Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1864-02-27
Night Report.
FROM CHATTANOOGA.
THE REBELS RETREAT TO DATON.
Heavy Fighting Expected.
LOSS on Both SidesSevere
&c. &C.. &C.. &c &c.
From PhfIad eIphia

PHILADELPHIA, FEB. 26 The Evening Bull
letin has the following interesting special:
Tunnel HUI, Ga, February 24-On Mon
day, strong column Of infantry preceded by
cavalry moved out from Chattanooga. near the
Old battle held of Chickamauga. and took up the
direct road for Tunnel Hill and Dalton.
Baird and CarIin directed the movement The
force advanced without opposition east of the
Chlckamanga across. and break those rugged
gaps
At Taylor's ridge party of the rebel cavalry
were driven in confusion by Col Harrison
The head Of the column marched on and rested
during the night at Rnggold
The movement was commenced Yesterday
morning.
The cavalry in advance had several liyely
skirmishes with the enemv's mounted forces
consisting OF the 1t rebel Tennessee They
were, however, continually pushed back until
about o'clock. p. m when our forces came in
sight of Tunnel HILL and a conflict commenced
IN which great deal of fighting was done espe-
cially by the enemy.
There was little loss on either side
Col Harrison, having pushed forward toward
the front, and seeing that the rebels greatly out
number ed his forces. until he was met bv our in
ianiry Being certain OF support, Col Harrison
again pressed forward and drove the enemy ore.
cipitately 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 checked
As soon as our artillery came up its fire was
directed principally at Col Browns rebel caval-
~ who had advanced upon Colonel Hauison's
right
liz being now dark our forces retired about four
miles in the direction of Dalton to await sun
plies.
In the meantime Gen Starling's command ad
vanced from the vicinity of Cleveland. preceded
by cavalry force under Col Long, of the 9TH
Ohio cavalry
The latter is said TO have penetrated to within
three miles of Dalton to dav
Yesterday morning about ten O'Clock the ad-
vance was again resumed
Portions OF Johnson's and Boards commands
are moving forward on the main road from Ring
gold towards Tunnel Hill No skirmisbinc OF
any consequence took place until IL 80 We
formed ourselves in the vicinity of Tunnel Hill
aud II soon became evident that the rebels were
resolved on making "A stand
The cavalry had advanced some distance ahead
OF the infantry, but as soon as the lat
ter was IN sufficient force to support the cavalry
and advanced along the road to a hill on which
The rebel batterleI had been posted the dav be-
lore. No enemy had as yet been observed when
suddenly battery, planted on the hill to the
right oil the tunnel, opened, and several shells
were 'hToWh Win great accuracy into Onr ranks.
Several were killed and wounded Gen Whp-
pie narrowly escaped death from the rear expo-
sion OF she'll No confusion was creltej how
ever. and the cavalry retired 70 shelter. In the
meantime our artillery came up. and Captain
HotchkiSs, of the ID Maine Battery, posted two
Ten FOUNDER PARROTS an eminence to the
right OF The road, and opened on the enemy with
some efect-lessened. however, by the imperfec
ton OF the shells, but four of which exploded.
Capt Harris. of the 9Th Indiana Battery, after
wards posted two pieces TO the left of the road
and assisted in dislodsng the rebel battery from
its position
Alter the infantry began TO advance Gen Nor
gan. taking the rebels on the right flank. march,
ing along the crest of Tunnel Hill completely
turned the ranks OF the enemy, who fled in con
fusion. Our troops pursued them bat there was
no lighting until we were within three miles of
ID ilton, where the enemy was found i'm a strong
position IN gorge between high and precipi.
tou@ range OF mountains called Rocky Falls
between this gorge and the railroad our forces
were met by sharp mnskeiry fire. but this was
replied to with such elect that the rebel line was
dislodged and driven back l. their second line
Soon after this. shot and she'll poured in from l6
pieces OF artillery, which compelled our shrmish
ers 10 retire
The rebe fire was kept up with vigor till sun
down. Gen Davis advanced with two bricades
anu took up position AT the mouth Of the rorge
Night now came ON and the conflict ended We
NAV have heavy fighting to morrow.
The loss on both sides in these import,nt one
rations have been very severe.