Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1864-12-19
SUNDAY NIGHTS DISPATCHES.
OFFICIAL DISPATCH.
Dispatch frem Gen. Sherman-ThOm
as PUSHING Hood.
W AK DEPAKTMENT'
WASHINGTON, Dec. is. Q 7. Nj -

WAR DEPARTMENT,
WASHINGTON, Dec. Is, 8 z. NJ
Ngjor General Dir, Neu York:
An official dispatch from Gen. Sherman
was received to-day, dated midnight. Dec.
| 18th, on the gunboat Dandelion, Ossabaw
Sound. 1t was written before Gen. Foster
had reached him. He reports, besides some
military details of further operations,
which are omitted, the following:
On BOARD DANDELoIN. !
OsABAw SOUND, Dec. 13, 1l:50P. M.}
To-day at p. m. General Hazen's divis-
ion of the 10th corps carried Fort McAllis-
ter by assault, capturing its entire garri-
son and stores. This opened to us the Osa-
baw Sound, and pushed down to this gun
boa to communicate with the fleet. Before
opening communication we had COM
pletely destroyed all railroads leading
into Savannah, and invested the city.
The left is on the Savannah river, ten miles
above the city and the right on the Ogee-
chee at Kings bridge. The army is in
splendid order; weather fine; supplies abun-
dant. Our march was most agreeable, and
not molested by guerrilas. We reached
Savannah three days ago. but owing to Fort
McAllister, could not communicate, but
now we have Fort NlcAllister and we can
go ahead.
We have captured two boats on the Sa-
vannah river, and prevented their gun
boats from coming down. The estimated
population of Savannah is $4,000. General
HardCe commands.
We have not lost wagon on the trip, but
have gathered in large supply of negroes,
mules and horses. Our teams are in
better condition than when we started
NV first duty will be to clear the army of
Inc nd Va
have utterly destroyed over 200 miles of
rails and consumed stores and provisions
that were essential to Lees and Hood s ar
mics.
The quick work made with McAllister
and the opening of communication with
our fleet, and the consequent inde-
pendence for supplies dissipates all their
boasted threats to head me off and starve
the army. regard Savannah as already
gained. Yours, truly,
w. I. SHERMAN, g
Major General.
The following official reports were re-
ports were received this evening from Gen.
Thomas, dated his
HEADQUARTERs Dept. OF THE ,'UMBERLAND,l
NEAR FRANKLIN, Dec IL, 1864. !
A report just received from Major-Ger.
Wilson states that at p. m. to-day he
attacked and dispersed Stevens division
of rebel infantry and brigade of cavalry,
capturing three guns. The 4th U. S. cav
airy and Hatcher's division of cavalry,
handsomely supported by Knipe's division
of cavalry, did the work, making several
brilliant charges, breaking the rebel infan-
try in all directions. Had il only been
light the rebel rear guard would have been
entirely destroyed. AS it is it has been Sc
verely punished. The whole army will con-
tinue vigorous pursuit in the morning.
This attack was made six miles beyond
Franklin. tNf ~
[Signed] i4Ja GEO. III. THOMAS.
HEADQ'Rs DEP'T OF THE CUMBERLAND
NEAR FRANKLIN, Tenn, Dec II, 8P. M fae
We have pressed the enemy to-day be-
yond Franklin, capturing his hospitals con-
tanning over l,500 wounded aud about $50
of our wounded also. Gen. Knipe, COM
manding division of cavalry, drove the
enemy's rear guard through Franklin
to-day, capturing about $500 prisonersand
five battle-fags, with very little loss on our
side. 8 [WT J,sfl8Fl9F "
Citizens of Franklin represent Hoods
army as completely demoraiized. i'9iaaa'
In addition to the captures Of yesterday
reported in my dispatches of last night /
have the honor to report the capture of
Gen. Rucker and about $50 prisoners Of the
enemy's cavalry in fight that occurred
about s o'clock last night between Gen.
eral Rucker and General Hatch, Ssof
our cavalry. The enemy, has been
pressed to-day both in front and on both
sides. Brig. Gen. johnson succeeded In
striking him on the flank just beyond
Franklin, capturing quite number ofprls-
Istelssg sis.t,f.