October 20, 1863

October 20, 1863

---Gen. Rosecrans, in Chattanooga, receives orders to turn over command of the Army of the Cumberland to Gen. George Thomas, which he does.  By the next morning, he is on his way from Chattanooga to Washington to report.  Gen. Thomas, with his characteristic brevity, remarks, “We will hold this town until we starve.”  The Army of the Cumberland is very close to this.  Draft animals, such as mules, oxen, and horses, are disappearing into the ration pot.  The soldiers lack shoes and cold-weather gear.