Today in History:

938 Series I Volume XLIV- Serial 92 - Savannah

Page 938 OPERATIONS IN S. C., GA., AND FLA. Chapter LVI.

BRANCHVILLE, December 7, 1864.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General:

I cannot return exchanged prisoners to their commands; they will be kept temporarily for defense of Savannah.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

SAVANNAH, December 7, 1864.

(Received 10. 45 8th.)

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General:

Considerable fighting at Coosawhatchie to-day without definite results. The enemy hold a position near Coosawhatchie and the railroad. Heavy skirmishing at Numbers 2, Central railroad, with large force of the enemy, which have crossed the Ogeechee opposite that point. Fighting also at Cannouchee Bridge. Enemy have made their appearance at Hudson's Ferry and Matthews' Point, on the Savannah River. The gun-boat Macon is at Sister's Ferry, with orders to patrol the river as high up as Hudson's Ferry. Howard's wing of the Federal army is believed to be on the right bank of the Ogeechee crossing to the left bank.

W. J. HARDEE,

Lieutenant-General.

AUGUSTA, December 7, 1864-4 o'clock.

General WHEELER:

No necessity now for further destruction of bridges over Brier Creek. A steamer with two boats has just been ordered to mouth of Brier Creek. Give her orders.

BRAXTON BRAGG.

CHARLESTON, December 7, 1864-2. 30.

General SAMUEL JONES:

Battery of guns with guard left at 11 a. m. yesterday; train of twenty cars with troops from Augusta left at 10 p. m., and train with Girardey's light battery started at 1 a. m. Train with troops from Wilmington is expected here at 2. 30 to-night; also train from Augusta, expected at 4 o'clock, will be sent immediately on. Seventeen cavalry will leave in passenger train to-morrow. Deserters from Morris' Island to-day report that troops are being moved from Morris' Island to Port Royal, where the force is 8,000 strong, mostly black troops.

R. C. GILCHRIST,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

SAVANNAH, December 7, 1864.

General SAMUEL JONES:

You must send me at once the Augusta battalion, the Georgia battalion, which arrived to-day, and such other troops as you can spare. Bring part of Chestnut's command to Coosawhatchie; the enemy has left his front. The enemy is advancing on Savannah.

W. J. HARDEE,

Lieutenant-General.


Page 938 OPERATIONS IN S. C., GA., AND FLA. Chapter LVI.