New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1864-08-20
FROM sHERMAN,s ARMY.
Swinging 70 the Rixht-Anethcr Forward
Movement.
From orr Special Correspondent
RIGHr WING s. W. OF ATLANTA,

Our extreme right has gained another and sui
stronger position upon the southwest side OF At
lanta. Following up the advantages obtained
by the operations Of the past three or four days.
having discovered and driven back the enc.
my's left, the Second and Third Divisions of the
Twenty third Corps yesterday succeeded in adj
vancing their lines for another mile.
On the afternoon of the 9Th, as / stated in q
previous letter, we came to an open field, across
which tho enemy's works, and portion Of the
infantry and cavalry force could be distinctly
seen. This field is about two miles long from
west to east, with an average breadth of six to
eight hundred yards, having q creek running
through it from east to west. 1t is crossed by
Indigenous, and divided by farm fences. A
road crosses II toward the west end. At the
east it is bounded by 6 ridge running trans
yersely, with farm-bouseshlong its base embow-
cred in clusters of shade trees. Beyond this
ridge is the line of the Macon road; the sound of
the cars as they go in and out, by day and night,
is distinctlyheard. Across the west side OF end
of this field earthworks for infantry, with en-
brasures for artillery, have been constructed
within plain view Of the enemy, whose vedcttes
are seen moving about, and the troops are ol-
ling around or engaged in camp routine in the
edge of the woods. This is doubtless the eneny's
last line towards the railroad, and here and near
by are massed all the troops which can be
spared from the deienses of the city.
Permit me- in the outset of this letter TO do
away with any impression that may have
gained currency at home that the rebels are
likely to abandon their position here some dark
night, and leave US to walk quietly into the
town. The signs are all against it; and / no
more expect that we shall occupy Atlanta with
out severe struggle-perhaps prolonged and
bloody one-than that Richmond will be
evacuated by Lee. No country ever furnished
such natural opportunities for defence; and not
even Georgia has anywhere in its northern sec
ton land so rough and difficult in which 10 pro-
secute offensive warfare. 1t would extend too
far the limits assigned to this letter (my time
also is brieD to fully describe the situation. A
daily account Of operations is the most that |
have the time to give.
There never have been more than one or two
points at most from which We could reach the
city with our artillery; and since the Twenty
third Corps has been withdrawn from tho left,
and that position abandoned, doubt If many
shots OF shells have been thrown into the
place.
But to return 10 the advance OF yesterday.
Gen. Hascal took Gen. Cooper and Col. Hob
sons hrigadeS, and with q section Of the 9th
Michigan battery. marched round 10 the right
of this open field | have described. A heavy
line Of skirmshers was deployed, which, swing
ing upon their left as upon pivot, overlapped
the left flank Of the enemy, which was chiefly
composed OF cavalry with battery. The
skirmishers, after advancing for half mile
went forward with cheer upon the double
quick, and the rebels gave way, retiring to the
next hill and belt of woods. From here they
shcled Gen. Uascal's line quite vigorously for
some time, aud were replied to Ivy our guns.
The troops, closely following the skirmsh line,
steadily advanced, coming out upon an open
field, forming an indentation into the edge Of
the woods. This was the ridge sought after for
our position, and here was good position to
locate works. semi-circular line Of entrench-
ments was built, which guarded against attack
from any quarter, and the main line was 20
refused as to be protected against attack or sur
prise On the flank. 1t was on this ridge where
the rebels made spirited stand, aud from which
our troops, having no time TO construct delences.
were attacked after night, on the 9Th, and were
obliged to give way. Here Lieut.. Col. Elstner
lost his life, while engaged in deploying his
skirmish line about nightiall. Afterwards the
rebels burnt O barn On the end of the knoll
towards the field.
Capt. Kerstetter, Gen. Hascall's able Adjud-
ant-General, came back To the battery position
about 81 O'Clock =. NJ, and reported TO Gen.
Schofeld that the division had gained the i'm
portant position they were sent to occupy.
From the open field they could sec plainly, q
mile and half to the northeast, obliquely
across the field, a large rebel force engaged in
building large fort or earthwork.
While the I'd division was getting the place
secure, they were constantly cheered, and the
enemy's sharpShooters, occupying the skirmish
pits in and along the meadow at the left kept up
an annoying FIRE.
The 3rd brigade of the 3rd Division. Col Byrd,
with q section Of battery, meantime moved in
on the left, also under cover Of the woods, 1ry-
ing back the rebel skrmishers and gaining Q