achievement is the small loss suffered by our troops, evincing, among other things, the admirable skill and caution of General Thomas in his disposition of the batt;e. In our rejoicing at the defeat of the enemy thanks are due to the Almighty for his protection to our gallant officers and soldiers in the great conflict they have passed through. The report of General Thomas, and also an unofficial report* containing interesting details, are subjoined.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. C., December 17, 1864-10 p. m.

Major-General DIX:

* * * * * *

Nothing has been heard from General Thomas to-day. Unofficial dispatches state that the provost-marshal at Nashville reports 5,000 prisoners and 49 pieces of artillery as being already secured. It is ascertained that in transmitting General Thomas' report last night a telegraphic mistake was made at Louisville or Nashville in the estimated number of our casualties. The dispatch written by General Thomas stated that his whole loss would not exceed 3,000, and very few were killed.

* * * * * * *

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, December 17, 1864-10 a. m.

Lieutenant-General GRANT,

Burlington, N. J.:

Thomas victorious yesterday. Hood's army broken; driven back to the Brentwood Hills; many prisoners and cannon taken; pursuit to be renewed to-day. Our loss not over 300.+ Sherman took Fort McAllister Wednesday. If you start soon there is yet time for your report to be made as promised. Details will be sent you soon as possible, but the telegraph works badly. Dispatches from Foster are being received, and a messenger with sealed dispatches from Sherman has reached Fortress Monroe on his way up.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Near Franklin, Tenn., December 17, 1864-8 p. m.

Lieutenant General U. S. GRANT:

We have pressed the enemy to-day beyond Franklin, capturing his hospitals, containing over 1,500 wounded, and about 150 of our wounded. In addition to the above, General Knipe, commanding a division of

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*See Van Duzer to Eckert, 9 p. m. 16th (p. 213), omitting the address and signature.

+Three thousand, as reported by Thomas, see p. 210.

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