Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1864-03-02
FROM L HILL GA.
A [ FIGHT
REBELS WHIPPED

TUNNEL HILL, GA, Feb. 24-On Mon
day a strong column of infantry. proceed
ed by cavalry, moved out from Chstta
nooga near the old battle field of Chick
amauga, and took the direct road for
Tunnel Hill and Dalton.
Generals Palmer, johnson, Baird, Davis
and Carlin directed the movement.
The force advanced without opposition
east of the ~Chickamauga across which
and back through Ringgold's Gap and
TAYLOR Ridge a party of rebel cavalry
were driven in confusion by Col. Harri
son.
The head of the column marched on
and rested during the night at Ringgold-
The movement was commenced yester
day morning.
The cavalry in advance had some live
ly skirmishes with the enemy's mounted
force consisting of the first Tennessee
rebels. They were however continual!
pushed back until about 4 p. m. when oui
forces came in sight of Tuznell Hill
Here a conflict commenced in which q
great deal OF fighting was done, especial
IL by the enemy. There was little Loss
on either side.
Col. Harrison having pushed fartowards
the front, and seeing hat the rebels great
ly outnumbered his force, retired until he
was met by our infantry advancing. Ger
tain of uppor Col. Harrison again press
ed forward and drove the rebels precipi
lately out of the town of Tunnel Hill
The enemy had an entife brigade of cav
airy under charge of Gen. Wheeler with
four pieces of artillery, snd opening upon
US with the latter, our progress was
checked. As soon as our artillery came
up its FIRE was directed principally at Col
B0one's rebel cavalry who had advanced
unon Col. Harrison's right. 1t being nov
dark. our forces retired about four miles
in the direction Of Dalton to await sup
plies.
In the meantime Gen. SANKEY'S com
mand advanced from the vicinity of Cleve-
land preceded by a cavalry force under
Col Long. of the 9TH Ohio Cavalry. The
latter is said to have penetrated within
three miles of Dillon to-day.
Yesterday morning about l0n'clock the
advance was again resumed. Portions o.
! John-on's and Btird's commands are
moving forward on the main road from
Ringc0ld toward Tunnel Hill. No Skin
mi<hinr Of consequence took place until
ill:30. We fouucbourselves in the imme-
diste vicinity OF Tunnel Hill. Here il
soon became evident that the rebels were
resolved on making a stand.
The ~cavslrv had advanced some dis
! lance ahead of the infantry but as soon as
the latter was up in sufficient numbers tn
support. the cavalry advanced in a col,
umn along the road in plain view Of the
Hill on which the rebel cannon were plant.
ed the day before. No enemy had as vet
been observed when suddenly q battery
planted on the hill to the right Of the tun.
mel. onened and a number Of shell were
thrown with great accuracy Immediately
into our ranks. Several were killed and
wounded.
Gen. Whipple narrowly escaped death
from the nesr explosion at a shell. NJ
confusion was created however, and the
} cavalry retired 70 shelter.
Other portions of the infantry came W
and were deployed in line. Meantime
our artillery came up, and Cipt. Hotch'
kiss. of the I'd Minnesota B1tteIv. playing
two ten pound PARROTS On an eminence
10 the right of the road, opened on the
|. enemy with some effect, lessened howev
or nv the apparent imperfection of the
shells, but few of which exploded.
Capt. Harris, Of the Light Indiana Bat
terry. afterwards placed two of his piece:
to the left of the road, and assisted in dis
lodging the rebel battery from its posi-,
ticn. Our infantry began to advance
Gen. Morgan taking the rebels on the
right funk and boldly marching along
the crest Of Tunnell Hill. completely turn.
9 i Al
! ont firing a gun. Their retreat was rem.
dered the more necessary as Col. Ham.
tright's advance threatened their left
flank.
Our whole line moving forward We occu.
! pied witheut further contest, the ridge OF
Tunnel Hill. All along its crest were
tolerabiy formidable works of stone and
logs. On the eastern side we're deserted
camps of Gen. Claiborn's rebel division.
1t was now 4 p. M, snd the rebels fed
rapidly slong the Dalton road. Our
| troops pursued and there was no further
fighting until we were within three miles
OF DIlton, where the rebels were found
very strongly posted in a gorge between
a high and precipitous range of noun
tains called Rocky Falls. Through this
gorge runs the ommon road and the R. R
Our advance was met by a sharp musket
~ fire, but this was replied to with such
effect that the rebel line was d ;slodged and
driven back on their second line. Imme
diately after this the enemy commenced
a furious fire of shot and shell from six
pieces OF artillery which compelled oul
skirm shers TO retire. The rebel fire was
kept up with vigor until shutdown.
AIDES and taking up a position at tbs
mouth of the gorge. night now came or
and the combat stopped.
We may have heavy fighting TO morrow
until We in some way turn the enemy''
position, which now seems scarcely prac
ticable.
The losses on both Ases during these
important operations has been small.