On the second day of the battle in the late morning, a massive assault of 5 Confederate divisions against the right and the center of Union Army, surprised three Union div
…isions while they were moving towards the Union left in order to fill a gap in the line. The Federals were taken on their right flank and routed, the Union line was broken through and the mass of fugitive, including also the Union Headquartesr and their commander General Rosencrans, were pursued by the Confederates when fleeing towards McFarland's Gap. Only the Union left wing succeeded in avoiding the same fate, thanks the gallant withstand opposed by their commander, Gen. George Thomas, who was able to repulse all Confederate assaults, retreating then towards Chattanooga. But the battle was a major Confederate victory. Interesting enough to point out that Gen. Longstreet, who led the devastating assault, suggested to the Army Commander General Braxton Bragg to immediately cross over the River Tennessee. In so doing the Union Army would have left behind at Chattanooga and the whole Union Front in the Tennessee would have probably collapsed with incalculable consequences. But Bragg refused also because he was deceived by an intelligence brought by the cavalry, confirming that the enemies were about to evacuate Chattanooga on his own initiative. This battle becomes the third most bloodies of the war so far. Casualties on each side are extremely high. (MORE) 
