The National tribune., 1902-04-17

i<A-NSiA-a-NAN INV
reinforced by the First Division of the
Fifteenth Corps under Gen. Osterhaus,
and the Second Brigade, First Division,
Fourth Corps, composed of six regi-
ments, commanded by Brig.-Gen. W. c..
Whitaker, was making his disposition TO
attack the Confederate forces defending
Lookout Mountain.
The Confederate forces defending
Lookout Mountain were part of the
command of Gen. Hardee. Walkers Div
ision, commanded by Brighten. Gist, oc-
eupied a line west Gf Chattanooga Greek
to the base of the mountain.
Cheathams Division, commanded by
Brighten. John X. Jackson, and COM
posed of Gems. Walthall and Aloore's Bri-
gades occupied a position at the north
end of the mountain, known as the Cra-
ven House Slope, extending from the left
of Gist line around to the west side ot
the mountain to a point known as Smiths S
Trail
To Maj.-Gen. L. G. Stevenson's Divi-
sion was assigned a position on the top of
the mountain, and with the duty of pick
eting and defending the various passes of
Lookout Mountain on the west slope for
a distance of Is miles. A continuous line
of defensive works was thrown up from
Chattanooga Greek TO and up the east
slope of the mountain, across the north
slope and around to and along the west
slope OF the mountain for about one mile;
a strong picket line with supports was ex-
tended mile further up Lookout Greek,
with strong outpost some distance be-
yond. This line on the west slope frOnted
Lookout Greek, four or FIVE bridges across
which had been destroyed. Artillery was
placed at all available points, and the
ha+t i fa5,
ranged so that the guns could be de-
pressed TO fire down the mountain.
SharpshOoters were stationed along the
brow Of the mountain above this lire of
works. Lookout Creek had the mountain
on the east and n rugged, rocky ridge on
the west. Viewed from whatever point,
Lookout Mountain, with its high, palisad-
ed crest, and its steep, rugged, rocky. and
deeply-furrowed slopes, presented an i'm
posing barrier to the advance of the Ma
tional forces, and when to these natural
obstacles We're added almost intermin-
able well-planned and well-cOnstructcd de-
fenses. held by Americans, the assault be-
came an enterprise worthy of the ambi
ton and Tenown of the troops to whom it
was entrusted.
All of the Confederate forces were east
Of Lookout Creek, and Gen. Hooker's
encampment was west Of that stream.
C1OihMllNN lHJOIAOAl AlOAN AIN
At O'Clock on the morning of Nov. y,
Gen. Hooker issued his orders for the at
tack on Lookout Mountain.
Gen. Geary's Division, supported by
Gen. Whitakers Brigade of Cruft's Divi-
sion, Fourth Corps, was ordered to pro-
ceed up the Valley, cross Lookout Greek
near Wauhatchie and march down,
sweeping the rebels from it. Gen. Crosses
Brigade of the Fourth Corps to advance
TO Lookout Creek, seize the bridge just
below the railroad and repair it. Gen.
Osterhaus's Division was to march up
from Browns Ferry, under cover of the
hills, to the place of crossing, also to
furnish supports for the batteries. The
Ohio Battery was to take position on
Bald Hill, and the New York Battery on
the hill directly i'll the rear, both of these
positions overlooking the creek and com
manding the Confederate camp. The 2d
Ky. Cav. was dispatched to observe the
enemy in the direction Of Trenton, Ga,
and the Illinois cavalry company was TO
perform escort and orderly duty.
Gen. Geary moved ms command in
light marching order with one days ra-
tiOns at daylight. During the night the
weather had changed, and drifting clouds
and a heavy fog oyerhung Lookout
Mountain and obscured the slopes at the
hour Gen. GeaTy began his march
His command went forward under
cover of Il belt of timber and was maSsed
behind Il hill near the creek. A bridge
was hurriedly constructed for the passage
of his troops. Ten sections OF artillery
Were dispatched TO be placed in position
at Balls Hill and other available points
bearing on the Confederate line.
While preparations were making to
cross the creek Gen. Geary assembled his
brigade and field officers and made known
10 them his plans of the movement, with
instructions TO communicate the details
10 their company officers.
At $50 a. III. the column began cross
ing the bridge. Skirmishers were thrown
forward, and the Union pickets, by a sud
den movement, captured the Confederate
outpost of 43 men without firing 4 gun At
the same time a detachment Of the Goth
Ohio WAS sent TO the right up the stream,
10 Dayis's Miii, to make n demonstration
on path which led up the mountain, to
direct attention in that direction, as
though the main attack would be made at
that point. 4 skirmish ensued and the
Confederate troops on the mountain were
detained there.
Col. G. A. Cobhan, with the Goth and
11th Pa, part Of his brigade. had the
advance, followed closely by Col David