What if Granger goes to Chattanooga ...

[Baggage Handler #2]

...instead of Snodgrass Hill at Chickamauga?

After all, they had no orders.

[trice]

Originally Posted by Baggage Handler #2

...instead of Snodgrass Hill at Chickamauga?

After all, they had no orders.

My guess: Union disaster.

On Thomas left flank, Ganger dropped off troops who ended up fighting against Forrest's cavalry.

On Thomas' right flank, Granger's troops staved off the advance of Longstreet's troops just long enough for Thomas to get other men there and start pulling out of the trap he was in.

If Granger stays where he was or pulls back towards Chattanooga, Longstreet's advance probably breaks over the high ground and into Thomas' rear. Forrest's men might have lapped around the right. None of that could have been good for the Union.

Tim

[Baggage Handler #2]

That's what I'm thinking.
A misplaced or ill-understood word caused the gap that created the mess, a well timed word between Steedman and Granger prevented a much more serious mess.

But absent this, Chattanooga can't be held, can it? Or am I reading too much into it?

(pic: west end of Snodgrass Hill facing roughly west, including markers of the Union reserve corps and cannon denoting Confederate positions)