The Union Army of the Cumberland had made its positions very strong
during the time it was besieged by Bragg’s army. One of its strong
points was Fort Wood on an elevated point east of the town. Thomas,
according to instructions, sent Maj. Gen. Philip H. Sheridan’s and Brig.
Gen. T. J. Wood’s divisions to level ground at Fort Wood and there
formed them in line—Wood on the left, Sheridan on the right, with Brig.
Gen. Absalom Baird supporting Sheridan. Brig. Gen. R. W. Johnson’s
troops held the trenches, and Maj. Gen. O. O. Howard’s Corps, which had
crossed from the north bank of the river, acted as the reserve.