On November 23rd, reports reached Grant’s headquarters to the effect
that Confederates had been seen retreating from Missionary Ridge. This
was Buckner’s Corps leaving for Knoxville to assist Longstreet. Grant at
once ordered an attack against Orchard Knob, the outpost of the
Confederates in front of Missionary Ridge. Thomas, with five divisions,
charged out against this position, soon capturing it. The Confederate
pickets moved back to the base of the ridge. Grant then established his
field headquarters at this newly acquired point immediately, where the
entire Confederate line could be seen.