I’ve studied Chickamauga quite a bit. Don’t know it all. Not saying I do.
My recollection, Forrest refused to serve under Wheeler. Probably a smart move. So, Bragg keeps them separated, from killing each other. Forrest is on the North, Wheeler on the South. Except during the period when the Federals were found on Lookout Mtn, South of Chattanooga, Bragg has ask Wheeler for intel, Wheeler repeatedly refused to do his job, so Bragg calls for Forrest.
Biggest kick that Forrest gets, is on the morning of the 19th. Bragg orders Forrest to probe the enemy and report. Bragg wants intel. Tells Forrest if he needs infantry, he can ask for it. Forrest engages Croxton, at Jay's Mill. Ector ask for help on his right flank, then on his left. Forrest tells him he has his flank. But he has only about 750 effective up against Croxton's 2400. Cleburne comes up, says that is the first time he has seen dead Calvary. If Forrest had of back out, reported to Bragg, instead of getting into a sustained fight, Bragg would of had a option. What he would of done, is a what if. However, Bragg has a force of 25K Confederates ready to attack what was the Union Left at Lee and Gordon Mills. Thomas marched overnight and place his Corps 3 miles North from Lee and Gordon Mill. Croxton is part of that force. However, Bragg could have continued his plan, to turn the Federals at Lee and Gordon's Mill, he would of turned the other 2 Corps south, away from Chattanooga, and stranded Thomas. Instead what happened, Confederates are fed by Brigade mostly, to the South all day, to counter the Federals. Then on Sunday, they turn the Federals Right flank North, which puts them into Chattanooga.
Chickamauga and Chattanooga has to be the biggest blunder of the War for the Confederates. There are so many why this and that, it has filled up many books. It was a failed opportunity, which was their last best chance to turn the thing around. If they had of acted a couple of weeks earlier and changed Bragg, something big could of happened. In September 63, it wasn't too late. Every day past Chickamauga, is in the direction of, too late.