October 26, 1863 (Tuesday): Reestablishing A Line to Chattanooga

Browns' Ferry Upper R, Kelley's Ferry Opposite Left

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Chattanooga, October 26, 1863.
Maj. General JOSEPH HOOKER,
Stevenson:
    Your telegram of 10 p.m. last night received. Commence the movement to-morrow morning, 27th, and open and secure the railroad and wagon road from Bridgeport to Rankin's Ferry, and thence as far toward Chattanooga as you can. General Palmer will co-operate with you at Rankin's Ferry. We will cross a co-operating force at Brown's Ferry, and take possession of the south bank there.
     By command of Major-General Thomas:


     J. J. REYNOLDS,
     Major-General, and Chief of Staff.

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 31, Part 1, Page 47.

Hooker's troops from Virginia were in North Alabama and ready to move to the relief of Thomas in Chattanooga.  The key would be gaining a bridgehead at Brown's Ferry, so the reenforcements could cross there.  There would also involve a simultaneous advance up Lookout Valley, securing the Kelley's Ferry Road.  Turchin's and Haen's brigades of the 3rd Division, Fourth Corp were assigned the task of establishing the Brown's Ferry Bridgehead.