War in Tennessee

“The war in Tennessee. Capture of Mission Ridge, near Rossville, by General Thomas, November 25th, 1863. Our correspondent thus graphically depicts this scene: ‘Simultaneously and instantaneously the two, or rather four, columns rushed forward across the valley of Citco Creek and up to the line of the Confederate rifle pits that lined the base of Mission Ridge. These even did not claim their attention, nor did the two or three discharges of musketry which received them call for a reply. On they pushed with their glittering bayonets, signaling back a reply that startled the already dismayed foe. They abandoned the works and their camps, over and through which our men rushed with headlong speed and a velocity which of itself would have secured them victory. The enemy had opened on these columns a heavy fire from several batteries, which he had massed along his centre, to hide and in some measure remedy his now apparent weakness there. But these were only replied to by the guns of Captain Bridges on Orchard Knob and the deep-mouthed monsters of Fort Wood. The foot of the hill was reached by the advancing column in good order, and now began the difficult ascent. Half-way up, the line became broken and ragged, and it looked much as if a heavy line of skirmishers were mounting the hill. When they reached the top, and the Confederate artillerists were limbering up their pieces, the front line was no longer preserved, but the men pushed forward indiscriminately. The Confederate infantry fled and yielded up the artillery without further struggle. From below we could see the Confederate flag as it entered and passed through Fort Hindman, and gave place to that of the Union. In just three-quarters of an hour after the order was given for the assault General Turchin, of Baird’s division, occupied Fort Hindman with two of his regiments, and was rapidly moving the others forward to their support. Generals Willich, Hazen and Waggener were reaping harvest of artillery. The hill was won at four o’clock, the enemy cut in two, and his organization for the time destroyed. As the hill was won, General Grant, following in the wake of the advancing column, appeared in their midst on the summit. The troops saw and recognized him, and at once there went up a shout such as only victorious men can give to a victorious leader.’"— Frank Leslie, 1896

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