Tower, Zealous Bates (1819-1900) to Frances Lucretia Thomas
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01654 Author/Creator: Tower, Zealous Bates (1819-1900) Place Written: Nashville, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 December 1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.5 x 25.1 cm. Order a Copy
Addressed to Mrs. Thomas (possibly Frances Thomas, formerly Kellogg), wife of Union General George H. Thomas. Tower, chief engineer of the defenses of Nashville, describes the 15-16 December Battle of Nashville. Thomas, commanding Union forces at Nashville against Confederate General John Bell Hood. Referring to Thomas, writes "to inform you how beautifully matters have transpired here since you left & how glorious the Gen has demolished the Rebel Army of Hood who had the presumption to fancy it in his power to besiege Nashville..." Mentions Generals John McAllister Schofield (Union) and Smith (possibly Andrew Jackson Smith), James Blair Steedman, and George Henry Thomas. Writes "Being with the General I had a good opportunity to know what was going on. He was very cool self reliant & confident & has gained one of the most brilliant victories of the war. Hood lost about 6000 prisoners & upwards of 50 guns in their fights & his army was demoralized..."
Nashville Dec 26. 1864.
Mrs Thomas
Dear Madam
I cannot forego the pleasure of writing to inform you how beautiful matters have transpired here since you left & how glorious the Gen has demolished the Rebel Army of Hood who had the presumption to fancy it in his power to besiege Nashville. Gen Thomas concentrated his Army at this place in good style & while Hood was [assuring] himself by interrupting the River Communications & in threatening Murfreesboro he guietly made preparations [2] to drive the rebels away from the City & out of Tennessee - They seem not to have drawed of the fate that awaited [inserted: them] - As soon as the Cavalry w[struck:as][inserted: ere] ready & the weather permitted the movement commenced - The Cavalry moved to the right & clearing the space from the Cumberland below Nashville to the left of the Infantry intrenched line attacked that line in flank just as Gen Smith struck his blow in front. Of course it gave way & the Enemys left was forced back. At the same time Gen Hood carried an advanced position of the Rebels in the Center - Gen Schofield then moved to the right of Gen Smith & aided in pushing the Enemy's [3] left still further back. About 4 o'clock Gen [illegible] struck the center of Hoods intrenched lines & carried it. The Rebel force was driven from his position from left to right with a loss of 1500 prisoners & about 30 guns - The next day he clung tenaciously to the hills on his left while his right was forced back into a line quite as good as that from which he was driven the first day. To this he held firmly till 4 o'clock when the Cavalry pressing upon his left & rear & Gen [illegible] fiercely assaulting his right Gen Smith dashed in upon his line sweeping every thing before him. The rebels gave way at every point & in a few moments were in route. Gen Steadman [4] supported Gen [illegible] on his left & Gen Scofield's Corps were on the right of Gen Smith. The Cavalry performed remarkably well & all our troops fought bravely - It was a glorious sight worth coming to Nashville to see - I was with Gen Thomas a great part of both days on horse back (for I can ride now) He planned his battles admirably & they were executed to the better. Being with the General I had a good opportunity to know what was going on. He was very cool self reliant & confident & has gained one of the most brilliant victories of the war. [illegible] lost about 6000 prisoners & upwards of 50 guns in their fights & his army was demoralized. Pursuit is difficult moving to such a country & at this season but the General is moving on vigorously & will [illegible] injure the retreating army very seriously before it gets across the Tennessee - I hope you had a pleasant trip home & that you & your sister are well Please remember me to her - I wish you both a Happy New Year
With the big best respect
Very truly Your friend
Z.B. Tower
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