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

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[265] reached the point designated for his crossing: his first three divisions are still trudging through the passes of Walden's Ridge, while the breaking of the bridge at Brown's Ferry detains the fourth division in Will's Valley. Thomas with as much impatience as his soldiers awaits the signal of battle. Several hours of daylight have already elapsed when at last he receives Grant's order. Immediately his troops form between the works around the place and the line of posts covering the approaches.

These movements cannot escape the attention of their adversaries, who, attracted by the beauty of the day and the novelty of the spectacle, soon crowd the crest of Missionary Ridge to gaze at the enemy's battalions assembled at their feet. But the silence of the spies, the late hour when the movements take place, and the very display with which they are executed restore confidence alike to the Confederate commander and soldiers. The Southern army, rendered indifferent by having remained too long idle, and deceived on recent occasions, does not imagine that the Federals may act on the offensive. Even those who are at the outposts on the cliffs of Indian Hill, fascinated by the sight of the Union troops, whose uniforms and bayonets are glistening in the sun, fancy that they are witnessing the preparations for a review by some one of the chiefs in a group which they easily distinguish upon the glacis of Fort Wood. After having formed in line, these troops remain idle for more than half an hour: this halting again confirms the illusion of the Confederates.

As we have remarked, Grant proposes simply to feel the enemy, so as to judge by the resistance which he shall make whether he is disposed to retreat or to fight. It is then a reconnoissance which need not bring on a general engagement, but of which advantage must be taken if it reveals the weakness of Bragg. One division only (Wood's of the Fourth corps) shall be charged with the execution of this reconnoissance: an imposing body of troops shall be in readiness to support this division. It has deployed at the foot of the eastern slopes of the fort which bears its name, the right resting against the slopes of Brushy Hill, with the left along Citico Creek near its mouth. On the previous day a bridge had been thrown across this stream under the direction of