During the night of Nov. 24, 1863, Bragg's forces withdrew from the plain and Lookout and joined those on Missionary Ridge, occupying it from Rossville to Tunnel Hill, and a spur thence eastward to the Chickamauga. Sherman early on the 25th assaulted Tunnel Hill, continuing his operations until 3 P.M. but failed to carry it.
The burnt of the defense fell upon Cleburne's Division, supported by troops from Stevenson's and Walker's.
Hooker's forces descended Lookout and marched for Rossville, being delayed several hours while rebuilding a bridge over Chattanooga Creek.
Osterhaus' Division forced its way through Rossville Gap and turned northward along the eastern slope to Bragg's Headquarters.
Cruft's Division carried the south end of the Ridge and Geary attacked the western slope reaching the crest soon after the center had occupied it to his left. At 3:15 P.M. the four Divisions of Thomas' Army occupying the Orchard Knob line, Johnson on the right with two brigades, Sheridan, Wood and Baird each with three brigades moved forward in assault, captured the Confederate earthworks at the foot of Missionary Ridge, and immediately stormed and carried the Ridge itself. The divisions from left to right opposing the assaults of Hooker and Thomas were Stewart's, Bate's, Anderson's and Cheatham's.
Those which held their lines on the crest were Cheatham's, Walker's, Stevenson's and Cleburne's. Stewart's Division was greatly attenuated to cover the three miles from Bragg's Headquarters to Rossville Gap.
It had no support on its left, and was attacked by four Union divisions.
Comments 0 comments