Longstreet attacked Wauhatchie at night with only part of the force Bragg expected him to use. Geary's isolated division formed a defense, while Hooker sent reinforcements through confused marching orders. Geary's son was killed during the fighting, underscoring the battle's personal cost. Confederate brigades withdrew on mistaken or belated reports. Grant considered relieving Hooker for leaving exhausted troops exposed, while Hooker answered that he had been ordered to reach the position as quickly as possible. Both sides exposed serious readiness and coordination problems, but the Union retained the route and the siege remained broken.
Chapter · 1:01:14-1:12:30
Wauhatchie shows the hazards of a confused night attack
Longstreet substitutes a late, understrength night attack at Wauhatchie for a decisive blow at Brown's Ferry, producing confusion and heavy personal cost.