Delaware State journal and statesman., 1864-04-22
The Chattanooga Campaign.

dan Grants report of the battle Of Cbalta-
noooa. and the operations regarding Knoxville
ia a clear tcIse, and simple account OF those
memorable events. lie details his preparations
for the important engagements which took place
ON tbe esd. 24tit, and 25ih Of November, and
vvidlv Describes the fight at Lookout Mountain,
and the severe contest at Missionary Ridge
We have only room for few paragraphs from
this portion of Grants account. Speaking of
Gen. IIooker's achievements on the 24th, he
says;
Hooker carried out the part assigned him for
this day equal TO the most sangulne expectations
With Geery's division 12th CoIps) and Two bri-
gades of Sianley's division (4tb Corpsl Of Thorn
as' army and Osterhaus' division doth Corps)
of shermans army he scaled the western slope
of Lookout Mountain. drove the enemy from it's
rife. pits on the northern extremity and slope OF
the mountain, capturing many prisoners without
serious loss.
General Thomas is complimented as having
done on the 23d, with his troops in Chattanooga,
what was intended for the 24th. The enemy,
on the 25th, massed their column against sher-
man, because he threatened not only their right
flank, but, from his occupying line across the
mountain und to the railroad bridge across
Chckamauga creek, their rear and stores at
Chiokamauga station. Gen. Hooker is reported
as moi making his appearance moving north on
Missionary Ridge with his left ON Chattanooga
Valley as soon as expected, being detained four
ours building bridge across Chattanooga
creek. His approach was intended as the sig
nal for siormng the ridge in the centre with
strong columns.
But as the rebels were discovered by General
Grant to be weakening their centre in their
eagerness to defeat Sherman, General Thomas,
with the two corps nnd division, were ordered
to move on the centre at once The splendid
audacty of this charge, and the Inspiration oil
the troops, are well described IN the iollsWing' :
These troops moved forward, drove the enemy
from the rifle pits at the base OF the ridge like
bees from hive, stopping but moment until
the whole were in line, and commenced the as
cent Of the mountain trom right TO left almost
simultaneously, following closely the retreating
enemy without further orders. They encounter
ed fearful volley Of grape and canister from
near thirty pieces of artillery and musketry from
still well-f filled rifle pits on the summit OF the
ridge.
Not Waver, however, was seen in all that
long line of brave men. Their progress was
steadily onward until the summit was in their
possession. In this charge the casualties were
remarkably few for the FIRE encountered. | can
account for this only on the theory that the ene-
my's surprise ut the audacity of such charge
caused confusion and purposeless aiming of their
pieces.
The nearness of night, and the enemy still re-
sIsting the advance of Thomas left, prevented q
general pursuit that night, but Sheridan pushed
forward to Mission Mills.
The resistance on Thomas left being over
come, the enemy abandoned his position neal
the railroad tunnel in front Of Sherman, and By
l2 o'clock at night was in full retreat; and thu
whole of his strong position on Lookout Noun
tain, Chattanooga valley, and Missionary Ridge
were in our possession, together, with n larg'
number Of prisoners, artillery, and small arms
Thomas was directed to get Granger with hi
corps, and detachments enough from other com
mands, including the force available at Kings
ton, to make 10000 men, in readiness to go t.
the relief OF Knoxville upon the termination o
the battle at Chattanooga; these troops to TAX
with them four days rRtons, and steamhoa
loaded with rations to follow up the river
On the evening Of the 25th November, order
were given to both Thomas and Sherman TO pur
sue the enemy, early next morning, with o
their available force, except that under Grange
intended for the relief of Knoxville.
Had il not been for the imperative necessit
Of relieving Burnside, would have parsued th
broken and demOralized retreating enemy as Ion
as supplies could have been found In the couI
try, But my adyices were that Burnside's SUI
plies could only last until the Sd of December
II was already getting late to afford the necess
ry relief determined, therefore, to pursue
further. Hooker was directed to hold the pos
ton he then occupied until the night of the BOT
Dut 10 60 no iurthef houtn Ut 'he eApehse ot
fght.
Returning from the front on the 26th, four
that Granger had not yet got oil, nor would
have the number of men directed. Besides,
moved with reluctance and complaint ther
fore determined, Notwithstanding the fact th
two divisions Of Sherman's forces hsd march
from Memphis and had gone into battle INN
diately on their arrival at Chattanooga, to GO
him with his command and orders in acocr
Rnce Herewith were sent him at Calhoun to {
sumo command of the troops with Granger,
addition to those with him, and proceed with
possible despatch to the relief of Burnside.
n Il v
The approach of Sherman caused Longstr
to raise the siege of Knoxville, and retreat el
ward, on the night of the 4th of December
Sherman succeeded in throwing his cavalry i
Knoxville on the night Of the 3D..
Leaving Granger's command at KnOxvi
Sherman, with the remainder OF the forces,
turned by slow marches to Chattanooga.
The campaign is summed up by Gen. GI
as follows, and the following illusions to the
vices of prominent officers occur at the clos
the report;
To Brigadier General W. F. Smith, chief
gineer, feel under more than ordinary obi
tons for the mastery manner in which be
charged the duties of his position, and de