His reaching Bragg's flank and extending across it was to be the signal for Thomas's assault of the ridge.

But Sherman's condition was getting so critical that the assault for his relief could not be delayed any longer.
Sheridan's and Wood's divisions had been lying under arms from early morning, ready to move the instant the signal was given.

I now directed Thomas to order the charge at once (*16).

I watched eagerly to see the effect, and became impatient at last that there was no indication of any charge being made.

The centre of the line which was to make the charge was near where Thomas and I stood, but concealed from view by an intervening forest.