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All Hell Can’t Stop Them: The Battles for Chattanooga—Missionary Ridge and Ringgold, November 24-27, 1863
To many of the Federal soldiers watching the Stars and Stripes unfurl atop Lookout Mountain on the morning of November 25, 1863, it seemed that the battle to relieve Chattanooga was complete. The Union Army of the Cumberland was no longer trapped in the city, subsisting on short rations and awaiting rescue; instead, they were again on the attack.
Ulysses S. Grant did not share their certainty. For Grant, the job he had been sent to accomplish was only half-finished. Braxton Bragg’s Confederate Army of Tennessee still held Missionary Ridge, with other Rebels under James Longstreet threatening more Federals in Knoxville, Tennessee. Grant’s greatest fear was that the Rebels would slip away before he could deliver the final blows necessary to crush Bragg completely.
That blow landed on the afternoon of November 25. Each of Grant’s assembled forces—troops led by Union Generals William T. Sherman, George H. Thomas, and Joseph Hooker—all moved to the attack. Stubbornly, Bragg refused to retreat, and instead accepted battle. That decision would cost him dearly.
But everything did not go Grant’s way. Despite what Grant’s many admirers would later insist was his most successful, most carefully planned battle, Grant’s strategy failed him—as did his most trusted commander, Sherman. Victory instead charged straight up the seemingly impregnable slopes of Missionary Ridge’s western face, as the men of the much-maligned Army of the Cumberland swarmed up and over Bragg’s defenses in an irresistible blue tide.
Caught flat-footed by this impetuous charge, Grant could only watch nervously as the men started up . . .
All Hell Can’t Stop Them: The Battles for Chattanooga—Missionary Ridge and Ringgold, November 24-27, 1863—sequel to Battle Above the Clouds—details the dramatic final actions of the battles for Chattanooga: Missionary Ridge and the final Confederate rearguard action at Ringgold, where Patrick Cleburne held Grant’s Federals at bay and saved the Army of Tennessee from further disaster.
Ulysses S. Grant did not share their certainty. For Grant, the job he had been sent to accomplish was only half-finished. Braxton Bragg’s Confederate Army of Tennessee still held Missionary Ridge, with other Rebels under James Longstreet threatening more Federals in Knoxville, Tennessee. Grant’s greatest fear was that the Rebels would slip away before he could deliver the final blows necessary to crush Bragg completely.
That blow landed on the afternoon of November 25. Each of Grant’s assembled forces—troops led by Union Generals William T. Sherman, George H. Thomas, and Joseph Hooker—all moved to the attack. Stubbornly, Bragg refused to retreat, and instead accepted battle. That decision would cost him dearly.
But everything did not go Grant’s way. Despite what Grant’s many admirers would later insist was his most successful, most carefully planned battle, Grant’s strategy failed him—as did his most trusted commander, Sherman. Victory instead charged straight up the seemingly impregnable slopes of Missionary Ridge’s western face, as the men of the much-maligned Army of the Cumberland swarmed up and over Bragg’s defenses in an irresistible blue tide.
Caught flat-footed by this impetuous charge, Grant could only watch nervously as the men started up . . .
All Hell Can’t Stop Them: The Battles for Chattanooga—Missionary Ridge and Ringgold, November 24-27, 1863—sequel to Battle Above the Clouds—details the dramatic final actions of the battles for Chattanooga: Missionary Ridge and the final Confederate rearguard action at Ringgold, where Patrick Cleburne held Grant’s Federals at bay and saved the Army of Tennessee from further disaster.
185 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2018
18 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
David A. Powell
25 books27 followersGraduated from the Virginia Military Institute with a B.A. in history. He has spent years studying the Battle of Chickamauga and wrote several books on the campaign. His book Failure in the Saddle: Nathan Bedford Forrest, Joseph Wheeler, and the Confederate Cavalry in the Chickamauga Campaign won the 2011 Richard Harwell Award for the best book on a Civil War topic published in the last year. In addition to his books, he has written articles for the magazines North & South and Gettysburg Magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 5, 2020
This short but illuminating book on the culminating engagement for the possession of Chattanooga, Tennessee, succeeds in correcting several of the fictions that have crept into the standard narrative of the battle in November 1863.
The first chapter starts with General Ulysses S. Grant’s plans for the battle, but after the beginning engagement in which General George Thomas’ army captured Orchard Knob on November 23rd. The second, well-titled chapter, “Sherman Stumbles,” properly describes that commander’s sluggish advance the next day and his premature halt at an incorrect destination—it was not “the hill specified in the order.” Chapters Five and Six on “The Fight for Tunnel Hill” and “Sherman Tries Again” provide further evidence of General William Sherman’s tactical incompetence. Despite his “ample force in hand: 30,000 or more men,” Sherman employed only a third of them and even they were engaged in piecemeal fashion.
The denouement at Chattanooga is described in a chapter called “Storming the Ridge.” Whether Grant intended that the charge against the rifle-pits at the foot of Missionary Ridge—as a demonstration in favor of Sherman’s effort off to the left—should continue, at some future point, to its crest represents the most important controversy concerning the battle. Most of the evidence advanced by Mr. Powell indicates that Grant only desired the limited goal (which would have left Thomas’ men in an untenable situation). It was unexpected when they chased the retreating Confederates up the slope and off the field of battle, thereby surprisingly winning the battle.
The battle’s most-noted historians—Wiley Sword, James McDonough, and Peter Cozzens—agree that Grant did not intend the ascent of the ridge by Thomas’ troops. Sword, in fact, concluded that “Grant’s ‘diversionary’ attack on the base of Missionary Ridge was so faulty in planning, concept, and out of touch with reality as to presage a total disaster.” On the other hand, in dealing with the battle, Grant’s many biographers almost uniformly follow Grant’s Personal Memoirs in arguing that he sent the men to capture rifle-pits at the foot of the ridge preparatory to an assault to the crest. Almost no one at the headquarters post or in the chain of command that day confirmed Grant’s version.
The next chapter details General Joseph Hooker’s crucial fight at Rossville and his advance against Bragg’s left flank. These efforts happened to work in tandem with Thomas’ success against the face of the ridge. Powell correctly notes that Hooker “had no role to play in Grant’s grand scheme.” Thomas, however, thought that he should. Hooker and his men had previously been rather seamlessly incorporated into the Army of the Cumberland, and he was under Thomas’ direct command.
There’s also a chapter on the effective raid by Colonel Eli Long’s cavalry brigade from the Army of the Cumberland against the Confederate army’s lines of communication. This subject is often dealt with too briefly or not at all by other historians of the American Civil War.
Quibbles can be made about numerous small issues, such as names and dates. It’s James H. (not A.) Wilson and Morgan (not Martin) Smith—whose name was correctly written in the Order of Battle and elsewhere—while “don't call for help until you actually need it” was actually said by Sherman on the November 24th and not the 25th (a common mistake when writing about this battle). And one can certainly argue with the author’s contention that “[a]lthough Grant and those in his camp might have oversold some aspects of the campaign, there can be no question that Grant made critical contributions to that victory.” In his after-battle report and in his memoirs, Grant did more than oversell his generalship; he fabricated a plan of battle afterwards to match what really happened. His dependence upon Sherman to win the battle was obviously misplaced, while the serendipitous successes under Thomas and Hooker had little to do with his leadership.
As expected, the helpful maps by Hal Jespersen are competently compiled, except that Cruft’s division progressed farther along the crest of Missionary Ridge on the afternoon of the 25th than illustrated on Page 82 (In reality, Cruft’s men “drove the enemy before them, completely clearing the ridge for a distance of between 2 and 3 miles, and until it intersected the column of Major-General Palmer, moving out from Chattanooga on a line at right angles to our advance”). The book includes a brief driving tour of the battlefield, an order of battle, and a list of suggested books on the Chattanooga campaign.
This volume is well worth obtaining and reading.
The first chapter starts with General Ulysses S. Grant’s plans for the battle, but after the beginning engagement in which General George Thomas’ army captured Orchard Knob on November 23rd. The second, well-titled chapter, “Sherman Stumbles,” properly describes that commander’s sluggish advance the next day and his premature halt at an incorrect destination—it was not “the hill specified in the order.” Chapters Five and Six on “The Fight for Tunnel Hill” and “Sherman Tries Again” provide further evidence of General William Sherman’s tactical incompetence. Despite his “ample force in hand: 30,000 or more men,” Sherman employed only a third of them and even they were engaged in piecemeal fashion.
The denouement at Chattanooga is described in a chapter called “Storming the Ridge.” Whether Grant intended that the charge against the rifle-pits at the foot of Missionary Ridge—as a demonstration in favor of Sherman’s effort off to the left—should continue, at some future point, to its crest represents the most important controversy concerning the battle. Most of the evidence advanced by Mr. Powell indicates that Grant only desired the limited goal (which would have left Thomas’ men in an untenable situation). It was unexpected when they chased the retreating Confederates up the slope and off the field of battle, thereby surprisingly winning the battle.
The battle’s most-noted historians—Wiley Sword, James McDonough, and Peter Cozzens—agree that Grant did not intend the ascent of the ridge by Thomas’ troops. Sword, in fact, concluded that “Grant’s ‘diversionary’ attack on the base of Missionary Ridge was so faulty in planning, concept, and out of touch with reality as to presage a total disaster.” On the other hand, in dealing with the battle, Grant’s many biographers almost uniformly follow Grant’s Personal Memoirs in arguing that he sent the men to capture rifle-pits at the foot of the ridge preparatory to an assault to the crest. Almost no one at the headquarters post or in the chain of command that day confirmed Grant’s version.
The next chapter details General Joseph Hooker’s crucial fight at Rossville and his advance against Bragg’s left flank. These efforts happened to work in tandem with Thomas’ success against the face of the ridge. Powell correctly notes that Hooker “had no role to play in Grant’s grand scheme.” Thomas, however, thought that he should. Hooker and his men had previously been rather seamlessly incorporated into the Army of the Cumberland, and he was under Thomas’ direct command.
There’s also a chapter on the effective raid by Colonel Eli Long’s cavalry brigade from the Army of the Cumberland against the Confederate army’s lines of communication. This subject is often dealt with too briefly or not at all by other historians of the American Civil War.
Quibbles can be made about numerous small issues, such as names and dates. It’s James H. (not A.) Wilson and Morgan (not Martin) Smith—whose name was correctly written in the Order of Battle and elsewhere—while “don't call for help until you actually need it” was actually said by Sherman on the November 24th and not the 25th (a common mistake when writing about this battle). And one can certainly argue with the author’s contention that “[a]lthough Grant and those in his camp might have oversold some aspects of the campaign, there can be no question that Grant made critical contributions to that victory.” In his after-battle report and in his memoirs, Grant did more than oversell his generalship; he fabricated a plan of battle afterwards to match what really happened. His dependence upon Sherman to win the battle was obviously misplaced, while the serendipitous successes under Thomas and Hooker had little to do with his leadership.
As expected, the helpful maps by Hal Jespersen are competently compiled, except that Cruft’s division progressed farther along the crest of Missionary Ridge on the afternoon of the 25th than illustrated on Page 82 (In reality, Cruft’s men “drove the enemy before them, completely clearing the ridge for a distance of between 2 and 3 miles, and until it intersected the column of Major-General Palmer, moving out from Chattanooga on a line at right angles to our advance”). The book includes a brief driving tour of the battlefield, an order of battle, and a list of suggested books on the Chattanooga campaign.
This volume is well worth obtaining and reading.
September 14, 2020
As a book reviewer with a wide variety of interests I enjoy reading and reviewing books of different genres. My favorite though, is the Civil War. I enjoy any book about the Civil War, whether it deals with battles, generals, campaigns, or the homefront, I gladly devour them all. All Hell Can't Stop Them, (El Dorado: Savas Beatie, 2018, 176 pages, $14.95), a volume about the later battles around Chattanooga, Tennessee is no different. This small work is part of the Emerging Civil War series and is the second in succession centering around the battles of Chattanooga.
Author David A. Powell, a historian with a deep knowledge of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga campaigns, weaves an excellent narrative with great images and easy to read maps. I have enjoyed the changing conversation that suggests the battles in the West were just as important as Gettysburg, Antietam, and other Eastern Theater battles, and I think that All Hell Can't Stop Them, will only add to that conversation and supports the idea that the armies in the West, were just as tough and fierce in the Fall of 1863 as were those of Lee and Meade. Powell does a great job in recounting the battle and taking the reader down to the divisional and regimental level. The reader can easily view the battle through the eyes of Grant, Thomas, and Sherman, as well as Confederate commanders Patrick Cleburne, Braxton Bragg, and their divisional commanders.
All Hell Can't Stop Them is a great book. It is easily read in one afternoon, especially when the reader cannot do much amidst the pandemic. It is a great introduction to the phases of the Chattanooga campaign that allowed Sherman to begin preparation for the March to the Sea in Spring 1865. Powell has an excellent command of military tactics and language. After reading All Hell Can't Stop Them, the reader will feel like they have been on top of Missionary Ridge and on the march to glory!
Matt
Author David A. Powell, a historian with a deep knowledge of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga campaigns, weaves an excellent narrative with great images and easy to read maps. I have enjoyed the changing conversation that suggests the battles in the West were just as important as Gettysburg, Antietam, and other Eastern Theater battles, and I think that All Hell Can't Stop Them, will only add to that conversation and supports the idea that the armies in the West, were just as tough and fierce in the Fall of 1863 as were those of Lee and Meade. Powell does a great job in recounting the battle and taking the reader down to the divisional and regimental level. The reader can easily view the battle through the eyes of Grant, Thomas, and Sherman, as well as Confederate commanders Patrick Cleburne, Braxton Bragg, and their divisional commanders.
All Hell Can't Stop Them is a great book. It is easily read in one afternoon, especially when the reader cannot do much amidst the pandemic. It is a great introduction to the phases of the Chattanooga campaign that allowed Sherman to begin preparation for the March to the Sea in Spring 1865. Powell has an excellent command of military tactics and language. After reading All Hell Can't Stop Them, the reader will feel like they have been on top of Missionary Ridge and on the march to glory!
Matt
May 16, 2021
A great introduction to the Battles of Chattanooga. Well researched and written, Powell introduces the reader to the topic. I highly recommend this book.
May 18, 2025
Fascinating book about the Battles of Missionary Ridge and Ringgold. I didn't know that much about those battles until visiting Lookout Mountain recently.
March 9, 2020
This is another fine title from Savas Beatie Publishing in the Emerging Civil War Series. Author Dave Powell again does his usual stellar job of painting the operations and events for the Battles for Chattanooga, Mission Ridge, and Ringgold.
Powell also wrote the definitive work of the Battle of Chickamauga with his massive four-volumes detailing every aspect of the battle. The Emerging Civil War Series books are essentially small (150-180 pages), condensed versions of a battle or operation. An ECW author is challenged with this and has to choose his/her words carefully. They must decide how best to do this for the reader and still give a general overview to the subject matter. IMO, Powell met my expectations of the book. He answered some questions I had about Sherman’s role in the battle and the Ridge assault itself. I also learned some information I never knew about such as the raid on Cleveland, TN, and General Hooker’s positive role on the battle. In addition the books has maps, photos, and four valuable appendixes.
For a quick easy read that is not bogged down with minutia and still give an excellent overview of the campaign, I cannot recommend a better read.
Powell also wrote the definitive work of the Battle of Chickamauga with his massive four-volumes detailing every aspect of the battle. The Emerging Civil War Series books are essentially small (150-180 pages), condensed versions of a battle or operation. An ECW author is challenged with this and has to choose his/her words carefully. They must decide how best to do this for the reader and still give a general overview to the subject matter. IMO, Powell met my expectations of the book. He answered some questions I had about Sherman’s role in the battle and the Ridge assault itself. I also learned some information I never knew about such as the raid on Cleveland, TN, and General Hooker’s positive role on the battle. In addition the books has maps, photos, and four valuable appendixes.
For a quick easy read that is not bogged down with minutia and still give an excellent overview of the campaign, I cannot recommend a better read.
July 15, 2021
Not as detailed as Peter Cozzens'
The Shipwreck of Their Hopes
but still very good book on the battles for Missionary Ridge and Ringgold Gap. It also includes a good battlefield tour.
June 11, 2025
A very detailed account of the battles in Chattanooga focusing primarily on the assaults onTunnel Hill and Missionary Ridge.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews