The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-12-04
Details of tho Battle before Chattanooga.

HEADQUARTERS, CHATTANOOGA, Nov. 20.
On tho Odd inst, ut Q.30 A. NJ, Gen.
Grant ordered q demonstration against Mis-
sion Ridge to develop tho force holding it.
The troops marched out, formed in order,
and advanced in line of battle Hs If on pa.
rado. The rebels watched the formation and
movement FROM the summit of Mission Ridge,
five hundred feet above us. and thought it
was u review and drill, so openly and DELHI.
erately, and so regularly was 1t done.
The line advanced, proceeded by skirmish-
ors, and at 2 p. NJ. reached our picket lines
and opened rafting volley upon the rebel
pickcts. who replied and retired to their ad.
vanced line of riae-pits. After them went
our skirmishcrs and into them along the CEN
trc of the line of %, 900 troops, which Gen.
Thomas had 30 finely deploycd, until he
opened fire.
The next day at daylight Gen. Thomas had
5000 men across the Tennessee river, and es-
tablished on its south bank, commenced tho
construction OF q pontoon bridge about six
miles above Chattanooga. The rebel steamer
Dunbar was repaired at tho right moment,
and rendered efficient aid in this crossing,
carrying over 5000 men.
BY nightfal Gen. Thomas had seized the
extremity of Mission Ridge nearest the river,
and was cntrcnchng himself.
Gen. Howard. with brigade, opened com.
municaton with him from Chattanooga to
the south side of tho river.
Skirmisbing and cannonadins continued
all day on tho left and centre
Gen. Hooker scaled tho slopes of Lookout
Mountain, and from tho Lookout Valley
Creek drove the rebels around tho position.
Hc captured some 1000 prisoners and es-
tablishcd himself high up the mountain sidc,
in full view of Chattanooga.
This raised the blockade, and now steam.
crs were ordered from Bridgeport to Chatta.
nooga. They had run only to Kelley's Ferry,
whence ten miles Of hauling over mountain
roads and twice across the Tennessee river
ON pontoon bridges. brought us our supplies.
All night tho point of Mission Ridge, on tho
extremc left, and tho sidc Of Lookout Noun.
tain on tho extreme right, blazcd with the
camp.fi fires OF loyal troops.
The day had been ono Of dense mist and
rain, and much OF Gcn. lIOOkcr's baltic was
fought above tho clouds. which concealed
kerry was heard.
At nightfall the sky cleared and tho full
moon shonc upon tho beautiful scene until
o'clock a. NJ, when the twinkliug sparks
upon the mountain side showed that picket
Diminishing was going on, then it ceased.
a brigade sent from Chattanooga, crossed
tho Chattanooga Creek, and opened commu.
nication with Gen. Hooker mt daylight on
the 25th. The stars and stripes wero des-
cried on tho peak of Lookout Mountain
The rebels had evacuated the mountain
Gen. Hooker moved to descend the noun.
tain, and striking Mission Ridge at Rossvillc
Gap, to sweep on both sides and on its sum.
NIT. The rebel troops were seen as soon MS
il was light enough, streaming regiments
and brigadcs along tho narrow summit of
Mission Ridge, either concentrating on tho
right to overwhelm Sherman, or marching
for the railroad, and raising tho scige.-
They had evacuated the valley OF Chathnoo-
Ga. Would they abandon that Of Chicka-
manga?
The 20 FOUNDERS and Ii inch rifles, OF
Gen. Woods rcdoubt, opened on Mission
Ridge. Orchard Knob sent his compliments
to the Ridge, which, with tho riacd PARROTS
answered, and the capnonade thus COM
mcnced, continued all day. Tho hcadquar-
ters worc under fro. All day long cannon
aiding and musketry were heard from Gen.
Sherman. and Gen. Howard marched the
Il,h corps to Join him. Gen. Thomas sent
out administers who drove tho rebel pickets
and chased them into their entrenchments
and Mt the foot Of Mi%ion Ridge. Gen S'er-
nun made an assault against Brasss right