, 1865-01-13
Eastern News.
News of Dec. 2Gth.

Fortress Monroe, Dec. 26.-The steamer Cali
fornid, 2S hours from Fort Pulaski, with con-
frmatory intelligence of the capture Of Sayan-
nah, arrived last night. On the goth, Sherman
having nearly completed the Investment of the
city, captured Fort Lee and several minor works
in the immediate vicinity of the principal in
trenchments surrounding the city, and succeed
ed in planting his artillery in such close prox-
unity to the rebel forces under Hardee. He sent
summons by flag of truce to the effect that if
the place was not surrendered the bombardment
would at once commence To this summons
the willy General REPLIED that as his cOmmunica-
tions were yet open and his men fully supplied
with subsistence and stores of every kind he
was enabled to hold out for long seige, was
determined to hold the city to the last moment
and defend the citizens property which had been
placed under his protection until his forces were
compelled to surrender. Every preparation had
been made by Sherman to assault the rebel po-
sition next day but when the morning of the
2lst dawned it was found that the enemy had
evacuated their works. Several regiments Of
infantry Immediately took position and Sher-
man entered the city at the head of his body
guard and received from the hands ola deputa-
tion of citizens the surrender of the place. It
appears that Hardee, on the night of the goth,
seeing the impossbility of holding the city,
and fearing that the only chance of escape open
beyond the Savannah river was likely to be cut
off at any moment, determined to avail himself
of this route for his retreat. His troops were
Immediately sent to partially destroy the navy
yard and Government stores, and at twilight
under the protection of the iron-clads, succeed
ed in crossing the causeway to the north side,
intending to push forward to Charleston. Thir-
ty-two thousand bales of cotton were stored in
the city, which the rebels, in their haste, neg
lected to destroy Two iron-clads were sunk;
all the Government property they could not car
4l,avrI f,tp a opf-
small steamers, one gunboat were captured,
which, with the cotton and ammunition, go to
form part of the victory
New York, Dec. 26.-The Commercials spe-
cial dispatch says; Sherman announces to the
Secretary of War that he intends to march up
the Savannah river Immediately and capture
Augusta. The news is that he has already done
so. Sherman says that after this be will swing
around on the rear of Charleston, and destroy
all the railroad on the way.
New York, Dec 28-It is announced here to-
day that Gen. Strains division and a brigade of
Kilpatricks cavalry left Fort McAllieter on the
18th in southern direction to release our pris-
oners on the Gulf Railroad, 90 miles distant. The
intention was to make a rapid march and sur
prise the enemy It is reported that nearly all
of the prisoners from Nashville are at the point
named. r.L. r1. r'H.
Gen Hicks division of Longstreet's corps left
the front of the army of the James last Thurs
day. Itssupposed to have gone to reinforce
Bragg at Wilmington to assist in the defence
of Charleston.
Nashville, Dee 26.4The last accounts from
the front locates Thomas headquarters at Ruth
erford's Hill yesterday morning, miles this side
of Columbia. Since that time our forces have
crossed Duck river and moved to point south
of Columbia. 0urcavary force crossed at the
ford below Columbia and dashed into the town,
the enemy meanwhile retreating without firing a
shot. We captured about fifty stragglers. The
rebel force was at Pulaski yesterday, and was
probably followed by our cavalry. A large por-
ton Of Hood men are without arms and equip
ments. Anything which could impede their
fight has been thrown away Rebel deserters
and prisoners report that the only effective corps
of Hoods S army is s. D. Lees. Forrest effected
junction with Hood at Columbia on Tuesday
Washington, Dec. 27.-Dispatches from Thorn
as report him to be still in pursuit of Hood IS
broken and discouraged forces
New York, Dec. 26.-The Worlds special
says: Official information from Nashville states
that Hoods losses from the 18th to the 22d we're:
killed, 2,65O; wounded, 9,720; prisoners, exclu-
siye of wounded, $780, with the wounded the
prisoners amount to about 49, 900. 40 guns were
captured from the infantry and from the cav
airy.
Nashville, Dec 29.-Union prisoners who es-
capped from Florence, Ala. and arrived on the
nessee river on the 2lst. Next day his infantry
crossed on pontoons, which he had carried above
the shoals out of reach of gunboats.
Washington, Dec. 29.--The following report
of Burbridge's operations has been received
Catletsburg, Ky, Dec. Isl have the honor
to report that my mounted force, 5000 strong
in cooperation with Gen. Gillems brigade, the
whole under the command of Gen. Stoneman,
marched from Beams Station on the 18th at day
light. At Kngsport sent two regiments to
support Gen. Gillem, who hanked the enemy,
routed them, killing, wOunding and capturing
hundred rebels, taking a wagon train and 200
prisoners, pursuing them to Bristol, which place
we attacked and captured, with two trains of
cars, five engines, and immense quantity of
stores. | learned that Vaughn was at Zollcof-
fer, 20 miles below, and marched to attack him
but he slipped away in dense fog and made for
the Salt works. discovered his flight in time
| to head him off at Arlington, which place | cap
tured on the l4th, with one gun and large
amount of stores, and engine with rolling
stock. Gillem continued the pursuit of Vaughn
and coming up with him in strong position
and captured so prisoners. sent Brownies
| brigade to support Gillem who again came upon
the enemy at Mt. AIRY, and ddroYe him in confu-
sion, capturing some prisoners, seyeralpieces of
artillery and a large wagon train. Col. Brownies
brigade later in the day, charged the Home
Guards, capturing cannon and 8 caissOns.=
Maj. Humason, of the 18th Kentucky, who had
been detached by order of Gen. Stoneman, with
300 men struck the Virginia Railroad, capturing
the cars. He then gotin Vaughn's front and
continued along the line ofthe railroad, Destroy
ing all the bridges and depOts as far as Wyth-
Vile, when the expedition started on its return,
both mea and horses being nearly worn out
| We came on Breckinridge who was following
An engagement of six hours ensued, at the close
ofwhch Breckenridge retreatedtowards Saltyille
but Col. Buckley with a brigade drove him in
confusion towards North Carolina. Col. Buck
| ley efectually destroyed the lead mines near
! Wythville. On the night of the goth after re-
cruiting, our forces captured the saltworks with
pieces of cannon, The expedition has been
entirely successful, and win be more felt by the
rebels than the loss of Richmond The salt
works of course can't be repaired during the
war. My forces are now at this place safe.
(Sgned) BURBRIDGE.
Louisville, Dec. pa reliable telegram from
Guns station, dated the 29th, reports Bur
BRIDGES command to be in good shape and re-
turning to Lexington, after a successful expedi-
ton, Burbrdge destroyed the railraod 10 miles
beyond WythYille, Va Breckinridge was badly
whipped and left for North Carolina. The rebel
department in Southwestern Virginia has no
longer any efficiency. u EUl
Our feet commenced the attack on Whining
ton, Dec. Oath, and continued itall day, 1t was