The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1886-05-20

blhA hH roitIitu loE MS supreme Cuork TOUR Ni-
visions in which he had little confidence! Di-
visions which, in his opinion at least for two
months past, had been covering like whipped
dogs SO 10 speak, behind the cover Of their lines
m Chattanooga, not yet recovered from the
fright of Chicl1amauga! But does Gen. Grant
himself claim that be ordered an assault be-
cause he believed Bragg had weakened his cen.
ter so rs TO make an assault practicable2 This
is what be says:
His (iEooker) reaching Brngg's flank and extend
ing across II was 20 be the signal for Thomass &C.
sauh Of the ridge, but SheTsnan's condition was
getting critical that the assault ior his relie
could not be delayed any longer
lt was for Sherman's relief, then that an
advance was ordered. Tor it must be remem.
bored right here shat Grant did not order
Thomas 10 assault Missionary Ridge. Heordered
him TO carry Bragg's advanced line at the foot
OF the Ridge and about 600 yards from the main
line on the top. Here his order stopped. IL il
claimed since that Grant intended the line
should reform here, and then advance and
assault the summit. j have already limited al
the probable consequences had there boon any
delay, so that the line attacked could have been
reinforced. In view of all the facts, there can
be no doubt that Grant thought the threatening
position at the foot of the ridge would cause
Bragg TO dotach from his right, and thus re-
lieve the critical condition of Sherman. Al
last, then, 10y force Of circumstances, and not in
contamination Of a hitherto successful plan
this " demoralized" army of Thomas is set in
motion. 1t advances rapidly across the inter.
vening plain and quickly overleaps the first
line Of works, the goal Of Grants order. But
now its blood is up, and like a fiery steed il
breaks away from al control and dsshes straight
onward and upward TO the
VERY CREST OF MISSIONARY RIDGE,
smashing all OF Bragg's army opposing its career
and winning for Gen. Grant this great victory
By 4 feat of arms without parallel in history
What conflict of emotions must have struggled
i'm the breast Of that grim, resolute soldier as
be witnessed this result What joy that Bragg
had been hurled ia rout from his chosen posi-
ton, and what bitter Disappointment that II
had been achieved by the divisions under
Thomas Gen. Grant was a famous Judge OF
stock but how utterly he failed TO see the
blood in this animal rs he inspected it, sta
bied and starved, in the trenches Of Chatta-
nooga.
no soldier Of the A rmy Of the Cumberland ID
worthy the name who does not hold as precious
as has own the honor OF our beloved commander
that Incompatible soldier, Gen. George III.
Thomas.
The dislike Of Grant for Thomas is well
known. That is one enmity, apparently, which
he carried with him TO his grave. Writing his
paper on Chattanooga in the very face of death,
lac cannot bring himself to utter one word in
commentator Of Thomas. But this is not all,
nor the worst. be disparages the memory Of
Thomas, if may speak so plainly, by heaping
upon a iaVorite friend, division commander,
the trophies won by the blood and wounds of
thousands OF ThomGSs soldiers. Gen. Grant
says:
Sheridan pushed forward until he reached the
enemy crossed 10 s;beyiSsn's nrom Slr
movement the Army Of the Cumberland aud the
Nation are indebted for the bulk OF the capture
OF prisoners, artillery and snnall-srnns that day.
1t is true this statement is qualified 10 some
extent by the following sentence: But for his
prompt pursuit. 80 mach IN this way would not
have been accomplished y but submit that the
leading statement is the one which will catch
the attention Of the reader and cling to his
memory. The Army OF the Cumberland all
honor Sheridan and arc naturally proud Of his
great achievements as a soldier. But Sheridan
himself must have been shocked when he read
this astounding statement. Let it be remem-
bored that the captures Of the Army of the
Cumberland amounted 70 about 40 pieces Of
artillery and more than 5000 each Of prisoners
and small-arms When Sheridan's Division
reached the top Of the ridge, they saw in the
valley beyond, along q road leading on a sec
ond and much lower ridge, a confused ront Of
soldiers, guns caissons, wagons, etc, frantcally
breaking for the rear. The sight was very in
ner's and Harker's Brigades pushed rapidly
forward, striving with each other which should
first reach aud take in all this plumber. But
the Confecerates rallied a rear-gnard on the
ridge, and there fought with g valor that was
surprising in men who had just been driven
from the much stronger position and had
seemed SO Intent on running away. Night had
fallen and the fght was kept up by the flash Of
the guns. The ridge was held long enough 10
secure the safe withdrawal OF the greater part
OF the coveted booty. Harkers Brigade at
last here went into biyouac They were aroused
later on In the night aud continued the pursuit
by the light Of the moon. They reached the
crossing Of the Chickamauga about daylight,
meeting no opposition on the way. They
picked up number Of stragglers and deserters
From here they returned 20 Chattanooga TO
take part m the campaign 10 Knoxville. This
movement in pursuit resulted ia the capture Of
two pieces OF artillery, abandoned by the rear
guard at the ridge spoken Of and suppose a
corresp0ndingiy small number Of prisoners and
EmAll-a BY az nearly, then, ss 2 approx
mates the bulk Of 40, SO nearly docs this exag-
geration Of Gen. Grant approximate the truth.
IL is hard 10 believe that he would willfully
make such statement, and il may, therefore,
be charitably attributed 10 his infrm condition
The truth IL, the Nation is indebted 10 no gem
eral officer for the bulk Of the capture of pris-
oners, artillery and small-arms that day" That
debt is due to the rank and file, who are habit
ually overlooked in dealing out credit for the
success VI our arms In an especial manner
does Missionary Ridge stand an enduring mon
Gment 10 the soldierly instincts and valor Of
tie American volunteer private soldier
JOas k SHELLEEBERoER, First Lieutenant,
64th Ohio, commanding 90. Ct Missionary
Ridge, Madison, Wis.