Tower, Zealous Bates (1819-1900) to William P. Fessenden

"Private"
Nashville Dec 25 1864
Hon W.P. Fessenden
Sec. of the Treasury

Dear Sir,
I enclose you a copy of a sketch I have prepared illustrating the battles of the 15 & 16 Dec 1864 in front of Nashville between the U.S. Army commanded by Major Gen Geo. H. Thomas & the Rebel Forces under Gen Hood. Before describing the battles I will give you some idea of our Western forces - shortly after reaching Nashville it became apparent to me that our cause was strong in the North - Our forces were numerous well supplied & Commanded Sherman was evidently thinking of his grand movement Soon Hood commenced his move upon Sherman's Communications doubtless the result of Mr Davis' visit to Macon. Disaster to the Rebel forces has always followed his interference with the army of the South - It is believed that Hood at Florence threatening middle Tennessee hoped to draw Sherman after him In that position he would be free to escape into Mississippi & if pursued his object would be accomplished viz the [2] freeing of the State of Georgia - But is antagonist was no common man. While quietly preparing for his own march he sent two Corps to Gen Thomas & relieved Gen Smiths Corps from Missouri knowing that three corps of old troops with the other forces to be gathered from different points & the Cavalry could resist Hood - He was not mistaken. Gen Thomas concentrated his Army at Nashville occupying Murfreesboro strongly to prevent the enemy from getting it & using it as a strong hold. After the arrival of Gen Smith's command there was not the slightest danger that Nashville could be taken. Gen Thomas did not intend lying still while Hood should annoy his communications. He was obliged however to wait for the Cavalry. They were necessary for his contemplated movement & for pursuit should the enemy be defeated the excessive cold & icy ground delayed his attack four days - Wednesday the 16 the weather became mild - The battle orders were given for the next morning -
Gen Steadman on our left was ordered to move forward in the morning & threaten the Enemy's right with a view to deceive him as to the point of attack -
Gen Smiths Cavalry Corps was directed to clear the space from the River Cumberland below Nashville to the Enemy's left in the hills and to cover & support Gen Smiths [3] movement
Gen Smith was ordered to move forward in echelon wheeling to the left and attack the Enemy's left at E supported by the Cavalry - Gen Hood was to advance & threaten the forces approved but not to attack except with Artillery Gen Schofield was directed to hold his corps in reserve to the rear of Gen Smiths' left -
These orders were executed almost exactly. Gen Steadman moved in the morning
Gen Johnsons cavalry attacked Chalmers Division drove them before him & aided by the Gun boat Comd Fitch Comdg captured the River Battery. Gen Croxtons cavalry supported him on the left. Gen Hatch pushed forward & struck the enemy's left & rear at the Same time that Gen Smith corps was engaged from B to E the batteries at E & F were carried & the enemys left forced back. At this house 12 'clock Gen Hood dashed in upon the Enemys advanced frontiers at A and carried it with little loss -
The Rebel forces were seen marching from their right to the left. Gen Thomas gave orders to Gen Schofield to carry his corps to Gen Smiths right & push forward to route [4] Hood's left if possible. For three hours our right was gaining ground. All the commands were pressing forward. At 4 o'clock Gen Hoods again dashed forward & carried the Enemys position at B. Driven thus from the left & Center Hood was obliged to draw back his right. His time had been carried from right to left. His intrenchments could not save him - He was outwitted & outflanked with a loss of 30 guns & 1500 prisoners -
But he had pivoted his left in the hills anew & had determined to make another stand - The next-morning Dec 16th Gen Hood across the Franklin Pike supported by Gen Steadman on his left drove the Enemy before him Gen Smith to the right of Gen Hood forced back the line in his front - till the Revels lay from right to left in their last intrenched line. Here they resisted, clinging tenaciously to their rifle pits pressed in front & on their left flank from noon till 4 o'clock - At this hour the Cavalry having made a decided advance on the rebel left our whole line charged forward and drove the enemy from his strong position capturing between 3000 & 4000 prisoners & [struck: nearly] [inserted: about] 25 guns The revels were routed but it was dark I was with Gen Thomas most of the time & saw [5] & understood the battles - They were well planned - scientifically - & gloriously fought The feeling of inexpressible delight that I experienced when our troops carried the Enemys line is indescribable. And as I reflected on the consequences of this battle & the successful March of Sherman carrying 50,000 trained Infantry to the Atlantic Coast the End of the Rebellion seemed to draw near & I could see my Country again prosperous strong proud [inserted: not] fearing to point its finger of wrath at the British Lion or the French Eagle -
Probably at the date we have 8000 prisoners. Hood's Army must be sadly demoralized & broken up. His force was counted at 40,000 infantry and 10,000 cavalry. If he escapes with half that number he will be exceedingly lucky. Gen Thomas is pushing him vigorously -
The Army have great confidence in Gen Thomas. He is cool thoughtful self reliant an able commander - It Is well understood here that at Chickamauga he saved our Army. Why he has not been promoted [6] to a Major Generalcy in the Regular Army next to Sherman I know not. He is modest but very deserving a man of high tone - He understands the rebels & their warfare & knows how to meet them He can fight an Army or manage a campaign & I hope he will receive the reward of his deserts -
I presume it is proper that I should send a sketch of a battle field to a member of the Cabinet & I hope with its and you will be able to see the battle as it was planned & fought to so glorious an issue - I am improving fast - can ride on horse
Yours Truly
Z.B. Tower

[docket]
Nashville Tenn.
Gen. Z.B. Tower U.S.A.
Account of the Battle of Nashville