Dec. 1—The U. S. navy has 671 vessels, carrying over 4,000 guns, and 51,000 men. It has captured 324 vessels during the year—during the war, 1,379—267 being steamers.
” 5—65 blockade runners, ships and cargoes worth $12,000,000, have been captured or destroyed by the U. S. navy, at Wilmington, N. C.
” 6—Mr. Chase, ex-Sec. of the U. S. Treasury, appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
” 12—Gen. Sherman’s army reaches the rear of Savannah, Geo., which is occupied by the Confederate Gen. Hardee, with 15,000 men.
” 13—Gen. Hazen, of Sherman’s command, captures Ft. McAllister, near Savannah. It had been frequently attacked by gunboats, in vain.
” 15—Gen. Rousseau defeats the Southern forces under Forrest at Murfreesborough, Tenn., with great loss.
” 15-16—Battle of Nashville, Tenn., in which Gen. Hood is completely defeated by Gen. Thomas, Federal commander. Hood’s flying troops pursued 200 miles. It was one of the most fatal blows of the war for the South.
” 19—President Lincoln calls for 300,000 volunteers to finish the war.
” 20—Gen. Stoneman, Unionist, captures forts and destroys salt works, lead mines, and railway bridges at Saltville, East Tennessee.
Gen. Sherman summons Savannah to surrender. Gen. Hardee retreated in the night. Gen. Sherman takes possession next day.