with Sherman.  The troops in Chattanooga Valley should be well concentrated on your left flank, leaving only the necessary force to defend fortifications on the right and centre, and a movable column of one division in readiness to move wherever ordered.  This division should show itself as threateningly as possible on the most practicable line for making an attack up the valley.  Your effort then will be to form a junction with Sherman, making your advance well towards the northern end of Missionary Ridge, and moving as near simultaneously with him as possible.  The junction once formed and the ridge carried, communications will be at once established between the two armies by roads on the south bank of the river.  Further movements will then depend on those of the enemy.  Lookout Valley, I think, will be easily held by Geary’s division and what troops you may still have there belonging to the old Army of the Cumberland.  Howard’s corps can then be held in readiness to act either with you at Chattanooga or with Sherman.  It should be marched on Friday night to a position on the north side of the river, not lower down than the first pontoon-bridge, and there held in readiness for such orders as may become necessary.  All these troops will be provided with two days’ cooked rations in haversacks, and one hundred rounds of ammunition on the person of each infantry soldier.  Special care should be taken by all officers to see that ammunition is not wasted or unnecessarily fired away.  You will call on the engineer department for such preparations as you may deem necessary for carrying your infantry and artillery over the creek.

U. S. GRANT,
Major-General.

(16) In this order authority was given for the troops to reform after taking the first line of rifle-pits preparatory to carrying the ridge.

(17) CHATTANOOGA, November 24,1863.

MAJOR-GENERAL.  CEO.  H. THOMAS,
Chattanooga

General Sherman carried Missionary Ridge as far as the tunnel with only slight skirmishing.  His right now rests at the tunnel and on top of the hill, his left at Chickamauga Creek.  I have instructed General Sherman to advance as soon as it is light in the morning, and your attack, which will be simultaneous, will be in cooperation.  Your command will either carry the rifle-pits and ridge directly in front of them, or move to the left, as the presence of the enemy may require.  If Hooker’s position on the mountain [cannot be maintained] with a small force, and it is found impracticable to carry the top from where he is, it would be advisable for him to move up the valley with all the force he can spare, and ascend by the first practicable road.

U. S. GRANT,

Major-General.

(18) WASHINGTON, D. C., December 8, 1863, 10.2 A.M.

MAJ.-GENERAL U. S. GRANT: 

Understanding that your lodgment at Knoxville and at Chattanooga is now secure, I wish to tender you, and all under your command, my more than thanks, my profoundest gratitude for the skill, courage, and perseverance with which you and they, over so great difficulties, have effected that important object.  God bless you all,