the Cumberland, and assumed command of the brigadier-general in the regular army, army at Chattanooga, and he had an important mands the military division of the Tennessee, and com the forenoon, together with fragments of Sheridan's and other divisions, which had been partially rallied. Against this position Longstreet now directed his battalions. That general's onward career had not been checked during the day. Commencing with his line running northeast and southwest, he had gradually swung round until it ran due east and west, and comprised within its control the main road to Chattanooga; and at nightfall, having described all but a circle, he found his lines again stretching almost in the same direction as in the morning, but with their backs turned at night towards the point whither their faces looked at daybreak. It was shortly after the troops had gained the Chattanooga road that General Hood, riding in front with his men, was struck by a Minié bullet, which shattered his thighbone four inches below the hip. Longstreet ordered Kershaw, of McLaws's Division, to attack Missionary Ridge in front. He came forward with great vehemence, but sustained a terrible repulse. About halfpast three P. M., the enemy discovered a gap on the Union right flank, and began pouring his columns through the opening. At this crisis Granger reached the field with his reserves, and by great exertions pushed the rebels back from the gap. The fight now raged around the hill with redoubled fury. General Thomas formed his troops in two lines, and as each marched up to the crest and fired a deadly volley at the advancing foe, it fell back a little way, the men lay down upon the ground to load, and the second line advanced to take their place, and so on in succession. An attack by Hindman met the same fate as that of Kershaw. This was followed by the division of Preston, a portion of which deployed in line and ascended the hill in face of a fire which caused them to reel and stagger. After a moment's hesitation they again came forward with fixed bayonets, but were again driven back with loss. Finding every effort to carry the Union position of no avail, the rebels fell back at dusk beyond the range of our artillery, and Thomas was left master of the well-fought field. As most of the troops of McCook and Crittenden had by this time retired within the defences of Chattanooga, Thomas fell back during the night to Rossville, where, during the 21st, he offered battle to the enemy, who, however, declined to renew the contest. Accordingly, on the night of the 21st he withdrew his troops into Chattanooga. The Union loss in this battle was: |