Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1886-02-10

From General Grants paper on
"Chattanooga,' in the November Gem
tyg, we quote the following: "Sheri-
dan's and Woods divisions had been
lying under arms tfom early in the
morning, ready to move the instant the
signal was given. ! directed Thomas
to ORDER the charge at once. watched
eagerly TO see The effect, and became
impatienl, ut 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 together, but con-
craled IRON our view by theintervening
forest. Turning TO Thomas to inquire
what caused the delay, was surprised
TO see General Thomas j. Wood, one OF
the division commanders who was tc
make the charge, standing talking to
him. spoke TO General Wood, asking
him why he had not charged, as order
cd an hour before. He replied very
promptly that this was the first he had
heard of it, but that he had been ready
ail dlY at Il moments notice. told
him to make the charge at once tie
was oil in moment; and in an inorcd-
ibly short time loud cheering was heard.
and he and Sheridan were driving the
cncmy's advance before them toward
Missionary Ridge.
The enemy was strongly intrenchcd
on the crest OF the ridge in front of lis,
and had second line halfway down,
and another At the base Our men
drove the troops in front OF the lower
line Of rille-pits so rapidly, and follow
ed them so closely, that rebel and I'm
ion troops went over the first line OF
works almost at the same time. Many
rebc.S were captured and sent to the
rear under the fire OF their own friends
higher w the hill. Those that were
not captured retrcatcd, and were pur-
sued The rctreating hordes being be-
tween friends and pursucrS, made the
fire Of the enemy high, to avoid killing
their own men. In fact, OH that occa-
sion the Union soldier nearest the en-
envy was in the safest position. With
out awaiting further orders or stopping
to reform, on our troops went to the
second line Of works; over that, aud on
for the crest, thus cifectually carrying
out nv orders Of the 18th for the battle
and the 9th for this charge. | watch
ed their progress with intense interest.
The tire along the rebel line was terri
tic. Cannon and muskct balls filled
the mir; but the damage done was in
small proportion to the ammunition
used. The pursuit continued until the
crest was reached, and soon our men
were seen climbing over the Confcder-
ale barrier at different points in front
OF both Sheridans and Woods diyi-
| sions. The retreat of the enemy along
most OF his line was precipilate, and
the panic SO great that Bragg and his
| officers log: nj control over their men.
Many were capturud and thousands
threw away their arms in their retreat,
Sheridan pushed forward until he
reached the Chjckamauga River ut j
point above where the enemy crossed.
| lie met some resistance from troops
occupying Il second hill in rear of Mis-
si0nary Ridge, probably to cover the
retreat CT the main body, and OF the
artillery and trans. 1t was nov get,
ting dark, but Sheridan, without halt;
ing on that account, pushed his men
forward up this second hill slowly, and
without attracting the attention Of the
men placed to defend il, while he de-
lachcd TO the right aud left to surround
the position. he enemy discovered
the movement before these dispositions
were complete, and heat . hasty re-
treat, leaving artillery, wagon trains.
and many prisoners in our hands. lie
Sheridan 5 prompt movement the Army
of the Cumberland and the nation are
indebted Tor 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
Dccn accomplished. "