No idea. But I am very interested to see the variety of opinions that are sure to follow. I'll get the popcorn.Union troops under George Thomas routed the Confederates on Missionary Ridge. What was the first Confederate unit to retreat? Give its name and its commander.
Bragg in his Official Report hadn't yet established who was to blame or who to blame. The last bit sounds ominous though ...
… No satisfactory excuse can possibly be given for the shameful conduct of our troops on the left in allowing their line to be penetrated. The position was one which ought to have been held by a line of skirmishers against any assaulting column, and wherever resistance was made the enemy fled in disorder after suffering heavy loss. Those who reached the ridge did so in a condition of exhaustion from the great physical exertion in climbing, which rendered them powerless, and the slightest effort would have destroyed them. Having secured much of our artillery, they soon availed themselves of our panic, and, turning our guns upon us, enfiladed the lines, both right and left, rendering them entirely untenable.
Had all parts of the line been maintained with equal gallantry and persistence no enemy could ever have dislodged us, and but one possible reason presents itself to my mind in explanation of this bad conduct in veteran troops who had never before failed in any duty assigned them, however difficult and hazardous. They had for two days confronted the enemy, marshaling his immense forces in plain view, and exhibiting to their sight such a superiority in numbers as may have intimidated weak-minded and untried soldiers; but our veterans had so often encountered similar hosts when the strength of position was against us, and with perfect success, that not a doubt crossed my mind. As yet I am not fully informed as to the commands which first fled and brought this great disaster and disgrace upon our arms. Investigation will bring out the truth, however, and full justice shall be done to the good and the bad...
http://civilwarhome.com/braggchattanooga.html
How steep is Missionary Ridge? If you're at the rifle pits at the foot of the ridge, what kind of an incline are you looking at? Can anybody tell me? I have often wondered about it.
Michael.
Thanks for the reply, Si Klegg. I get the picture now. I don't know why that question about Missionary Ridge has vexed me since I first read about it. It just did. Thanks for painting me the picture!
Micky.