Thus matters stood about 3 p.m.

The day was bright and clear, and the amphitheatre of Chattanooga sat in beauty at our feet.

I had watched for the attack of General Thomas "early in the day." Column after column of the enemy was streaming toward me; gun after gun poured its concentric shot on us, from every hill and spur that gave a view of any part of the ground held by us.

An occasional shot from Fort Wood and Orchard Knob, and some musketry-fire and artillery over about Lookout Mountain, was all that I could detect on our side; but about 3 p.m.

I noticed the white line of musketry-fire in front of Orchard Knoll extending farther and farther right and left and on.