Sherman's main effort stalls at Tunnel Hill

Grant assigned Sherman the leading attack against the Confederate right. Sherman's stated aim was to seize the end of Missionary Ridge and threaten the Confederate depot at Chattanooga Station, forcing Bragg either to drive him off or accept danger in his rear. Sherman had roughly 16,000 troops in the sector against about 9,000 Confederates, yet only three defending brigades were immediately visible and the unexpectedly thin line made him suspect a trap. His brigades attacked Cleburne's position in separate efforts while Confederate reinforcements arrived. A counterattack eventually drove back exhausted, ammunition-short Union troops after Sherman had committed only a fraction of his available force. This was one of Sherman's poorest battle performances because he neither coordinated his strength nor attempted his usual flanking solution.