Harper's Encyclopedia of United States History
Benson Lossing, Ed.

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Ringgold, battle of

When, on Nov. 25, 1863, the Confederates retreated from Missionary Ridge towards Ringgold they destroyed the bridges behind them. Early the next morning, Sherman, Palmer, and Hooker were sent in pursuit. Both Sherman and Palmer struck a rear-guard of the fugitives late on the same day, and the latter captured three guns from them. At Greysville Sherman halted and sent Howard to destroy a large section of the railway which connected Dalton with Cleveland, and thus severed the communication between Bragg and Burnside. Hooker, meanwhile, had pushed on to Ringgold, Osterhaus leading, Geary following, and Cruft in the rear, making numerous prisoners of stragglers. At a deep gorge General Cleburne, covering Bragg's retreat, made a stand, with guns well posted. Hooker's guns had not yet come up, and his impatient troops were permitted to attack the Confederates with small-arms only. A severe struggle ensued, and in the afternoon, when some of Hooker's guns were in position and the Confederates were flanked, the latter retreated. The Nationals lost 432 men, of whom 65 were killed. The Confederates left 133 killed and wounded on the field. See Missionary Ridge, battle of.