The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1895-12-05

down and across Chattanooga Valley, and
westward 10 the summit of Lookout Mount
ain, their bright arms glinting and glisten-
ing in the sunlight. / had climbed to a
high point that had been used as a signal
station, where the whole scene appeared be-
fore me like panorama. Early in the
afternoon the music of the bands came float
ing across from the Army of the Cumber-
land. Their troops were falling into line as
if for parade, In full view OF the rebels, whe
seemed 10 take deep interest in their ma
nuvers. Their movements seemed very de-
liberate, and without any definite object,
until the long line suddenly dashed toward
the rebel lire of works at the base Of the
Ridge.
1t now seemed to dawn on the minds of
the rebels that they meant business instead
of show, and they opened heavy fire on
them, which was vigorously returned. 1t
soon became one continuous roar of mus
kerry and artillery, but steadily the rebels
were pressed back aud driven from their first
line of works. Our men had advanced their
line about mile. but it cost them 100 men,
killed aud wounded. About midnight our
troops began to move, though Osterhaus had
GOT yet come up. The orders were strictly
Dbeyed: the troops embarked in the pontooR
boats and quietly dropped down and across
the river to the designated point. The adj
vance boat was hailed by rebel picket, but
be was lured into the belief that they were
friends. and knew no better until he was
quietly made prisoner. The rest of their
picket-line was relieved in the same manner,
and when the mornings fog lifted enough
TO disclose the situation to the rebels we had
two lines of works thrown up, extending
more than half mile down the river
The surprise was complete, and for a time
they did not disturb u.s. The pontoen
bridges were thrown across, the boats being
taken from the improyised ferry as they
were needed. The laying of the pontoons
attracted few shells from the rebel bat
teries, but they did us no damage As
Hooker and 0sterhaus were unable to cross,
their orders had been changed, and they
were ordered TO attack on the right. Their
guns were now booming heavily on the
rebel left and il could be seen that the
rebels were moving large bodies Of troops
IN that direction TO meet what they evil
IDENTIFY thought was the main attack, thus
weakening their right and center.
Our lines were advanced on the left, and
before night with the assistance of detail
Of 200 men from the infantry, our cannons
were dragged TO the top of the Ridge by
means Of ropes, as it was impossible to get
treme left OF Missionary Ridge, between the
Chickamauga and the railroad tunnel,
sharp rayine crossing between us and the
latter. Two attempts were made to drive
our lines back, but both failed and the posi-
tiOn along the base of the Ridge was lorti-
fed. The right of our division extended
down nearly opposite the railroad tunnel,
the left extending well up toward the South
Chckamauga Our battery was in strong
commanding position, separated from the
main portion Of the Ridge occupied by the
rebels by the rayine above mentioned The
orders were 10 attack as soon as il was light
enough TO see, and our battery fired the first
shot, and thus opened the battle on the left
There is a sublimity in the roar of cam
non when il breaks suddenly on the still air
of early morning, when each heart is expect
ant, and the mind is wrought up to high
tension OF expectancy, in the calm before
the storm. HaIk the command, Ready
Fire! prand forth from the muzzle of the
cannon ecreeches the death-dealing shell.
while the heavy roar echoes and re-echoes
along the Deep understanding mountain
gorges and rolls on above the graceful
hemlocks, above the fragrant pines, over the
watchtul soldiers, from valley 10 mountain
top, floating lar out over the dark woods of
Cbickamauga, where sleep 1000 brave men
in blue and gray. But il does not awaken
them, for they are to take no part in this
days struggle. They finished their work
on tnose dark, fateful days, the 18th aud
10Th of September, and lay down 10 sleep
peacefully, side by side, in the eternal. IN
oxen sleep Of death. The morning was
clear and bright, and it so continued through
out the day, enabling us from our high posi-
tion TO have good view of the battlefield
when it was not Obscured by smoke.
Our division advanced under n terrific fire
gainst the lower line of rebel works. There