The Shasta courier., 1864-12-24
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SHASTA COURIER.
WAR NEWS.

OlutlOES were lbtlouuCca III tht 2NuItn LAR
olnu Senate
Resolved, That five commissioners be
elected, to act with commissioners from
other States of the Confederacy, as a me
dunn for negotiating peace. the United
States.
Resolved, That the other States be. re-
quested to create similar commissions with
as little delay as practicable, and to coop
crate with North Carolina in requesting
President Davis, in the name Of these sover
eign States, that he tender to the United
States conference for negotiating peace
through the medium of the commissioners.
Resolved, That whenever any of the
States shall have responded by appointment
of commissioners. the Governor shall COM
municate the proceedings officially to Pres
ident Davis, and request his prompt action
upon the proposition. -
in the lower House similar resolutions
were offered.
Headquarters Army of Potomac, 1lth.-
1t has been known that the enemy were
procuring large quantities of supplies by
wav of the Weldon Railroad to Stony
Creek, whence they were wagoned. The
cavalry force sent there ten days ago not
being able to effectually stop these t'.ese
rebel operations. the 5th corps, with-Gregg's
cavalry and the Sd division of the ID corps,
were detailed to effectually put a stop to it
by destroying the railroad as far south as
IIicksford, if it was7possible to reach that
station -On Wednesday, at daylight, the
column started south on the Jerusalem plank
road Tho cavalry advance arrived at
pointstwelvc miles from Petersburg. aiverg
ed from the road about one mile to the right.
when it reached the Nottcway river cross
! Ing. On reaching point two miles beyond
Sussex Court House, some cavalry were
encountered and driven back to where the
Weldon Railroad crossed the Nottoway. A
small force of the enemy dashed in between
our cavalry and the advance of the infantry,
but were soon routed with slight loss. Our
advance then commenced the destruction of
the railroad, by burning the bridges across
the Notteway. The army continued to JAR
ret's Station, and bivouaced there on Thurs
day night. On the afternoon of Friday our
advance reached a point near Hicksford -
The enemy were found to be in force, having
battery in position in the strong works on
both sides of the Mecherrin river. An at
tack was found impracticable on account of
the strength of the works and the difficulty
of approaching them, particularly with ar.
tillery. 1t was determined to carry the
works on this side and destroy the depot,
which was successfully done. 1t now got
cark, and commenced raining, showing and
freezing. The troops encamped in the vi
cinity for the night. A small body of in.
fantry followed and endeavored to annoy
our rear, but each time was driven back
with loss. This afternoon the Nottoway
river was reached. and the entire army
crossed safely. TO morrow they will all be
back in their old position in front of Peters
burg.
New York, l4tb.-The Worlds special
correspondent has an account of battle in
front of Savannah on Saturday. Dec. 10th.
which he says comes direct from loyal
resident of Richmond He says 10000 of
Shermans men at an early hour crossed the
Ogeechee river below Blooming,iale, twelve
miles north of Savannah, messing between
that point and Tellfeil The left wing was
extended so as to cut the Charleston and Sa-
vannah Railroad. Communication was ef
fected on the preceding dav with Foster.
who was again rapidly advancing on Gra-
Evansville. The rebels had retreated from
their strong position south of Pocotalieo
bridge, evidently alarmed at finding them
selves threatened both in front and rear bv
superior forces. Sherman, who was on the
field, found himself confronted by a. large
force of regulars and militia intrenched.- =
The battle began early in the day, and was
contested with great fury on both sides. The
garrison of Savannah, numbering 1900
veterans. participated Toward noon grand
charge was made by the Union troops, which
carried some works on the enemy's left and
centre, threatening to cut him of from the
city. This was followed by an advance of
the whole line. which doubled up the rebel
forces in confusion, They fell back to the
Immediate vicinity of the works in the rear
ofSavannah. Our troops pursued to TeIlfeil
on the south, and Q corresponding distance
along the upper railroad Our troops rested
on finding the enemy's works very strong.
The men. from their long march the previous
night, and severe fighting, we're worn out.
The loss was severe on both sidos. $500
Union troops and between 5000 and 1000
rebel troops were killed and wounded. About
1900 prisoners, including many officers of
rank, together with celors, cannon. small
arms, wagons and icaissons were captured.
Smith, Hardee and Cobb were in command
OF the rebels. AT first their loss was less
than ours, owing to their protection but at
the close of the action they suffered treroen.
uonsiy. 1t Is believed that of the rebels at
.ne head of the inlet 1000 or 5000 will he
captured. The facts. saws the Worlds car
respondent, heve been carefully concealed
" .ne rebel authorities. The rreates.-con
s'ssna,ioa preraiied at Charleston. Last
n.ms .s iett Sherman close 10 the coast abI. =,
e'tner form junction with -. "