Part 3

Hooker’s command had been assigned to Thomas who had obtained permission for Hooker to make a demonstration against the left of the Confederate line on Lookout Mountain. During the night of the 23rd, Sherman crossed the Tennessee River near the present site of the Chickamauga Dam. He reached the hill he had selected before crossing. He made no effort to dislodge the Confederates during the 24th. His position was not on the north end of the ridge as he thought it to be. A deep ravine separated him from the main north end of the ridge. From this position, the Confederates could be seen to the south. Early on the morning of the 24th, Hooker left Wauhatchie, moving northward to within two miles of the point of the mountain. His troops climbed the slopes to the foot of the palisades, made a march northward until they were near the point. They were then joined by Osterhaus’ division which came directly up the northern slopes of the mountain. They were met with a sharp volley of fire from the Confederates as they emerged from the woods. The Confederates had two entrenched lines running from the foot of the cliffs to the river. They were driven out of the first line into an open field—the Craven’s farm. Here the fighting was desperate and the casualties were very heavy. The Craven’s house was used as the Confederate headquarters. The Confederates withdrew to their second line of entrenchments. While in this latter position the battle ended. The sharp-shooters and the two Confederate batteries on top were of little value during the battle. The Union soldiers never reached the top of the mountain during the battle, nor did they make any effort to. Therefore, there was no fighting on top of the mountain. It was so foggy during the day that the artillerymen or sharpshooters on the top were unable to see the troops on the slopes. The artillery could not have been depressed sufficiently to reach the Union troops at the foot of the cliffs—almost directly under them. It was the troops on top that nicknamed this battle the “Battle Above the Clouds.” The Confederates were outnumbered at least four to one during this battle. They were in danger of being surrounded, so during the night Bragg ordered the withdrawal of all troops from the top, the slopes and Chattanooga Valley. By daylight of the 25th, all of the Confederates were on Missionary Ridge to strengthen and prolong their lines at that point.

The withdrawal of the Confederates from Lookout Mountain left the Union forces in complete control of this point. At sunrise on the morning of the 25th, there were volunteers from the 96th Illinois and 8th Kentucky Infantry who scaled the rock palisades and reached the top of the mountain. They moved to the extreme northern point where they planted their flag of victory. A series of stairways has been erected to mark the exact route by which these Union troops climbed out on top of the mountain.

THE BATTLE OF MISSIONARY RIDGE

At this time Sherman was in position to attack the right end of the Confederate line. Thomas was in front of the center and Hooker was opposite the left end. About 7:30 A. M., Sherman opened the battle against the right end with heavy artillery fire. The Confederates of Cleburne’s, Stevenson’s and Cheatham’s divisions were so strongly entrenched that he was unable to drive them from their positions. About 10:30, Hooker was ordered forward across the Chattanooga Valley to attack the left end. The Confederates had destroyed the bridge across Chattanooga Creek and Hooker was delayed at least three hours in reaching Rossville. He then moved via Rossville Gap against the Confederate left. While these movements were being carried out by Sherman and Hooker, Thomas was to charge out against the Confederate rifle pits at the base of the ridge. With this latter movement it was thought the Confederates would be drawn toward the center from both ends, thereby giving Sherman and Hooker more chance of success toward turning the ends. Some of Hooker’s troops crossed to the east side of the ridge; some moved along the crest, and others remained on the west side of the ridge. At 3:30 P. M., Thomas, with the troops which had carried Orchard Knob on the 23rd, charged out against the Confederate rifle pits. After a short battle, the Confederates started their retreat up the ridge. Thomas’ men pursued without orders, both the Union and Confederate troops reaching the crest of the ridge about the same time. The Confederate artillery on top of the ridge was forced to fire high since their own troops were between their artillery and the Union forces which were following them. For at least two miles along the central portion of the ridge, a severe hand-to-hand battle took place. Never in the entire Civil War did troops fight any harder than they did at this point. The casualties were heavy on both sides. Finally, the Confederate center was broken in several places and the center and left end started to retreat southward. At nightfall, Bragg ordered the right of the Confederate line to withdraw and cover the general retreat. As the Confederates were retreating, it is reported that their own artillery was turned upon them. The Confederates moved south via Chickamauga Station, Tennessee, thence to Ringgold, Georgia, where they stopped to offer battle again on November 27th. They retreated to Dalton, Georgia, where they went into winter quarters on December 1st. Gen. Bragg was removed from his command the next day. Gen. Hardee was offered the command but declined, although he accepted temporary charge until December 16th. At that time Gen. Joseph E. Johnston assumed command—a position he held until July 17, 1864, when he was replaced by Gen. John B. Hood. The Union troops moved back to Chattanooga where they entrenched their position and went into winter quarters, thus successfully ending the Chattanooga campaign. The city remained in possession of the Union army until the close of the war.

It is estimated that Grant had 60,000 troops engaged in the battle of Chattanooga. Bragg had approximately 40,000 troops. Of the 60,000 Union troops, Sherman had 28,000; Thomas 22,000; Hooker 10,000. The casualties for the three-day battle were: Union, 5,824; Confederate, 6,667.

ADDENDA

As a reward for the Union victory at the battle of Chattanooga, both Grant and Sherman were promoted. First, on March 9, 1864, Grant was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-General. On March 12, 1864, he was placed in command of all the Union forces throughout the United States. The order which placed Grant in this latter position was presented to him by President Lincoln. At this time Sherman was in Nashville, Tennessee. Grant left Washington immediately to join Sherman. Before leaving Washington, Grant had recommended the appointment of Sherman to his late position. On March 18, 1864, Sherman assumed command of the Military Division of the Mississippi—Grant’s former command. This embraced the Departments of the Ohio, Cumberland, Tennessee and Arkansas commanded by Major-Generals Schofield, Thomas, McPherson and Steele, respectively. Grant left Nashville on the night of the 18th, going east to take over his new command. He was accompanied by Sherman as far as Cincinnati in order that they might discuss some private details as to future plans. Sherman returned to Nashville on March 25th. On April 28th, Sherman moved his headquarters to Chattanooga. On May 5th, Sherman left Chattanooga on the Atlanta Campaign. The movement of his army followed the exact route which Highway No. 41 follows today from Chattanooga to Atlanta, with battles and skirmishes all along the way. After the fall of Atlanta on September 2, 1864, Sherman made final preparations for his “March to the Sea.” Leaving Atlanta November 16th, his army moved southward to Savannah, the Union forces entering this city December 22nd. On February 1, 1865, Sherman left Savannah on the Carolina Campaign which carried him through North and South Carolina. He then joined Grant in Virginia, the Civil War soon came to a close.

HEAVIEST REGIMENTAL LOSSES—HERE AND ELSEWHERE

At the battle of Chickamauga, the 22nd Michigan Infantry lost 58.

At Lookout Mountain, the 149th N. Y. Infantry lost 10.

At Missionary Ridge, the 15th Indiana Infantry lost 24.

At the battle of Gettysburg (Pa.), the 24th Michigan Infantry (Union) lost 69 men, while the 26th North Carolina (Confederate) lost 86.

At Vicksburg (Mississippi), the 4th West Virginia, and the 22nd Iowa (both Union), lost 27 men each.

During the Civil War, there were 10 regiments which in various battles lost 75 men or more. They are as follows:

Regiment and Battle Number Killed 6th Alabama Infantry at Fair Oaks, Va. 91 1st Maine Heavy Artillery at Petersburg, Va. 90 26th North Carolina Infantry at Gettysburg, Pa. 86 1st South Carolina Rifles at Gains Mill, Va. 86 1st Maine Heavy Artillery at Spotsylvania, Va. 81 8th New York Infantry at Cold Harbor, Va. 80 5th New York Infantry at Manassas, Va. 79 70th New York Infantry at Williamsburg, Va. 79 1st Missouri Infantry (Union) at Wilson’s Creek, Va. 76 23rd U. S. Colored at Petersburg Mine, Va. 75

New York led all other states in the number of troops which they furnished the Union army. The 10 leaders are as follows:

New York 448,850 Pennsylvania 337,936 Ohio 313,180 Illinois 259,092 Indiana 196,363 Massachusetts 146,730 Missouri[1] 109,111 Wisconsin 91,327 Michigan 87,364 New Jersey 76,814 Iowa 76,242 Kentucky[1] 75,670

[1]Divided states.

The leading Union and Confederate officers who were in the battles of Chickamauga, or Chattanooga, or both, are as follows:

UNION

Gen. Ulysses S. Grant Maj. Gen. William S. Rosecrans Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger Maj. Gen. Thomas L. Crittenden Maj. Gen. Alexander McD. McCook

CONFEDERATE

Gen. Braxton Bragg Lt. Gen. James Longstreet Maj.-Gen. Simon B. Buckner Lt. Gen. Leonidas Polk Brig. Gen. John B. Hood Brig. Gen. Nathan B. Forrest Maj. Gen. Joseph Wheeler Lt. Gen. Daniel H. Hill

In order that you may know where these high-ranking officers were from, the following offers an accurate account:

UNION

1. Gen. Grant was born in Point Pleasant, Ohio, April 27, 1822. Died in Mt. McGregor (near Saratoga), N. Y., July 23, 1885. 2. Gen. Rosecrans was born in Kingston, Ohio, Sept. 6, 1818. Died in Redondo, California, March 11, 1898. 3. Gen. Sherman was born in Lancaster, Ohio, Feb. 8, 1820. Died in New York, Feb. 14, 1891. 4. Gen. Thomas was born in Southhampton Co., Va., July 31, 1816. Died in San Francisco, California, March 28, 1870. 5. Gen. Hooker was born in Hadley, Mass., Nov. 13, 1814. Died in Philadelphia, Pa., Nov. 6, 1872. 6. Gen. Granger was born in New York, N. Y., in 1821. Died in Santa Fe., New Mexico, Jan. 10, 1876. 7. Gen. Crittenden was born in Russellville, Ky., May 15, 1815. Died in Staten Island, N. Y., Oct. 23, 1893. 8. Gen. McCook was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, April 22, 1831. Died in Dayton, Ohio, June 12, 1903.

CONFEDERATES

1. Gen. Bragg was born in Warren Co., N. C., March 22, 1817. Died in Galveston, Texas, Sept. 27, 1876. 2. Gen. Longstreet was born in Edgefield District, S. C., Jan. 8, 1821. Died in Gainesville, Georgia, Jan. 2, 1904. 3. Gen. Hood was born in Owingsville, Ky., June 1, 1831. Died in New Orleans, La., Aug. 30, 1879. 4. Gen. Buckner was born in Munfordville, Ky., April 1, 1823. Died at same place Jan. 8, 1914. 5. Gen. Polk was born in Raleigh, N. C., April 10, 1806. Killed by a cannon-ball on Pine Mt., near Marietta, Ga., June 14, 1864. 6. Gen. Forrest was born near Chapel Hill, Tenn., July 13, 1821. Died in Memphis, Tenn., Oct. 29, 1877. 7. Gen. Wheeler was born in Augusta, Ga., Sept. 10, 1836. Died in Brooklyn, N. Y., Jan. 25, 1906. 8. Gen. Daniel H. Hill was born in Hill’s Iron Work, York District, S. C., July 12, 1821. Died in Charlotte, N. C., Sept. 25, 1889.

CIVIL WAR PRISONS

While there were numerous Civil War Prisons, both in the North and South, it is believed that the following were the most prominent:

NORTHERN PRISONS Name Location

Camp Chase Columbus, Ohio Camp Morton Indianapolis, Indiana Elmira Prison Barracks Elmira, New York Fort Delaware In Delaware River Fort Lafayette New York, N. Y. Fort McHenry Baltimore, Maryland

SOUTHERN PRISONS Name Location

Andersonville Prison Andersonville, Georgia Libby Prison Richmond, Virginia Belle Isle In James River—Near Richmond, Va. Camp Lawton Millen, Georgia Castle Pickney Charleston, South Carolina Camp Ford Tyler, Texas

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

The first shot in the Civil War was fired upon the steamer “Star of the West” off Charleston Harbor, S. C., on Jan. 9, 1861. However, this was more than three months before the war officially started.

The Civil War started with the bombardment of Fort Sumter, S. C., at 4:30 A. M., April 12, 1861.

The first Southern blood was shed on the streets of Baltimore, Md., on April 19, 1861.

The First Confederate Congress was formed in Montgomery, Ala., on Feb. 4, 1861.

Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi, was elected President of the Confederacy on Feb. 9, 1861. Alexander H. Stephens of Georgia was elected Vice-President. The inauguration was on Feb. 18, 1861.

President Lincoln freed the slaves on Sept. 22, 1862.

The Gatling gun was patented Nov. 4, 1862.

The First Colored Regiment was formed Jan. 25, 1863.

South Carolina was the first state to secede; North Carolina was the last. South Carolina seceded from the Union on Dec. 20, 1860. The other states followed in this order: Florida on Jan. 7, 1861; Mississippi on Jan. 9, 1861; Alabama on Jan. 11, 1861; Georgia on Jan. 19, 1861; Louisiana on Jan. 26, 1861; Texas on Feb. 1, 1861; Virginia on April 17, 1861; Tennessee on May 6, 1861; Arkansas on May 18, 1861, and North Carolina on May 21, 1861.

There were more battles fought in Virginia than in any other state. It is reported that more than 400 battles and actions were fought there. The second largest number was fought in Tennessee.

The most eventful “holiday” in the Civil War was July 4, 1863. On this particular date the Tullahoma Campaign ended; the Union army was victorious at Gettysburg and Vicksburg fell.

Pickett’s famous charge at Gettysburg was the most colorful event of the Civil War.

Ohio furnished almost one-third of the Union troops at the battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga.

General Robert E. Lee was once offered the command of all the Union forces in the United States, but he declined the offer.

Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston, one of the South’s ablest commanders, resigned the Colonelcy of the 2nd U. S. Cavalry to enter the service of the Confederacy. Gen. Johnston was killed at the Battle of Shiloh.

There were approximately 87,000 men who hired their fighting done. This number, whom were drafted, paid commutation and were exempted from service.

There were almost an even 100,000 of the U. S. Colored Troops whom were recruited from the Confederate States.

About 250 of the Regular U. S. Volunteers were ex-Confederate soldiers.

All of the Confederate States had troops in the Union Army. The data below will furnish proof of this statement:

Alabama—1 Regiment Heavy Artillery; 2 Regiments of Cavalry; 1 Co. of Cavalry; 2 Regiments of Infantry.

Arkansas—2 Batteries of Light Artillery; 4 Regiments of Cavalry; 1 Co. of Cavalry; 1 Infantry Battalion; 1 Co. of Infantry; 9 Regiments of Infantry.

Florida—1 Battery of Light Artillery; 3 Regiments of Cavalry; 1 Co. of Infantry.

Georgia—1 Infantry Battalion.

Louisiana—1 Regiment of Heavy Artillery; 1 Battery of Light Artillery; 4 Regiments of Light Artillery; 1 Co. of Cavalry; 3 Regiments of Cavalry; 18 Regiments of Infantry.

Mississippi—2 Regiments of Heavy Artillery; 2 Regiments of Cavalry; 2 Cos. of Cavalry; 9 Regiments of Infantry.

North Carolina—1 Regiment of Heavy Artillery; 7 Regiments of Infantry.

South Carolina—5 Regiments of Infantry (all Colored).

Texas—1 Battalion of Cavalry; 2 Regiments of Cavalry; 3 Cos. of Infantry.

Virginia—1 Battalion of Cavalry; 1 Regiment of Infantry; 1 Co. of Infantry.

There were four states which were considered “divided” states, namely: Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri and Maryland. Tennessee furnished more Confederate troops than Union troops. The others furnished more Union troops than Confederates.

The highest regimental number of the Civil War was furnished by the State of Pennsylvania, being the 215th. Ohio was second with 197: New York third with 193, while Illinois and Indiana tied for fourth place with 156 each.

West Point Academy was founded on March 16, 1802.

The U. S. Naval Academy opened October 10, 1845.

The Mexican War started on March 28, 1846.

The most daring and useless episode of the Civil War was performed by Andrews and his raiders when they stole the engine “General.” This feat, if it had been carried out in detail, would only have been temporary. The tearing up of railroad bridges and the destruction of communication lines was almost daily routine at one place or another. This historic engine is now on display at the Union railroad station, Ninth and Broad Streets, Chattanooga, Tennessee.

The Chattanooga National Cemetery is the oldest National Cemetery in the United States. There are soldiers buried in this cemetery as a result of every war the United States has ever participated in, beginning with the Revolutionary War.

There are no Confederate soldiers buried in any National Cemetery. They are buried in Confederate cemeteries or elsewhere. Two such cemeteries are located in, and near Chattanooga. One is located on E. Third Street, adjoining the Jewish Cemetery. The other is located on U. S. Highways No. 11 and 64 at Silverdale, about 10 miles northeast of Chattanooga.

Practically all of the Union and Confederate soldiers who were killed at Chickamauga were buried on that battlefield for a period of about three months. The troops were buried in separate trenches. Then they were removed. The Union soldiers were re-buried in the National Cemetery in Chattanooga. The Confederates were taken to Marietta, Georgia, where they were reburied in the Confederate Cemetery.

The last battle of the Civil War was fought near Palo Alto, Texas, on May 13, 1865, more than a month after Lee’s surrender at Appomattox. Col. Barrett commanded the Union troops; Gen. Slaughter the Confederate. This battle resulted in a Confederate victory.

HISTORIC SITES IN CHATTANOOGA

There are numerous headquarters sites in Chattanooga today which were very prominent during the Civil War. In order that you may know the exact location of these sites, they are as follows:

The headquarters of Gen. U. S. Grant and his successor, Gen. William T. Sherman, is a frame house located at 110 East First Street, between Walnut and Cherry streets.

The northeast corner of Fourth and Walnut streets marks the headquarters of Gen. James A. Garfield, Chief of Staff to Gen. Rosecrans, and Gen. Joseph J. Reynolds, Chief of Staff to Gen. Thomas.

Upon first occupation of Chattanooga by Union troops, Brig. Gen. George D. Wagner established headquarters at 407 East Fifth Street. There is a short post erected at this address to mark the site.

Fort Sheridan was located at 1219 East Terrace. A shell pyramid has been erected at this site.

The Standpipe of the City Water Company of Chattanooga marks the center of Fort Wood.

A short post at 502 East Fifth Street marks the location of Lunette O’Meara.

Fort Milhalotzy was located on Cameron Hill. A stone gate post at 221 Boynton Terrace marks the exact location.

Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Wood, U. S. V., commanding the 3rd and 4th Army Corps, had his headquarters at 504 Vine Street, where a short post is today.

The site of Fort Phelps (Negley) which was begun by the Confederates as Fort Cheatham is located at 1706 Read Avenue.

Maj. Gen. Joseph Wheeler, C. S. A., commanding Cavalry Corps, had his headquarters at 515 Douglas Street.

At 309 West Sixth Street you will see a long post which marks the headquarters of Lt. Gen. Daniel C. Hill, C. S. A., command corps, and later this same site was used by Maj. Gen. John M. Palmer, U. S. V., commanding 14th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland.

Maj. Gen. John C. Breckinridge, C. S. A., commanding a division, had his headquarters at 415 Poplar Street.

Battery Smartt, Confederate work of Cheatham’s division, was located at 10 Bluff View, where a concrete post has been erected.

Gen. Bragg’s headquarters in 1862 were at 407 East Fifth Street.

The southeast corner of Fifth and Walnut streets is the Signal Hill site of Redoubt Putnam, south salient of Fort Sherman.

The Crutchfield House was located where the Ninth Street entrance to the Read House is today.

The 10th Ohio Volunteer Infantry was camped at 654 Houston Street. Incidentally, this is where the first shell fired from Lookout Mountain exploded.

The Custom House lawn on East Eleventh Street marks the location of Redoubt Jones’ (Hazen) headquarters.

Battery Bushnell was located at the northeast corner of Battery Place and Linsay streets.

Brig. Gen. John M. Brannan, Chief of Artillery, Army of the Cumberland, had his headquarters at 302 Walnut Street.

Brig. Gen. Absalom Baird, U. S. V., commanding 14th Army Corps, was located on the south side of West Ninth Street, between East Terrace and Cedar Streets. A long post at this address marks the site.

The College building which accommodated 100 wounded soldiers was located on the northeast corner West Eleventh and Cedar streets.

ORGANIZATION OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES AT CHICKAMAUGA

UNION

The Army of the Cumberland (Union) commanded by Maj. Gen. William S. Rosecrans, consisted of the following:

14th Army Corps Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas 20th Army Corps Maj. Gen. Alexander McD. McCook 21st Army Corps Maj. Gen. Thomas L. Crittenden Cavalry Corps Brig. Gen. Robert B. Mitchell Reserve Corps Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger