of his lines, Grant became convinced that to successfully operate
against the enemy it was necessary to wait until Sherman with
his command came up. While this force moved eastward, Grant was
maturing his plans for the engagement. He directed Sherman to report
in person, which he did on the 15th, and on consultation with him
and Thomas the general plan of battle was submitted to them. The
main attack was to be made on the 21st at daylight, by Sherman's
troops, on the north end of Missionary Ridge. To accomplish this
his command was to be re-enforced with one division of the Army
of the Cumberland under Jeff C. Davis. Sherman's troops--four
divisions--were to move from Brown's Ferry through the woods to
the north of the town up to the Tennessee River, opposite the mouth
of Chickamauga Creek, where they were to cross on a pontoon bridge
to be swung there under the supervision of W. F. Smith, and the
crossing of the troops to be protected by batteries under Brannon,
Thomas's Chief of Artillery. After crossing the river, Sherman
was to move rapidly forward, carrying the heights on the north end
of Missionary Ridge as far as the tunnel, if possible, before the
enemy could concentrate on his front, Thomas was to concentrate
all his troops in Chattanooga Valley on his left flank, leaving on
the necessary force to defend the fortifications on his right and
centre and to hold a movable column of one division to move wherever
needed. This division was to make a show of threatening Bragg's
forces up the valley. Thomas was then to effect a junction with
Sherman, co-operate with him, advancing his left and moving forward
as nearly simultaneously as possible, and support him. Hooker on
the right in Lookout Valley, was to hold that position with Geary's
division and two brigades under Cruft from the Fourth Army Corps,
ordered to report to him. Howard, on Friday, the 20th, was ordered
with his corps to take position on the north side of the Tennessee,