Comte de Paris, History of the Civil War in America. Vol. 4.
Henry Coppee , LL.D., Ed.

---

[296] of unforeseen obstacles. Like all great men of war, he knows how to modify his designs in accordance with the hazards of the battle. After a few moments' conversation with Thomas—this tried chief in whom, from the time of his arrival, he has shown the most complete confidence—his mind is made up, his orders are issued. Baird having returned near to the Fourth corps, he has four divisions in hand. One brigade only (Starkweather's) occupies the fortifications at Chattanooga. The eleven others shall advance in line of battle, preceded at a short distance by a double line of skirmishers, and shall carry by storm the works covering the base of Missionary Ridge. The enemy once dislodged, the brigades shall await new orders to assault the positions on the hill itself.

Grant no doubt hopes that Bragg, troubled by this menace, will recall the troops which are opposing Sherman or that Hooker will appear at the proper time on his flank, and that one of his two wings will thus come to support this assault. Six cannon-shots, rapidly fired from the battery posted on Indian Hill, will give to the four divisions the signal to get in motion.

A little after half-past 3 o'clock the signal resounds in the midst of the irregular cannonade which has been going on since the morning between the centres of the hostile armies. The men of the Fourth corps, under Sheridan and Wood, deployed right and left in front of Indian Hill, alone have heard the guns, and they immediately obey the signal. But Johnson, who extends the front of the former, and Baird, who has just taken a position beyond the latter, warned beforehand, do not hesitate to follow them. A striking spectacle is offered to the eyes of the witnesses, friends or foes, who from the summit of the hills opposite gaze over the battlefield. Twenty-five thousand combatants move in perfect order: it is the main line, somewhat convex on account of the slight projection made by the Fourth corps. A cloud of skirmishers goes before it: it is followed at a short distance by a second line of battalions massed in double columns, with long intervals between them. The sun sheds its oblique rays upon the shining bayonets of this army advancing, as in a parade, with a quick and steady step, and upon the groups of mounted officers at its head. Bragg concentrates upon this army the fire of