heir outer line and capture Orchard Knob. This movement was made about 3
p. m. November 23d, and was the opening of the battle of Chattanooga. Our
losses were nearly two hundred, mostly from Wood's division, none from
company E. We occupied our new position three-eighths of a mile south of
Orchard Knob, one mile west and in plain view of the enemy's line of works
at top and foot of Missionary Ridge, and were under the fire of their
field and siege artillery during the 24th, listening to and watching
Hooker's fight above the clouds on Lookout Mountain, and remained in this
position on the 25th, watching Sherman's battle at the north end of
Missionary Ridge until 3 p. m. or perhaps later. Between our position and
the ridge was a plain, partly open and part timber, most of the timber
having been recently cut by the Confederates. All the fences were gone.
Missionary Ridge lies nearly north and south and extends from the
Tennessee River at the north many miles south. Its average elevation is
600 feet above the plain and the distance from base to summit near
one-fourth of a mile. About 2 p. m. each man was notified that when six
shots were fired in regular succession from the artillery on Orchard Knob
we were to move forward in order, keeping well our alignment, and take the
Confederate works at the foot of the ridge. A tiresome wait of one or two
hours followed. The men's faces became pale, but firm pressure of the lips
showed the determination. The time passed slowly, for the mental strain
was great. Finally, the signal came, carefully counted by each, and when
the sixth sounded all stepped over our temporary works and moved forward.

The enemy's artillery promptly opened in full force from the top of the
ridge, the shells exploding all around us. A file or two of men fell near
the colors. The men began quickening the step--no pale faces now--the
excitement of battle was on. You could constantly hear the officers'
command--"Steady men! Go slow!" Time flew by like a dream. The enemy's
line in the lower works at the foot of the ridge became demoralized and
they left before we reached them. The reverse side of their works offered
us no protection from the artillery and infantry fire from the top, and by
a common impulse, without orders, we continued the charge up the side of
the ridge. We had the usual double line formation, the 26th Ohio in the
front line, the 15th Indiana supporting 150 to 200 paces in the rear. We
were to a g