. Secretary of War;
NEW York, Dec. 1.-THE Worlds
Washington special has an account of
battle in front of Savannah, on Saturday
the 10th inst, which it says comes direct
from loyal resident of Richmond. F.
He says 900 of Sherman's men at an
early hour crossed the Ogeechee River be-
low Bloomingdale, some twelve miles
south of Savannah, and massing between
that point and Telfair, the left wing ex-
tended so as to cut the Charleston and
Savannah Railroad.
Communication had been effected on the
preceding day with Foster, who was again
rapidly advancing on Grahamsville.
The rebels had retreated from their
strong position south of Pocataligo bridge,
and were evidently alarmed ct finding
themselves threatened both in front and
rear by superior forces.
Sherman, who was on the field, found
himself confronted by large force of
regulars and militia.
An intrenched battle began early in the
day, and was continued with great fury on
both sides, the garrison at Savannah, num-
bering twelve thousand veterans, partici-
pating. 49,. e"
Toward noon grand charge was made
by the Union troops, which carried some
of the works on the enemy's left and GEN.
tire, threatening to cut him off from the
inlet to the city. r"
This was followed by an advance of the
whole line, which doubled up the rebel
formation in confusion, and they fell back
to the immediate vicinity of the works in
the rear of Savannah, our troops pursuing
to Telfair on the south, and correspond
ing distance along the upper railroad.
Here our troops rested, finding the en-
emys works very strong, and our men
from heavy march the previous night,
and the severe fighting, being worn out
The loss was severe on both sides
$500 Union, and between 5000 and 4, 900
rebels, among whom were fully 1900
prisoners of rank. Colors, cannon, small
arms, wagons and caissons were captured.
Smith, Hardee and Cobb, were in COM
mand of the rebels whose loss at first was
less than ours, owing to their protection,
but at the close of the action they suffer-
ed tremendously.
1t is believed that all the rebels al the
head of the inlet, four or five thousand
would be captured.
The facts, says the World correspondent
have been carefully concealed by the rebel
authorities. The greatest Transformation
prevails at Charleston.
The last word left Sherman close to the
coast, either able to form junction with
Foster and the feet, or to attack Savan-
nah with prospects Of success