November 29.—Fort Sanders, near Knoxville, Tenn., was assaulted by the rebel forces under General Longstreet, who was repulsed with a loss of over eight hundred in killed, wounded, and missing. A few hours previous to the assault, the rebel General issued the following instructions to the commanders of the brigades who were to attempt it:
“Headquarters, November 29,1963.
“General: Please impress your officers and men with the importance of making a rush when they once start to take such a position as that occupied by the enemy yesterday. If the troops, once started, rush forward till the point is carried, the loss will be trifling; whereas, if they hesitate, the enemy gets courage, or, being behind a comparatively sheltered position, will fight the harder.
“Beside, if the assaulting party once loses courage and falters, he will not find courage, probably, to make a renewed effort. The men should be cautioned before they start at such work, and told what they are to do, and the importance and great safety of doing it with a rush.
“Very respectfully,
J. Longstreet,
Lieutenant-General.
“Major-General McLaws.”
—The schooner Winona was captured by the gunboat Kanawha, off Mobile Bay, Ala.
