October 27, 1863 (Wednesday): The "Cracker Line" Established

Thomas' HQ In Chattanooga (NPS.Gov)

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Chattanooga, October 27, 1863-2 p.m.
Major-General HOOKER,
(Care Colonel Le Duc, Bridgeport):
     We have had possession of the south side of the river at Brown's Ferry since 5 o'clock this a.m. Move forward with your force and take possession so as to command the road from Kelley's Ferry to Brown's Ferry. Colonel Le Duc has been notified to see that you are supplied with forage and rations. Prisoners report that but two regiments of the enemy were in Lookout Valley this morning. Two brigades have been seen to pass over the point of Lookout and into the valley nearly out of range of our guns. So far as we now know, they have only six guns in the valley.
    By command Major-General Thomas:


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

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 31, Part 1, Pages 53-54.

At about 3 a.m. Hazen and 1500 men cross on pontoon boats and secured the Brown's Ferry crossing.  Turchin and 3500 men crossed at Moccasin Bend on the opposite bank and overwhelmed a small Confederate force.  A new supply line, running past Confederate positions in Lookout Valley, was now in place.  The "Cracker Line" provided an immediate link between the besieged union forces in Chattanooga and the rapidly growing Union forces coming to their relief.