During the night Hood abandoned his outer lines, and our troops were advanced.

The investment had not been relinquished for a moment during the day.
During the night of the 21st Hood moved out again, passing by our left flank, which was then in motion to get a position farther in rear of him, and a desperate battle ensued, which lasted most of the day of the 22d.

At first the battle went very much in favor of the Confederates, our troops being somewhat surprised.

While our troops were advancing they were struck in flank, and their flank was enveloped.

But they had become too thorough veterans to be thrown into irreparable confusion by an unexpected attack when off their guard, and soon they were in order and engaging the enemy, with the advantage now of knowing where their antagonist was.