Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1864-12-05

The Savannah Republican, of the 24th
and 25th, contains dispatches stating that
on the Gath there was fighting all day at
Oeonee Bridge which was held by the
rebels IN the evening. The Federals had
turned their guns in an opposite direction
on the other side Of the river, indicating
an attack in the rear.
WHISTLER was crossing eighteen miles
below the bridge to aid in its defense.
| Another dispatch states that the Fede-
| rails had Asnked General Wayne at Oconee
Bridge, OD the Central Railroad, compeIl-
ing him to retreat, and also that the Fede-
rails erosssd st Balls Ferry, four miles be-
low the Bridge.
A later dispatch from Augusta, dated
23d, to Gen. HArdee at Savannah, states
| that the enemy had been driven back
across the OcoDee, and that Gen. Wayne
has returned to the Bridge.
The Augusta ConstitutioDslist, Of the
Gath, says: Apprebensions prevailed there
on the 23d in consequence of rumors that
dispatches had been received announcing
the passage of the Oconee, near Milledge-
VILE by the enemy, who were reported to
be advancing in the direction of Augusta
Savannah and Augusta papers, Of the
25th, state that the force that captured
Milledgeville remained there till the eve
ming of the Gath, hsving burned the State
House, Browns Hotel and Psnitentisry,
and captured small quantity of smmuni-
ton.
The main body Of Sherman's army are
reported Oath to be twelve miles from
SsundersOnvillecomin towards Savannah,
spreading desolstion.
The Richmond Whig, of the lst says:
News from Georgia Yesterday shows Sher-
man gradually approaching the coast, but
refrsins from giving the direction. He has
met with no serious opposition since his re-
pulse at OcORee, but efforts are making to
head him of.
Wheeler had twovictorious engagements
with Kilpstricks cavalry, in one Of which,
he captured Kilpatricks hat.
General Hardee telegraphs from Ssvsn-
nah that he left Macon perfectly secure,
and wss making certain dispositions in that
quarter.
The Richmond Dispatch has official in
telligence of Sherman's movements and
present whereabouts, but does not mention
said whereabouts
1t says only fourteen gunboats and trans
ports were near Port Royal.
The Charleston Mercury of the oath
says: The enemy have 40 pieces of a1til-
lery on Morris Island, bearing on Fort
Sumter and Sullivan's IslaLd.
They are also busily mounting mortars.
They have feet of some dozen moDi
tors at Port Royal, and a dozen and half
more somewh here on the coast
These preparations indicate an attack on
Charleston, and the advance Of Sherman
towards Augusta warns us that no time is
to be lost in preparing to meet the issue
The Savannah Republican of the 25th |
says: A large feet is now assembled st
Port Royal, Lybee and Dobose, awaiting !
for Sherman's arrival
The Savannah News thinks Sherman's |
destination is that city, and unless his army |
is either whipped, routed or captured he |
will reach that place.
A Hilton Head correspondent Of the !
Herald says General Foster proceeded up |
Broad River with an expedition, and Ian |
ded five miles below Pocotsligo Bridge,
and marched on and captured the bridge |
after some sharp fighting, the rebels evscu- |
ating. A large quantity Of cotton was |
found and destroyed
1t is supposed the rebel force along the |
coast has been materially lessened TO con-
centrate force against Sherman.
The naval correspondent of the Herald,
off Charleston, states that the blockade |
runner Beatrice run ashore and was des- |
troyed on the night of the 9th. Thirty |
of the crew wero captured.
Admiral Dahlgren and General Poster |
are in communication with Sherman, who |
is supposed to be moving on Savannah. A |
joint force has been organized to cooper
ate with him while other expeditions are |
moving upon other important strategic |
points.
1t was reported on shore that Lee Is
against Sherman.