Thomas and I were on the top of Orchard Knob.  Hooker’s advance now made our line a continuous one.  It was in full view, extending from the Tennessee River, where Sherman had crossed, up Chickamauga River to the base of Mission Ridge, over the top of the north end of the ridge to Chattanooga Valley, then along parallel to the ridge a mile or more, across the valley to the mouth of Chattanooga Creek, thence up the slope of Lookout Mountain to the foot of the upper palisade.  The day was hazy, so that Hooker’s operations were not visible to us except at moments when the clouds would rise.  But the sound of his artillery and musketry was heard incessantly.  The enemy on his front was partially fortified, but was soon driven out of his works.  During the afternoon the clouds, which had so obscured the top of Lookout all day as to hide whatever was going on from the view of those below, settled down and made it so dark where Hooker was as to stop operations for the time.  At four o’clock Hooker reported his position as impregnable.  By a little after five direct communication was established, and a brigade of troops was sent from Chattanooga to reinforce him.  These troops had to cross Chattanooga Creek and met with some opposition, but soon overcame it, and by night the commander, General Carlin, reported to Hooker and was assigned to his left.  I now telegraphed to Washington:  “The fight to-day progressed favorably.  Sherman carried the end of Missionary Ridge, and his right is now at the tunnel, and his left at Chickamauga Creek.  Troops from Lookout Valley carried the point of the mountain, and now hold the eastern slope and a point high up.  Hooker reports two thousand prisoners taken, besides which a small number have fallen into our hands from Missionary Ridge.”  The next day the President replied:  “Your dispatches as to fighting on Monday and Tuesday are here.  Well done.  Many thanks to all.  Remember Burnside.”  And Halleck also telegraphed:  “I congratulate you on the success thus far of your plans.  I fear that Burnside is hard pushed, and that any further delay may prove fatal.  I know you will do all in your power to relieve him.”

The division of Jefferson C. Davis, Army of the Cumberland, had been sent to the North Chickamauga to guard the pontoons as they were deposited in the river, and to prevent all ingress or egress of citizens.  On the night of the 24th his division, having crossed with Sherman, occupied our extreme left from the upper bridge over the plain to the north base of Missionary Ridge.  Firing continued to a late hour in the night, but it was not connected with an assault at any point.

CHAPTER XLIV.

Battle of Chattanooga—­A gallant charge—­complete Rout of the enemy —­pursuit of the confederates—­general Bragg—­remarks on Chattanooga.