Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1864-02-27

Important Movement I'm Georgin
Rebels Driven from Tunnel
Kill and Pursued TO N Gorge
near DaIton-ParticuIa of the
Conflict = More Heavy Fighting
Anticipated. 3af t5S.ef
PHILADELPHIA, Feb 2e.-The Evening
Bulle tin has the following interesting spe-
cial
TUNNEL HILL, Ga, Feb. 24.-On Monday
a strong column of infantry, preceded by
cavalry, moved out from Chattanooga, near
the old battlefield of Chickamauga, and
took the direct road for Tunnel Hill and
Dalton. Generals Palmar, johnson, Baird,
Davis and Corbin directed the movement.
Tie force advanced without opposition
east of the Chickamauga, across which and
back through Ringgold Gap aud Taylor's
ridge party of rebel cavalry were driven
in confusion by Col. Harrison. The head
of the column marched on and rested dur
ing the night at Ringgoid.
The movement was commenced yesterday
morning. The cavalryin advancehad sew
eral lively skirmishes with the enemy's
mounted force, consisting of the First Ten
nessee rebels. They were however contin-
ually pushed back, until about four p. NJ,
when our forces came in sight OF Tunnel
Hill. Here conflict commenced i'm which
a great deal of fighting was done, especially
by the enemy. There was little loss on either
side. ota
COL Harrison having pushed far toward
the 'front.' and seeing that the rebels greatly
outnumbered his force, retired until he was
met by our infantry advancing. Certain of
support, Col. Harrison again pressed for
ward and drove the rebels precipitately out
of the town of Tunnel Hill. The enemy
had an entire brigade of cavalry, under
charge of Gen. Wheeler, with four pieces
of artillery, and opening upon us with the
latter our progress was checked. AS soon
as our own artillery came up its fire was
directed principally at Col. BoOne's rebel
cavalry, who had advanced upon Col. Har-
rison's right. 1tbeing now dark our forces
retired about four miles In the direction of
Dalton, to await supplies.
In the mean time Gen. Stanley's COM
mand advanced from the vicinity of Cleve-
land, preceded by a cavalry force under
Col. Long, of the 4th Ohio cavalry. The
latter is said to have penetrated within
three miles of Dalton to-day.
Yesterday morning about ten o'clock the
advance was again resumed. Portions OF
JohnsOn's.and Baird's commands were NOV
ing forward on the main road from Ring-
gold toward Tunnel Hill. No skirmishing
of consequence took place until $780, when
we found ourselves in the immediate vicin-
ity of Tunnel Hill. Here it soon became
evident that the rebels were resolved on
making stand. The cavalry had advanced
some distance ahead of the infantry, but as
soon as the latter was up in sufficient num-
horc RI fhap, a M ualrxy aHuannad
in column along the road in plain view of
the hill on which the rebel cannon were
planted the day before.
No enemy had as yet been observed, when
suddenly a battery planted on the bill to
the right Of the tunnel opened and num-
Der Of shell were thrown with great accu-
racy Immediately into our ranks. Several
were killed and wounded. Gen. Whipple
narrowly escaped death from an explosion OF
shell. No confusion was created however,
and the cavalry returned to shelter. Other
portions Of the infantry came up and were
deployed in line. Our artillery came up,
and Capt. Hotchkiss of the Second Mime
sofa battery, playing two 10-pounder Par
rott's on an emincnce to the right of the
road, opened on the enemy with some effect
lessened however by the apparent imper-
fection of the shells, but few of which ex-
ploded. Capt Harris, of the Eighth Indiana
battery, afterwards placed two of his pieces
to the left of the road and assisted in dis
lodging the rebel battery from its position
Our infantry began to advance, General
Morgan taking the rebels on the right flank
and boldly marching along the creek OF
Tunnel Hill completely turned the works Of
the enemy, who fled without firing gun
Their move was rendered more necessary
as Col. Hambright's advance was threat
ming their left flank. Our whole line NOV
ing forward, we occupied without further
contest the ridge of Tunnel Hill. All along
its crest were tolerably formidable works o
stone and logs. On the eastern side wert
deserted camps of Gen. Clayborne's rebe
division. 1t was now four o'clock in the
afternoon. 0 g1IIt Hf.ttty
The rebels fled rapidly along the Dalton
road. Our troops pursued, and there was
no further fighting until we were within
three miles of Dalton, where the rebel!
were found very strongly posted in gorg'
between high and precipitous range o
mountains called rocky falls. Through thi
gorge runs the Common and the railroad
Our advance was met by a sharp musketr!
fire, but this was replied to with such eff
feet that the rebel line was dislodged anC
driven back on their second line. 1mmedi
ately after this the enemy commenced ;
furious fire of shot and shell from six piece
of artillery, which compelled skirmisher
to retire. H-
The rebel fire was kept up with vigor un
til sundown, Gen. Davis advancing witt
two bcigades and taking up a position at tn
mouth of the gorge. Night now came o.
and the combat ended. We may haveheay.
| fighting tomorrow, until we in some wa.
turn the enemy's position, which now seem
scarcely practicable.
The loss on both sides during these i'm
portant operations has been small.
From Cairo and Below - Sher
mans Occupation of Selma Con
firmed. H'H
.ec.,no Eab .oe Tho steamer Suner;o,