The National tribune., 1906-12-20

doubtful, and possibly the victory would
as they neared the crest could they
have found some shelter in which to
halt. The nearer, however, they got 20
the top, the clearer it became evident
that there was nothing to do but go
ahead; they could not halt, and to re-
treat was simple determination.
a widely believed story is that when
Gen Grant saw the men start up the
hill he turned to Gen. Thomas with the
angry inquiry, Who ordered those men
up the hill?" Thomas replied quietly,
NO one seems to have ordered them,
General: they are just going on their
own hook" Gen. Grant gaZed for d
moment at Mission Ridge, then said:
1T is all right If it is all right, but if i,
is not all right the stars will fall"
Gen. Grant in his Memoirs thus
speaks of the affair:
Il watched their progress with intense
interest. The fire along the rebel liae
was terrific. Cannon and musket balls
filled The air, but the damage done was
in small proportion to the ammunition
expended. The pursuit continued until
the crest was reached, and soon our
men were seen climbing over the Con-
federate barriers at different points In
front Of both Sheridan's and Woods
Divisions. The retreat of the enem,
along most Of his line was precipitate
and the panic so great that Bragg ano
his officers lost all control over the:i
men. Many were captured. and thou
sands threw away their arms in theil
fight.
Sheridan pushed forward until ht
reached the ChiCkamauga River at :
point above whore the enemy crossed
He met some resistance from troops
occupying a second hill in rear of Mis-
sionary Ridge, probably TO cover thf
retreat OF the main body and of tbs
artillery and trains II was now getting
dark, but Sheridan, without halting or
that account, pushed his men forward
up this second hill slowly and withou
attracting the attention of the NOR
place to defend il. while he detoureC
to the right and left to surround IN;
position The enemy discovered tn
movement before these dispositions
We're complete and beat a hasty retreat
leaving artillery, wagon trains ant
many prisoners in our hands. To Sher
idan's prompt movement the Amy %
the Cumberland and the Nation are in
debted for the bulk of the capture o
prisoners, artillery and small-arnls tina
day. Except for his prompt pursuit, -
much IN this way would not have beer
accomplished.
while the advance up Mission RidS'
was going forward. Gen. Thomas viii
staff. Gen. Gordon Granger, commando
OF the corps making the assault, an'
myself and staff occupied Drchar,
Knob, from which the entire field coui'
be observed. The moment the troop
were seen going OYER the last line o
rebel defcnses. / ordered Granger t.
Join his command, and mounting m,
horse rode 10 the front. Gen. Thoma
left about the same time. Sheridan o
the extreme right was already in pur
eait of the enemy east of the ridge
Wood, who commanded the division
60 the left of Sheridan. accompanie
his men on horseback in the charge
but did not Join Sheridan in tn
pursuit To the left, in Baird's front
where Rragg's troops had masse,
against Sherman, the resistance wa
more stubborn and the contes
lasted longer. ! ordered Granger (
follow the enemy with Woods Division
but he was so much excited and KEEP
up such a roar of musketry in the direc
ton the enemy had taken that by tn
time i could stop the firing the enem
had got well out of the way. The enem
confronting Sherman, now seeing every
thing TO their left giving way, fed also
Sherman, however, was not aware o
the extent of our success until afte
nightfall, when he received orders (
pursue at daylight in the morning."
sheridan's Account.
Sheridan tells this story:
After a short pause TO get breath tn
ascent of the ridge began, and i rod
into the ditch Of the intrenchments {
drive out a few skulkers who were hid
ing there. Just at this time was joine
nv Cant Ransom who, having returne