Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1885-11-05
Missionary Ridge.

From Gen. Grants paper on "Chstta~
CO." In the November Century, we quote
the following: "Sheridan's and Woods
divisions had been lying under arms
from early in the morning, ready to
move the instant the signal was given
directed Thomas to order the charge
at once. 1 watched eagerly to see the
effect, and became impatient, at last.
that there was no indication Of any
charge being made. The center of the
line which was to make the charge was
near where Thomas and / stood togeth-
er, but concealed from our view by the
intervening forest. Turning to Them
AS to inquire what caused the delay,
was surprised to see Gen. Thomas j.
Wood, one of the division commanders
who was to make the charge, standing
talking to him. spoke to Gen. Wood,
asking him why he had not charged, ss
ordered an hour before. He replied very
promptly that this was the 6rst he had
heard Of it, hut that he had been ready
all day to move at moments notice. l
told him to make the charge ut once. He
was off in a moment; and in an incredi-
bly, short time loud cheering was heard,
and he and Sheridan were driving the
snemy's advance before them toward
Missionary Ridge. t.1agasg
"The enemy was strongly intrenched
on the crest of the ridge in front Of rs.
and had second line half way down.
and another at the base. Our men drove
the troops in front. Of the lower line OF
rihe-pits so rapidly, and followed them
so closely, that rebel and Union troops
went over the first line Of works almost
at the same time. Many rebels were
captured and sent TO the rear under the
fire of their own friends higher up the
hill. Those that were not captured re-
treated, and were pursued. The retreat
ing hordes between friends and pursusrs,
made the fire of the enemy high to avoid
killing their own men. In fact, on that
occasion the Union soldier nearest the
enemy was in the safest position. With
out awaiting further orders or stepping
to reform, on our troops went to the
second line of works; over that, and on
for the crest, thus effeetually carrying
out my orders of the 18th for the battle
and the oath for this charge. watched
their progress with intense interest. The
fire along the rebel liAe was terrific.
Cannon and musket balls tilled the air;
but the damage done was in small pro-
portion to the ammunition used. The
pursuit continued until the crest was
reached, and soon our mea were seen
climbing over the Confederate barrier
at different points in front of both Sher-
idan's and Woods divisions. The re-
treat of the enemy along most of his line
was precipitate, and the panic so great
that Bragg and his officers lost all cen-
troll over their men. Many were capsur
ed and thousands threw away their arms
in their retreat. $685.
Sheridan pushed forward until he
reached the Chiekamaugs River at
point above where the enemy crossed.
He met some resistance from troops oc>
cupying 4 second hill in rear Of Mission
ary Ridge, probably to cover the retreat
of the main body, and Of the artillery
and trains. 1t was now getting dark
but Sheridan, without halting on that
account, pushed his msn forward up this
second hill slowly, and without sttractt
ing the attention of the men placed to
deftnd it, while he detached to the right
and left to surround the position. The
ensuy discovered the movement before
these dispositions were complete, and
beat hasty retreat. leaving artillery
wagon trains, and many prisoners
in our hands; and thus by Sheridsn's
prompt movement the Army Of the
Cumberland and the nation are indebted
for the bulk Of the capture Of prisoners.
artillery, and small arms that day. But
for his prompt pursuit, SO much in this
way would not have been accomplished"