The independent. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Kan.) 1860-1874, 1864-03-05

1t is said that Fitzpatrick has got IL
Lees rear with his cavalry. and is re-
ported a, last accounts within 25 mile
of RicGmond. II is bold move. ant
as the Rapidan has risen six fee. since
he crossed it, the affair may yet prove
disastrous.
Our forces were engaged with the
rebels successfully near Fortress Mon
roe a few days ago.
Our troops, under Seymour. met she
enemy, fifteen thousand strong. fifteen
miles beyond Jacksonville. and eight
miles beyond Ssnderson. on the line o.
the jacksonville d Tallahassee railroad
Both fought desperately during three
hours, and at sunset our forces, over.
powered by greater numbers. retired to
Sanderson, taking with them :he great
er part Of our wounded. Colonel Ter
~ was left dead on the field. Colonel
Reed, Hungarian officer. was mor'sliy
wounded. All the officers OF Hamilson's
battery were wounded.
TIE Cosmopolitan arrived al Beau
fort on Monday evening. with two hun
dred and City wounded. Col. Reed
among them. The enemy's loss is no,
known. They captured Eve guns.
II is supposed that their troops we're
from Bragg's army. Har.lee himself
was ON the field. having come TO Flori-
da on visit TO his family. Our loss
is from thirteen to fifteen hundred.
TUNNEL HUI, Ga. -.
Early yesterday morning Gens Cruft
and Baird crossed Tunnel ridge. with
their commands. and marched through
the Gap in Rocky Falls range. driving
the rebels from Cleveland Rood into
Rocky Falls Valley. thus turning the
strong position the enemy occupied on
the road from Lower Tunnel Hill to
Dalton.
Marching back again along Cleve-
land road our troops descended into
Rocky Falls Valley. down which they
sought to carry all before them. until
they arrived near the hill where the
Cleveland road descended into the Val.
ley.
At II this morning Col. Gross brig
ade ordered charge on the rebs. which
they did in gallant style. driving the
rebels before them The 5.h Indiana
battery Immediately followed to the top
Of the hill. where was carried on fierce
artillery duel the remainder Of the day.
Infantry skirmishing continued until
I 80. when Turchins' brigade. of Baird
was ordered to drive the
rebels from the hill nearly opposite th.,
occupied by Gross. The order was
obeyed with will. the brigade chasing
the enemy from the foot Of the hill across
the summit: but when they reached the
top they we're met BY a destructive Gre
from superior force. which compelled
them 10 withdraw.
Emery did no, attempt to follow
This was the scverest confl,c, Of the
day. Heavy skirmishing continued
until night. when our troops began to
retire. and to-day We are no further ad.
vauced than Tunnel Hill.
As reconnaissance the affair has
been entirely successful. No further
doubt remains Of the enemy's presence
at Dalton. in strong force. At least
four divisions are there.
The country around Dalton is a sue
session Of narrow valleys and rocky
ridges. 1t is exceedingly available for
defensive purposes.
Part Of Clsiborne's division had been
'ent TO reinforce Polk, but returned in
line 70 take part ia ,h. fight. Our
Whole loss does not exceed 3OO-,hst
'f the rebels is greater.
New YoRE. Feb. 80.
The Herald publishes an intercept
etter dated Richmond. Feb. 10th. stat
~ that the rebel capital was guarded
y only two companies Of heavy arlil.
cry. FIVE light batteries. two companies
{ cavalry. and abou. 5000 citizen SOL
iers or home guards. and that q part
{ a North Carolina regiment is charg.
d with protecting the lins of the
,hickahomlny. and the garrison Of Fort
Darling has been reduced to $50 men.
he citizen soldiers are not to be re-
ed on. and it was believed the appear
nee Of any considerable force OF Yam
ees would be the signal for q general
Longstree.'s force is se.
own at 10000. Jobnston's 5000.
nd Lees 5000 men,
A New Orleans letter to the World.
sys: Juares had reached Tamsulipas,
nd Was preparing to yield up all the
'untry to the French.
CINcINSArI. Feb. 80.
The Gazette has news from rebel
'urces from the l7th TO the 92d inst,
be Atlanta Appeal Gays Shermau's
arpose is still q mystery as to whether
} will move against Mobile or turn
Sherman. with . rapid and
rapidity has moved against
'r naked front. Mississippi is the
gyps Of the Confederacy. where. if
1t elected he can subsist until spring ,
I'd do more damage than winning .
'chsd battle. he is making war on
lr subsistance and resources. which 10