The Shasta courier., 1864-03-05


thus turning the position the enemy occupied
on the road from Lower Tunnel Hill to Dal-
ton Marching back again along the Cleve-
land road, our troops descended into Rocky
Falls valley, down which they swept, carry
ing all before them, until they arrived near
the line where the Cleveland road descended
into the valley. At eleven IN the norm g
Colonel Gross brigade was ordered to charge
the rebels ON this hill, which they did in gal
liant style. driving the rebels before them.
The Fifth Indiana Battery Immediately fol-
lowed to the top of the hill, whence they car
ried on a fierce artillery fire for the remain
der of the day. The skirmishing continued
uHtii half past one, when Turch,n's brigade,
of Blair's command. was ordered to drive the
rebels from hill nearly opposite that occu-
pied by Gross. The order was obeyed with
a will, the brigade chasing the enemy from
the foot of the hill across the summit; but
when they reached the top they were met by
destructive fire from a superior force pos
ted half way down the other side, which COM
PEELED them to withdraw. The enemy did
not attempt to follow them. This was the
severest conflict of the day. Heavy skirmsh
ing continued till night, when our troops be-
gan to retire, and to-day we are nc further
advanced than Tunnell Hill. As a recon
noisance the affair has been entirely success
full No further doubt remains of the ene-
my's presence at Dalton in strong force. AT
least four divisions are there. The country
around Dalton is succession of narrow val
leys and rocky ridges, exceedingly available
for defensive purposes. Part OF Clayton
division, sent to reinforce Polk, returned IN
time to take part in the fight: Our whole
| loss will not exceed 800. That of the rebels
is greater. a., ~, ;,
publishes an intercepted letter dated Rich
mond, February 10th, stating that the rebel
Capital is guarded by only two companies of
heavy artillery and FIVE light batteries two
companies ofssavalry, and about four thous-
and citizen, and that part of a North Caro-
lima regiment guards the Chickahominy. The
garrison of Fort Darling has been reduced to
seven hundred and City citizen soldiers, who
are not to be relied on. 1t is believed that
the appearance of any considerable force of
Yankees be the signal for general stampede.
Longstreet's fore set down at 10000;
Tohnstonis at 30, 900, and Lees at 45, 600.
A special dispatch to the Times says. A
portion of the Army of the Potomac moved
en- Saturday, February 9th, and was in sue
cessful advance yesterday.
The Times says, We have information of
formidable offensive movement by large
force from the Army of the Potomac, which
was initiated on Saturday night, February
9th, and may possibly be heard from to day.
The demonstration is a very bold one, but is
in brave hands, and will be supported by a
powerful force
Kno4ville, Febrqary 26th.-At last ac-
counts Longstreet was still retreating. His
headquarters were at Gresnyille on Wednes-
day night, February 9th. Our cavalry had
skirmish with his rear in the vicinity of
Beans station yesterday. Sch. field is pur-
suing, tut owing to the rapid retreat Of the
of the Virginia line. The railroad bridge at
Strawberry Plains and the track are injured
beyond the possibility of present use.' De-
| serters say Longstreet is retreating to Rich
mond, leaving Johnston and Buckner to pro-
tect the Virginia border.
Cincinnati, February 29th.-We have news
from rebel sources to February 22d.-The
Atlanta (Ga.) Appeal says I" Sherman s
purpose is still mystery. and it is not known
whether he will move against Mobile or turn
eastward. Sherman, with sudden and un.
expected rapidty, has moved against our
weakest point-the Egypt Of the Confedera-
cy; where, if not elected, he can subsst till
Spring, and do more damage than by win
ming pitched battle. He is making war on
our subsistence and resources, to destroy
which is to defeat US" Sherman marches
in solid body, with artillery in front, rear
and on the fanks. His cavalry are close un-
der his guns. No struggling is allowed.
The rebel cavalry lowering around are una
BILE to harass him.
Richmond papers contain the following:
Charleston, Feb 25th.-One hundred and
II L II
| the last "A hours. The enemy are erecting
a battery on Dixon's Island, commanding
Schooner Greek.
Charleston, Feb. Goth The enemy con-
tinues to shell the city-ope hundred shots
! thrown Yesterday