Battle of Mission Ridge, Nov. 25th, 1863, created c1886
Battle of Missionary Ridge showing the Union assault during the 2nd day of battle; also shown, an insert of McCormick harvesting machine. That night Bragg asked his two corps commanders whether to retreat or to stand and fight. William J. Hardee counseled retreat, but John C. Breckinridge convinced Bragg to fight it out on the strong position of Missionary Ridge. Accordingly, the troops withdrawn from Lookout Mountain were ordered to the right wing. From north to south, the Confederate divisions were arranged in the order, Cleburne, Stevenson, States Rights Gist, Cheatham, J. Patton Anderson, William B. Bate and Alexander P. Stewart. Alexander W. Reynolds's brigade stood between Anderson and Bate, Joseph H. Lewis's brigade (Bate) was attached to Cleburne and Marcus J. Wright's brigade (Cheatham) guarded the right rear. The normal corps organization was waived and the four most northerly divisions were placed under Hardee's supervision while Breckinridge commanded the other three. On November 25, Grant changed his plan and called for a double envelopment by Sherman and Hooker. Thomas was to advance after Sherman reached Missionary Ridge from the north. The Ridge was a formidable defensive position, manned in depth, and Grant believed that a frontal assault against it would be suicidal, unless it could be arranged in support of the flanking attacks by Sherman and Hooker. As the morning progressed, Sherman was unable to break Cleburne's line, and Hooker's advance was slowed by the burned bridges on the creek. About 3:00 , the troops defending Tunnel Hill charged down the steep slopes, routing Sherman's forces and driving them back to Billy Goat Hill. With only his division plus two brigades and two regiments on loan from other divisions, Cleburne had held out against two corps of Sherman's Army of the Tennessee (that of Peter J. Osterhaus was with Hooker), Howard's corps of the Army of the Potomac, and the divisions of Jefferson C. Davis.
Size: 9933px × 7046px
Photo credit: © Historical Art Collection (HAC) / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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