Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: The military situation is exciting much interest. Major General Thomas, upon whom the conduct of operations in Tennessee has devolved by the departure of Major General Sherman, has been, during the last week, withdrawing his forces from advanced points of observation to the lines of Nashville, writes that on the 30th day of November the enemy attacked Major General Schofield at Franklin, and was repulsed with a loss to the enemy variously stated at thirty to forty flags, and four to five thousand men. After thus defeating the enemy General Schofield retired without serious molestation to the defensive position towards which he was marching when the interruption occurred. On the 3d instant there was skirmishing on the Cumberland river below Nashville, at first with advantages to the enemy, but in the end the advantages reversed.
We glean from the meagre reports of the insurgent press that Major General Sherman is advancing, as yet practically unresisted, towards the Atlantic coast. The most definite account is that he was on the 30th ultimo at or on the borders of Millen, on the Southern or Georgia Central railroad.
Affairs are unchanged in front of Richmond. It is understood that Early is at last sending troops up the valley to re-enforce Lee.
Congress assembles to-day. The message will be communicated to-morrow.
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I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.