Monday, November 25, 2013

Sheridan, Grant and Missionary Ridge

Grant and Sherman became joined at the hip during the Vicksburg Campaign. As far as "cementing" Sheridan in the equation, what connected him to Grant and Sheridan?   Sheridan was part of the Army of the Cumberland, hadn't served with Grant, and was subordinate to Thomas and Granger during the Chattanooga campaign. What was it about Sheridan that caught Grant's eye?

Who should get credit for taking Missionary Ridge during the Battle of Chattanooga?

"Looking to the left I saw a single regiment far over in Wood's line dash up the hill and lay down below the crest. Gen. Hazen's men also commenced the ascent. Capt. Avery, of Gen. Granger's staff, here came up and informed me that the original order was to carry the first line of pits, but that if, in my judgment, the ridge could be taken, to do so. My judgment was that it could be carried, and orders were given accordingly, obeyed with a cheer, and the ridge was carried. The right and right center reached the summit first, being nearest to the crest, crossing it to the right of Gen. Bragg's headquarters," wrote Sheridan in his official report.

Sheridan said two of his brigades went to the aid of Wood's men, who were "clinging to the face of the hill." Troops from his division, the 26th Ohio and 15th Indiana, carried the crest first, he said.

Sheridan gave credit to a young officer from the 24th Wisconsin for leading the Union troops up Missionary Ridge: Arthur MacArthur, father of Douglas.