From the 19th Ohio

Camp on Battle Field near Murfreesboro,
January 5th, 1863

Messrs. Editors:

I hope that you will be kind enough to insert the following in your paper for the benefit of the friends and relatives of the 19th Regiment and more especially of the members of Company E. I give you a hurried sketch of our loss during [illegible] battles. We arrived here on Monday evening and took our position on right of left wing. It rained nearly all day on Tuesday. Cannonading in our front, right and some firing of musketry. Several charges [made] on the right by our forces. Our Regiment being on the third line, had no firing to do.

Wednesday, Dec. 31 – About 7 A.M. an order was read to us form General Rosecrans, stating that he that day wished to give the rebels on a death blow, and some very encouraging remarks to the officers and soldiers. Our brigade was then moved across Stone River, and had scarcely our lines formed when an order came for us to recross, as the enemy had driven our right. We were brought back to our old ground. Changed front several times and finally marched to the right on the Murfreesboro pike, and just [in time], as General Rosecrans said, to save the [utter annihilation] of the whole right wing of our army. Two brigades came through the woods on a dead run, and the rebels after them, and within 25 or 30 yards of the pike. Our commands were but “Fix bayonets and commence firing.” As soon as our men were out of the way, breaking through our ranks, we poured a deadly fire into them, charged and drove them about one thousand yards – Generals Rosseau, Rosecrans, Vancleve, McCook and Crittenden were present when we made our first charge. We were very highly complimented. Several of the Generals stated that it was the best regiment in the U.S. Army.

We advanced into an open field and again, the rebels charged and drove one brigade in our front back, and broke our ranks to get through. We were then ordered to lay down. The rebels flanked us on our right and we were then ordered to fall back. We formed some four hundred yards back, and waited their arrival at the top of a little rise and again opened on them. Two batteries opened a cross fire at the same time and we piled them up like old shoes and drove them back again. It so happened that Gen. Rosecrans was present at this fire, all alone, his face as bloody as a butcher. His A.A.G. had his head shot off by a solid shot by his side a few minutes before.

We were again moved to the right to strengthen the lines as the rebels moved in that direction. We were again under fire, marching by the right flank. The boys would step out of ranks and fire, saying it was too pretty a chance to miss. We were then ordered to the rear, where we could build fires and rest, but did not move till 12 M. Our boys put in the last of the old year marching; night very cold and rations short.

Jan. 1st – About six o’clock in the morning we again started to cross the river, but were detained by our artillery. In the meantime some demonstrations were made by the enemy to attack our centre, and we were stationed to support a battery on our left. Towards evening we crossed the river, took position right of left wing, second line. Some very heavy artillery and musketry firing on our right. We were called up during the night but nothing occurred more than picket skirmishing.

Jan. 2 – All quiet on our front until near three o’clock, we were in line and broke ranks near 4 P.M. Captain Drury’s Battery (formerly of Zanesville) then in our front, came moving back. Just then musketry firing commenced on our front. We had scarcely time to form when the order was given to advance double quick. The 23rd brigade was falling back in great confusion and disorder, every one on his own hook. We advanced about three hundred yards and fired on the enemy, but they were too strong for us, and we were compelled to fall back. We tried to rally at the foot of the hill, but the enemy pressed us too close. We were driven across the creek and a great many of our men were overtaken and captured, but the rebels were driven back so quick that they had not time to attend to taking prisoners with them. A great many were shot while in the act of crossing the stream and were lost. Men rallied from [all] quarters formed and drove the rebels [illegible] back Our artillery opened on them a most terrible fire. The old 19th colors were the first to recross the creek. Color bearers could be seen going in all directions with flags but no regiments. It is the general supposition that this was the most terrible scene of the war.

We charged on, as I have since learned, Hardee’s and Breckenridge’s divisions, with a battalion of sharpshooters in front. Our regiment held the whole rebel army in check for some five or six minutes until flanked.

After the enemy were driven back we took our position as before. It rained hard all night. We were relieved about 9 A.M. on the 3d [illegible] Marched across the creek to the rear, mud knee deep. During the retreat of the rebels they lost at least four prisoners to our one and four killed to our one. Also the celebrated Washington battery was captured.

January 4 – Very heavy firing on the right commenced about 3 P.M. and lasted 2 hours.

Jan 4 Rebels reported to have evacuated. Our troops advanced this morning. No enemy to be found. Some reserved troops were engaged throwing up fortification on our old ones.

The loss in our company, December 31st. at the first fire was as follows:

John H. Deavers, 2d Corporal, wounded in [left] thigh, slightly, Thomas L. Gilson right thing, died same day, William H. Cooper, private, right arm below elbow, serious, John [P.] Green, hand slight, Isaac Granger, thigh, sever, Thomas Harbaugh, arm below elbow, sever, George W. Little, leg, slight, John J. [Lams], ankle, severe.

Same day, second fire:

Wm. [Cook], 4th Corporal, right leg, below knee, severe. Anthony Bolinger, private, left [illegible] serious.

Jan 2d – Captain U Bean, killed, George Herald, private, killed, Jas. Franks, private, [killed], Geo. J. Swank, 1st Sergeant, wounded in chin, serious. Frederick Pannier, 3d Corporal, wounded in chin, seriously. Geo. Colhouse, private, thigh, slightly. Jennings F. [N___bro], breast, slight, Wm. Ziegler, right arm, below elbow, slight.

Missing – Henry [E__s] and George W. Armstrong, privates.

We are all in fine spirits and well, what is [left of us]. Our loss in the regiment is [210] killed wounded and missing.

I remain your humble servant.

LEWIS R. FIX,
Lt. Company E, 19th Reg’t. O.V.I.

– Published in the Zanesville Daily Courier, Zanesville, Ohio, January, 15, 1863

Highly Gratifying Dispatch

Through the great kindness of D. Hull, Esq. we are permitted to copy the following dispatch, dated at Nashville to-day. We are glad that it is no worse with the brave boys:

Nashville. Jan. 6.

To D. Hull:

The 97th was in the six days’ battle. Geo. Campbell, just from the field, reports fifteen killed, wounded and missing. The killed are S Browning, and [Rodericher]. The wounded are Wm. Edgill, M Topier, M Dozier, Reolbery C Claspil, Bill and JohnMoore. All slightly. The Zanesville boys all right.

THOS. J. COX
Captain and A.Q.M.

– Published in the Zanesville Daily Courier, Zanesville, Ohio, Tuesday, January 6, 1863

Death of Herrick Blue

Herrick Blue, son of Curran Blue, Esq. of this city, died Saturday at Mound City hospital, Illinois. – He enlisted in the gunboat service with Mr. [ _oughton], last summer, and went with him to Cairo. The dispatch announcing his death is brief and gave not particulars. We regret very much having to record the death of this promising young man, but like many others, he is a victim to this cruel war. He was about 23 years of age. His body will be brought home for burial.

– Published in the Zanesville Daily Courier, Zanesville, Ohio, Tuesday, January 6, 1863

From Nashville

Editor Courier:

As much anxiety exists because so few letters are received from the Ohio Regiments engaged in the battles at and near Murfreesboro, if you think best, you may say that my son, who has been in the hospital in Nashville since December 15th, writes me:

January 1st – The mail does not go out or come in, because there is no way to carry it through. I will add to this until there is a mail to Louisville, or some place where it may start for home.

January 6 – It is reported that the mail is running to Bowling Green, and thence by some way other than railroad, north. Col. Moody is badly wounded; shot several times. I cannot hear from my company or regiment. I know one of our company wounded in the arm, William Edgill, of Blue Rock, one of the men who was buried in the coal bank a few years since.

January 7 – I found out last night that there is no mail. Mr. S. Ward, of Indiana is here and is about to return with a discharged soldier; will take this and mail it in Indiana.

The Letters dated as above were received this A.M. mailed at Evansville, Indiana, the 12th.

T. J. Taylor
January 14th, 1863

– Published in the Zanesville Daily Courier, Zanesville, Ohio, Wednesday, January 14, 1863

Killed At Murfreesboro

Lieut. Timothy L. Condit, of the 1st Ohio Cavalry, was killed at the battle near Murfreesboro, Tenn. on the 1st inst. He was a young man of much promise and possessed an unexceptionable character. He was a resident of Marietta and a graduate of the College in that city, in the class of ’59, with the highest honors. His many friends and acquaintances in Zanesville will no doubt feel his loss.

“He is not lost! He Lives! He lives for aye.
To those rent hearts this healing hope is given,
When from our sight our loved ones pass away,
All that seems lost to earth is found in Heaven.”

– Published in the Zanesville Daily Courier, Zanesville, Ohio, Monday, January 12, 1862

The Wounded of Murfreesboro

Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and other cities are sending or preparing to send hospital stores, and other things forward to Nashville for the wounded of the late terrible battle near Murfreesboro. We think well of this; but a more important thing can be done for them. We have no doubt the most of the wounded would prefer to be sent home. So far as the wounded from [these] parts are concerned, they could be sent to our very doors by steamboats, and if provided with a proper escort would suffer no more, we think, than they are likely to suffer in the crowded city of Nashville. Once at their homes, or even among our people, they would be well cared for. The Ladies of the Aid Society who have done so much in the past, towards providing and sending supplies for soldiers in hospitals, would do much more for them if brought here. Others would also give their kind attention, and our young men and old men, would watch over them if need be, during long weary nights. We are in favor of sending all the sick and wounded home. – The Government would save money by doing so, and what is more the country would thus be saved the lives of very many of its brave citizens, who would otherwise pine away in gloomy, cheerless hospitals. Why can they not be sent home? Will they not be?

– Published in the Zanesville Daily Courier, Zanesville, Ohio, Thursday, January 8, 1863

Rosecrans Speaks

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6. – The following dispatch has been received at Headquarters:

HEADQUARTERS DEP’T OF THE CUMBERLAND
January 5, [1863]

H. W. Halleck, General-in-Chief:

We have fought one of the greatest battles of the war, and are victorious. Our entire success on the 31st was prevented by a surprise of the right flank; but we have, nevertheless, beaten the enemy, after a three days' fight. They fled with great precipitation on Saturday night. The last of their columns of cavalry left this morning. Their loss has been very heavy. Generals Rains and Hanson are killed. Generals Gladson, Adams, and Breckinridge are wounded.

(signed)

W. S. ROSECRANS,
Major-General Commanding.

– Published in the Zanesville Daily Courier, Zanesville, Ohio, Wednesday, January 7, 1863

Latest from Murfreesboro – More Particulars – Our loss 9,500 killed and wounded and 5,000 prisoners.

NEW YORK, Jan.6. – The Times has the following dispatch from Nashville on the 5th, from persons arriving from the battlefield. I learn that on Saturday night, during the storm the rebels attacked our men in their rifle pits along the whole line.

There was heavy fighting in the centre. – We drove the enemy across Stone River. The 77th Pennsylvania first carried the point. On Sunday morning Stanley’s brigade entered Murfreesboro. The town is injured by shells.

General Sill’s body was at the Court House – The Rebels buried their own dead, and our officers. There has been great loss of Confederate life. We lose about 9,500 killed and wounded, and about 5,000 prisoners. The enemy retreated to Tulahoma. Our forces are terribly shattered. Out of 136 Colonels engaged we lost 19 killed.

– Published in the Zanesville Daily Courier, Zanesville, Ohio, Tuesday, January 6, 1863

Further Particulars of the Murfreesboro Battle – Official

HEADQUARTERS 14TH ARMY CORPS,
Department of the Cumberland,
Front Murfreesboro, Jan. 3, Via Nashville.

H. W. Halleck, Commander-in-chief:

On the 26th of December, we marched from Nashville in three columns, General McCook by the Nolinsville pike, Gen. Thomas from his encampment on the Franklin pike, via Wilson pike, and General Crittenden on the main Murfreesboro pike.

Our left and centre met with a strong resistance, such as the nature of the country permits – the rolling or hilly routes skirted by cedar thickets and farms intersected by small streams, with rocky bluff banks, forming serious obstacles. General McCook drove Gen. Hardee’s corps a mile and a half from Murfreesboro and occupied the place.

General Crittenden reached within a mile of Lavergne. General Thomas reached Wilson’s Pike, meeting with no serious opposition on the 27th. General McCook drove General Hardee from Nolinsville and pushed a reconnoitering division six miles towards Shelbyville.

They found that General Hardee had retreated towards Murfreesboro.

General Crittenden fought and drove the enemy before him, occupying the line of Stewart’s Creek, and capturing some prisoners, with slight loss.

General Thomas occupied the vicinity of Nolinsville, when he was partially surprised, thrown into confusion, and driven back.

General Sheridan’s division had repulsed the enemy four times and protected the flank of the centre, which not only held its won, but advanced until this untoward event which compelled me to retain the left wing to support the right until it should be rallied and assume a new position.

On the 1st the rebels opened by an attack on us and were again repulsed. On the 2d inst. there was skirmishing along the front with threats of an attack until 3 o’clock in the afternoon.

When the enemy advanced, I threw a small division across Stone’s river, to occupy the commanding ground there. While reconnoitering the ground occupied by this division, which ad no artillery, I saw a heavy force coming from the woods, and advancing in line of battle, three lines deep.

They drove our little division before them, after a sharp contest in which we lost 70 or 80 killed and 375 wounded.

They were finally repulsed by General Negley’s division and the remaining troops of the left wing of General Morton’s pioneer brigade, and fled far over the field and beyond their entrenchments. Their officers rallying them with great difficulty. They lost heavily. We occupied the ground with the left last night.

The lines were completed at four o’clock in the morning.

– Published in the Zanesville Daily Courier, Zanesville, Ohio, Tuesday, January 6, 1863

From the Army of Potomac

NEW YORK, Jan. 5. – A special dispatch from Falmouth, Virginia, on the 3d, gives an account of a recent reconnaissance in force to Morrisville on this side of the Rappahannock. 48 miles were made in [35] hours. Several rebel pickets captured and the force returned in good condition. One of the Regiments crossed the Rappahannock and penetrated several miles into the interior, but found no rebel cavalry or infantry in force.

LATEST.

NEW YORK, Jan. 5. – Up to 2 p.m. not a word of news from our army in Tennessee had reached the agency of the Associated Press.

– Published in the Zanesville Daily Courier, Zanesville, Ohio, Monday, January 5, 1863

Latest Dispatch:

At half past 4 o’clock this afternoon we have the following gratifying Dispatch:

LOUISVILLE, Jan. 5. – Murfreesboro advices say the Federal victory is complete. The Rebels are fleeing towards Tullahoma in great disorder.

– Published in the Zanesville Daily Courier, Zanesville, Ohio, Monday, January 5, 1863

Stuart’s Raid – Rebel Dispatches from Murfreesboro, Charleston and Vicksburg

WASHINGTON, Jan. 4. – The material result of Stuart’s cavalry raid was one Government wagon half filled with oats, but it marked the withdrawal from the lines behind Fredericksburgh of a large reinforcement for Bragg’s or at Charleston. A balloon observation 900 feet high revealed to our commanders last week that the number of rebel infantry camped across the Rappahannock was largely diminished.

Richmond papers of Friday contain the following dispatch, which is official to the Rebel War Department:

MURFREESBORO, Jan. 1 – We assailed the enemy at 7 o’clock this morning, and after 10 hours hard fighting have driven him from every position, except his extreme left where he has successfully resisted us. With the exception of this point we occupy the field. We captured 400 prisoners including two Brigadier Generals, 31 pieces of artillery and some teams. Our loss is heavy, but that of the enemy much greater.

(Signed)

BRAXTON BRAGG,
General Commanding.

VICKSBURG, Dec. 30. – A cruiser has just arrived who states that the enemy attempted to storm our lines again this morning, but after a sever combat were repulsed with heavy loss. No further particulars at present. The loss of the enemy is said to be about 300 killed and wounded. Our loss is 30 killed and wounded.

The belief that no troops have been withdrawn from our front and sent to reinforce Bragg is very general among our commanding officers.

The weather is warm and clear.

BOMBAY has already been enriched to the extent of nearly £400,000 by the advance in the price of cotton, one Parsee alone having cleared £800,000 alone by his speculation in that article, while other firms have done nearly the same.

CHARLESTON, Dec. 31. – The British steam sloop Perrel from Fortress Monroe has arrived off the bar. She is visited by Mr. Bunch the British Consul, today, and will com up to the city. The steamer Emma Suttle, captured by a Yankee cruiser and put in charge of a prize crew, has been recaptured by the original officers and crew who were confined on board, and taken back to Nassau with a prize crew as prisoners.

– Published in the Zanesville Daily Courier, Zanesville, Ohio, Monday, January 5, 1863

Fourth Dispatch

NASHVILLE, Jan. 3. – Colonel McKee is reported killed. Our Loss of officers is heartrending. The battle closed last night with terrible slaughter to the enemy. The first day’s fighting was all our own way; but the right wing fought itself into a bad position. On the Third day we repulsed the enemy with terrible slaughter, and with but slight loss on our side.

– Published in the Zanesville Daily Courier, Zanesville, Ohio, Monday, January 5, 1863

Third Dispatch

A spirited engagement too place at Lavergne between the mechanics and engineers of Col. Innis’ and Gen. Whartson’s [sic] rebel cavalry. The latter were routed with a los of 33 killed.

All contrabands captured on Federal wagon trains are shot. Twenty of the killed are lying on the Murfreesboro pike.

Major Slemmer and Captain King wounded while in an ambulance, were captured by the rebels, taken four miles, paroled, and thrown out on the road.

General Willich was not killed, but wounded and taken prisoner yesterday.

General Rosecrans took command of the Fourth United States Cavalry, in person, and attacked General Wheeler’s Rebel Cavalry, who were cut to pieces and utterly routed.

Captain Meck, Chief of artillery, of Thomas’ Staff was mortally wounded.

Colonel Anderson’s dispatch to Headquarters says – We have whipped the rebels decidedly, and are at Christiana, 9 miles south of Murfreesboro, on the railroad.

– Published in the Zanesville Daily Courier, Zanesville, Ohio, Monday, January 5, 1863

The Great Battle – The Slaughter Terrible – Full Particulars

NASHVILLE, Jan. 3 – It is reliably reported that General Bragg was killed to-day. – There has been fighting all day. No Particulars.

Our Forces are advancing and the rebels are falling back across Stone’s river.

Wounded slightly – Col. Miller, Col. Blake, 40th Indiana, Lieut. Colonel Neff. Col Hull, and Captain Plate.

Heavy rain all day.

There was heavy cannonading yesterday till noon. The rebels attacked our left and were terribly repulsed.

The rebels attacked and destroyed the hospital building on Thursday.

The Richmond army are furnishing strong reinforcements.

– Published in the Zanesville Daily Courier, Zanesville, Ohio, Monday, January 5, 1863

Federal Triumph at Last – Murfreesboro Occupied by Rosecrans – Gallantry of Our Troops – Consternation of the Enemy, &c.

LOUISVILLE, Jan. 4 – Three feet of water on the shoals in the Cumberland river and rising. Everything going on well in front.

Rosecrans is in Murfreesboro. He has captured the rebel trains and is driving the enemy.

Rosecrans unhurt; his Adjutant General McDowell, wounded in the arm.

The Journal dispatches of the 4th says: A bloody fight took place last night during a storm; the rebels charged us and were repulsed. Our troops hold Murfreesboro.

Our Advantages are decided. Breckinridge’s division is cut to pieces and rented.

On Saturday our skirmishers decoyed a large body of rebels among our batteries, and we routed them with great slaughter.

Captain McCulloch of the 2nd Kentucky Union Cavalry, says the rebel Gen. Withers was driven almost to madness by the laughter of his men. Eye witnesses day the slaughter exceeds that of Shiloh.

General Rosecrans and soldiers were in the highest spirits on Saturday.

Colonel Daniel McCook engaged Wharton’s Cavalry six miles from Nashville, routing him completely. All is highly cheering.

Prisoners say that Kirby Smith is in the fight. The rebel canteens were filled with Whiskey and gunpowder.

McCook Attacked Wharton’s Cavalry near the Asylum, six miles from Nashville, killing [8], left on the field, and many wounded. Seven Federals were wounded. [Capt.] Pinney, 5th Wisconsin; Lieut. Hastings, 35th Ill. And all commissioned officers of companies G, I and K were killed or disabled. The Colonel of the 19th Illinois, is seriously wounded. Capt. [Austin] of Woodruff’s Staff, was taken prisoner.

Private dispatches say that the rebels in their retreat are burning cotton wherever they get hold of it.

The dispatches also say that a number of Jews are concentrating here and at Cairo and appointing deputations to Washington to remonstrate against Grant’s order expelling Jews from territory occupied by Federal forces.

The Murfreesboro Rebel of the 2d says the Federals fought gallantly. It admits a loss of 5,000. The federal prisoners were sent to Murfreesboro as fast as taken. Captain Joe [Desha] of Kentucky was wounded by a shell in the head; Adjutant Card of the same regiment was shot by a cannon ball.

From the Associated Press’ Nashville correspondent it is reported that Rosecrans shielded Murfreesboro this morning, but got no reply from the enemy. Our forces would occupy it at noon. The rebels undoubtedly left.

Our forces are reported pursuing.

Frank Ward, of Pittsburgh, of Anderson’s troop, is reported killed.

All reports of Rosecrans having retreated to Nashville are false. The fight to-day is supposed to be in the vicinity of Christiana.

The intervention of the rebel cavalry between Nashville and Christiana makes it difficult to get news, but everything thus far is favorable to the ultimate success of the Federal arms.

– Published in the Zanesville Daily Courier, Zanesville, Ohio, Monday, January 5, 1863

Gen. Sill

This gallant young officer who fell at Murfreesboro on Friday was a resident of Chillicothe at the time the war broke out. His original regiment, the 33d Ohio, was organized at Camp Portsmouth. – General Sill was a graduate in the Ordnance Corps at West Point in the class of 1853 – He continued in the regular army till the winter of 1860 and ’61, when he retired. At that time, we believe, he was on duty at Fort Leavenworth. His age was about thirty-one years. A commission as Colonel of Volunteers was issued to him on July 26th, 1861. He was appointed Brigadier General about eight months before his death. We are informed that he has a brother and father living in Chilicothe. He was a man of small stature but very active. Ohio loses in him an ornament in her military chaplet.

– Published in the Zanesville Daily Courier, Zanesville, Ohio, Monday, January 5, 1863

Terrific Battle at Murfreesboro – Rebel Gens. Cheatham and Rains Killed

NEAR MURFREESBORO, Dec. 31 – Our whole line suffered terribly this morning, four regiments of regulars lost half of their men and all their commanding officers. Gen Anderson’s troops suffered terribly. Majors Rosengarten and Ward are killed. Gen. Stanley, Rosseau and Palmer are wounded.

Two o’clock P.M. – Gen. Thomas has just broken the rebel centre and driven the enemy a mile. We are advancing our whole line. Gen. Rosencrans [sic] is personally superintending the movement. One shot killed two of his staff officers. The [15th] Wisconsin lost seven Captains. Gen. Negle’s artillery is still moving the rebels in the centre. Gen. Crittenden – left wing – has taken the entrenchments at Murfreesboro. The rebels Gens. Cheatham and Rains are killed.

NASHVILLE, Jan. 2 – The Federals encountered the rebels on the 30th ult. near Stuart’s Creek, and after heavy skirmishing the rebels were driven back.

We captured 100 prisoners, and killed and wounded a large number of rebels.

Our loss was 70 killed and wounded.

At daybreak on the 31st the fight was renewed with great fury. McCook’s corps was opposed to Hardee. After desperate fighting with heavy loss McCook retreated two miles. He soon rallied, and was again driven back.

At night he was four miles this side of the ground occupied in the morning. The fight continued until 10 o’clock p.m. at which time we had maintained our position.

The Federal loss is very Heavy.

Killed – Brig. Gen. Sill, Lieut. Col. Garesche, Chief of Gen. Rosecrans’ Staff; Brig. Gen. Willeck, of Indiana; Col. Kell of the 2nd Ohio; Col. Straffer, Acting Brigadier General, Col. Farmer of the 15th Kentucky; Col. Jones of the 24th Ohio; Lieut. Col. Cotton of the 6th Kentucky; Lieut. Col. Jones, of the [39th Indiana]; Major Carpenter, of the 19th Regulars; Major Rosengarten of Philadelphia.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 2. – The Secretary of War to-day received the following:

Cleveland, O. Jan. 2.

The following has just been received by telegraph from Cincinnati, dated Murfreesboro, Jan. 1:

A terrible battle was fought yesterday. – The latest from the field is up to noon. The rebel center had been broken, and things looked favorable. The losses are reported to be enormous. Stanley, Rosseau and Palmer are wounded, and the rebels Cheatham and Rains are killed.

– Published in the Zanesville Daily Courier, Zanesville, Ohio, Saturday Evening, January 3, 1862

Murfreesboro Captured

LOUISVILLE, Jan. 2. – Rosecrans captured Murfreesboro on Tuesday Morning and now occupies it. The rebels made but [slight] resistance, and retreated to Tullahoma. Rosecrans lost a train of wagons in following him, which was captured by the rebels under Colonel Morgan.

Rumors prevail here of the approach of Forest from the direction of [Salt?] River. They are entirely unfounded.

– Published in the Zanesville Daily Courier, Zanesville, Ohio, Friday, January 2, 1863

Halleck’s Letter to Rosecrans

Washington, Jan. 9. – General Halleck has dispatched the following to Gen. Rosecrans:

Headquarters of the Army,
Washington, D.C. Jan. 9.

To Major General Rosecrans.
Commanding Army of Cumberland:

GENERAL: – Rebel accounts fully confirmed your telegram from the battle field. The victory was well earned, and is one of the most brilliant of the war. You and your brave army have won the gratitude of your country and the admiration of the world. The field of Murfreesboro is made historical and future generations will point out where so many heroes fell gloriously in defence of the Constitution and the Union.

All Honor to the Army of the Cumberland.

Thanks to the living, and tears for the dead.

(Signed)

H. W. Halleck,
General-in-Chief

– Published in the Zanesville Daily Courier, Zanesville, Ohio, Saturday, January 10, 1863