The daily clarion. [volume] (Meridian, Miss.) 1863-1866, 1863-09-27

The Great Struggle Commenced.
Loss ON BOTH SIDES HEAVY.

Frsm the Atlanta Appeal, alstl
As WAS expected the constant skirmish
ing between the opposing armies north oil
US, that has been going on for the last
two weeks, has at length resulted in q
general battle. The armies on both side:
undoubtedly exceed in. numbers those
that have yet been engaged in any of the
battle fields of the West, and, in view o
the Importance of the result, which j.
fully appreciated by all, we may expect
when the events are fully known, to place
upon record the history OF one of the
most desperate struggles that has been
Witnessed during the war.
The man@uvering that has been going
on since the enemy crossed the river and
our forces fell back from East Tennessee
and the river, in front of Dalton and
Rome, and extending west to the State
line, resulted in forcing back the columns
sent out by Rosecrans toward Dalton,
Rome and up Wills valley, to his main
body, which occupied line and some
miles south ofthe river, the left north OF
Rnggold Gen Bragg's right was in the
vicinity of Ringgold. under Longstreet.
Gen. Hill commanded the center, and
Gen. Polk the left. Gen. Buckner's corps
also formed part of the left.
Gen. Bragg determined to bring on a
general engagement, and this determine
ton was announced to the army in gen.
eral order, which was published on Sat
urday. His troops shared his spirit TO
the most enthusiastic degree, and we are
informed endured the fatigue necessary
in the most cheerful manner. On Satur-
day morning the left, under Gems. Polk
and Buckner, attacked the enemys right,
and drove them back some four miles,
when evening came on and the pursuit
was stopped. At the same time Gen.
Walkers division made an attack on the
enemy's right center, and made some i'm
preston. During the day RoseCrans held
position on Pea Vine creek, where he had
bountiful supply of water. and at 10
o'clock at night our troops from the left
we're concentrated upon the left center.
and charge made. This is reported to
have been terrible struggle, but the
enemy finally gave way, when our forces
advanced, charging across the creek and
occupying the heights on the other side.
In this struggle our loss was about fifteen
hundred, and one of our general officers
informs us the ground ever which our
troops passed in the pursuit was literally
covered with the Federal dead and woun-
ded. The position thus secured is an inn
portant one, and so appears to have been
understood by both sides; hence she des-
perate character of the struggle that took
place.
On Sunday the fight was resumed along
the entire line, and was obstinately kept
up during the day. Only an indefinite
statement of the result has reached the
city, but enough is known to warrant us
in saying the advantage rested with our
arms. On the right and the left the en-
envy were driven back some distance; his
center resisted every attack. 1t was I'M
derstood, at last accounts, that concen-
tration of our forces would be made on
this position this morning.
The losses upon both sides have been
very heavy. IL is impossible 10 get any
thing definate as to the total, but accounts
represent them as enormous. Our loss,
up to last evening, has been estimated by
some gentlemen as high as 5000 killed
and wounded, and all concur in saying
that of the enemy was much larger. Some
two thousand Federal prisoners were
taken yesterday. Our loss OF officers u
reported heavy, but we have been unable
to obtain particulars. The wounded are
being brought to the ho=pitals in the rear,
as speedily as possible. Some few have
reached the city. 4.
Our loss in general officers. 80 far as We
have been able to learn. Is rs follows /;
Gen. Preston Smith, Of Tennessee. Gen.
Wofford, OF Georgia. killed on Saturday:
Gen. WalthalI, Of Mississippi. is reported
killed, but this lacks confirmation. Gen.
Benning was wounded in the breast Gen.
VIM. Preston was also wounded. but the
nature Of his wound has not TRANSFERRED
here. Gen. Gregg was wounded in the
head-the ball entering below the lett
ear and coming out under the len eye