We have nothing yet authentic from Georgia; but many rumors of much fighting.
It is said Gen. Hampton has got in front of the enemy’s column at the Weldon Railroad, and is driving them back. Gen. Hill, it is presumed, is this side of them.
It is also reported that Gen. Longstreet is now (12 m.) attacking the enemy on this side of the river, and driving them. Distant guns can be heard southeast of us, and it may be true.
Major Cummings, Confederate States, Georgia, dispatches that the railroad between Atlanta and Chattanooga should be repaired immediately, to bring off supplies from Middle Tennessee. Gen. Bragg concurs.
The following was received from Gen. Bragg to-day, 11 a.m.:
“Augusta, December 10th, 1864.—The following dispatch is just received from Gen. Wheeler, twenty-seven miles from Savannah, 10 p.m., 8th December. Enemy are still moving toward Savannah, obstructing the road in the rear, and resisting warmly this morning. I cannot learn that any have crossed the Savannah River. I hear artillery firing, far in my front; do not know what it means: 14th corps and Kilpatrick’s cavalry on the river road; 15th on middle ground road; and 17th, and probably 20th, on Central Railroad.
“I think the force on the right bank of Ogeechee must be small.”
December 11th, Sunday.—Cloudy and melting—snow vanishing rapidly. The thousand and one rumors of great achievements of Gen. Longstreet on the north side of the river seem to have been premature. Nothing official of any advantage gained over the enemy near the city has been received so far as I can learn. Gen. Lee, no doubt, directed Longstreet to make demonstrations on the enemy’s lines near the city, to ascertain their strength, and to prevent more reinforcements being sent on the south side, where the struggle will occur, if it has not already occurred.
There is no doubt that the enemy’s column sent toward Weldon has been checked, and great things are reported of Gen. Hampton’s cavalry.
A battle must certainly occur near Savannah, Ga. Sherman must assail our lines, or perish between two fires.