By one o'clock he started with M.L.Smith on his left, keeping nearly the course of Chickamauga River; J.E.Smith next to the right and a little to the rear; and Ewing still farther to the right and also a little to the rear of J.E.Smith's command, in column, ready to deploy to the right if an enemy should come from that direction.

A good skirmish line preceded each of these columns.

Soon the foot of the hill was reached; the skirmishers pushed directly up, followed closely by their supports.
By half-past three Sherman was in possession of the height without having sustained much loss.

A brigade from each division was now brought up, and artillery was dragged to the top of the hill by hand.
The enemy did not seem to be aware of this movement until the top of the hill was gained.

There had been a drizzling rain during the day, and the clouds were so low that Lookout Mountain and the top of Missionary Ridge were obscured from the view of persons in the valley.