The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1864-10-27
From Washington.

correspondence OF The Nashville UDiOn-
WAsHINGroS, Oct -, 1864
The campaign in the Valley contin.
ues active. A brilliant affair occurred
on the 18th which afforded General
Sheridan an opportunity Of convincing
even the skeptical that he is master of
the art of war. The rebels reinforced,
and commanded it is said, by Longstreet
in person, attacked our forces early in
the morning routing them in considera-
bic confusion, and driving them over
four miles, capturing many guns and
prisoners At this stage of the game
Sheridan arrived on the field, rallied and
reorganized our forces, threw his cavalry
upon either flank of the enemy, and by
a bold infantry dash broke the victOri>
GUS rebel lines and drove them in con-
fusion, capturing nearly fifty guns--in-
Guiding those previously taken from
us-and about 600 prisoners. This,
says Gen. Grant, proves General Sheri-
dan to be what have always believed
him, one of the ablest of Generals"
As an episode this is certainly the
most brilliant affair of the whole war.
General Sheridan being the first, / be-
lieve, to snatch brilliant victory from
what appeared at first to be disastrous
defeat, without reinforcement, or any
other resource except that of his own
daring and intellect Grant has been
peculiarly fortunate in the selection of
his Generals, showing at once his spt>
ness in reading human character, which
after all is the secret of nearly every |
great mans success
Although we have had no news from
General Sherman for two days past, no |
apprehenAons are INDUCED on account !
OF the situation in Northwest Georgia.
The people begin to think that what
ever is in the range of human possibili-
ty can be accomplished by the hero Of
Atlanta From the army of the Poto-
mac Fall is quiet, save the usual picket |
firing" !
Perhaps the most remarkable politi-
cal demonstration ever witnessed in
Washington took place last night in the
form of torch-light procession by the
friends of Lincoln and johnson. The
procession consisted of many thousand |
persons, representing the various Ward
Clubs, the State Clubs, Hospital organi-
zations, Government Corrells, &c, the
rear being brought up by large num-
Der of army wagons loaded with Ameri-
can citizens of African descent, who I
seemed TO enjoy this new phase of their
freedom with zist that was refreshing.
A large number Of ambulances filled
with weak and disabled soldiers helped /
to swell the various Hospital Clubs,
and Camp Stoneman (or Geisboro as
it is now called) was represented by
large delegation mounted on cavalry
horses. The scene was brilliant and
enthusiastic in the extreme, especially
in front of the Presidential mansion,
where 1 witnessed the passage Of the
immense throng TricOlored lights
and rockets seemed almost 20 envelop
the White House, while the discharge
of artillery commingled with the rat
Ting of windows and the enthusiastic
shouts of the multitude gave a wild
beauty to the occasion which needed
to be seen and heard in order TO be
The unpleasant part Of the story
remains to be told In passing the
rooms of the democratic association a
number of misereants (and such are to
be found il every political procession) /
set fire to the magnificent Star Spangled
Banner which marks the spot, and it
vas, believe, entirely consumed. The
Ipite, however, was doubtless aimed at
he names which the flag bore, and not
1t the flag itself But this circumstance
loes not justify the outrage, which
,annot be too severely condemned
As might have been expected the ire
IF the locofocos was excited, and they
attempted to avenge the outrage by a
lash in force at the procession as it re-
.nrned to Union League Uall late in :
he evening. The police and Others IN
erfered in time 10 prevent any serious
harm being done But fear the end
s not yet Such acts are sure 10 lead to {
sooner or later, and if retail