The work of laying the bridge, on which to cross the artillery and cavalry, was now begun.  The ferrying over the infantry was continued with the steamer and the pontoons, taking the pontoons, however, as fast as they were wanted to put in their place in the bridge.  By a little past noon the bridge was completed, as well as one over the South Chickamauga connecting the troops left on that side with their comrades below, and all the infantry and artillery were on the south bank of the Tennessee.

Sherman at once formed his troops for assault on Missionary Ridge.  By one o’clock he started with M. L. Smith on his left, keeping nearly the course of Chickamauga River; J. E. Smith next to the right and a little to the rear; and Ewing still farther to the right and also a little to the rear of J. E. Smith’s command, in column, ready to deploy to the right if an enemy should come from that direction.  A good skirmish line preceded each of these columns.  Soon the foot of the hill was reached; the skirmishers pushed directly up, followed closely by their supports.  By half-past three Sherman was in possession of the height without having sustained much loss.  A brigade from each division was now brought up, and artillery was dragged to the top of the hill by hand.  The enemy did not seem to be aware of this movement until the top of the hill was gained.  There had been a drizzling rain during the day, and the clouds were so low that Lookout Mountain and the top of Missionary Ridge were obscured from the view of persons in the valley.  But now the enemy opened fire upon their assailants, and made several attempts with their skirmishers to drive them away, but without avail.  Later in the day a more determined attack was made, but this, too, failed, and Sherman was left to fortify what he had gained.

Sherman’s cavalry took up its line of march soon after the bridge was completed, and by half-past three the whole of it was over both bridges and on its way to strike the enemy’s communications at Chickamauga Station.  All of Sherman’s command was now south of the Tennessee.  During the afternoon General Giles A. Smith was severely wounded and carried from the field.

Thomas having done on the 23d what was expected of him on the 24th, there was nothing for him to do this day except to strengthen his position.  Howard, however, effected a crossing of Citico Creek and a junction with Sherman, and was directed to report to him.  With two or three regiments of his command he moved in the morning along the banks of the Tennessee, and reached the point where the bridge was being laid.  He went out on the bridge as far as it was completed from the south end, and saw Sherman superintending the work from the north side and moving himself south as fast as an additional boat was put in and the roadway put upon it.  Howard reported to his new chief across the chasm between them, which was now narrow and in a few minutes closed.