noon
For a little time all was so quiet and still that it only lacked the sweet tones of church bells , calling us to the house of God , to have made us forget that we were enemies , and have induced us to rest from our fearful , uncanny works for this holy Sabbath at least . But no ! soon the battle was on again with greater vigor , if possible , than ever . Before noon our flanks were completely routed ; and , but for that magnificent man , the peer of any soldier of any nation or age , General George H. Thomas , it is doubtful whether I should be here now , telling my little story . While Rosecranz , whipped and beaten , fled to Chattanooga and telegraphed to Washington that everything was lost , and the Cumberland army a thing of the past , General Thomas , with a few thousand men , checked and held at bay this great Southern army , flushed with victory though it was . How the mighty host rolled and surged against this single army corps , but could not break nor beat them back . While Crittenden 's and McCook 's corps were completely routed and disorganized , Thomas with his 14th corps thus stood the brunt of battle , and saved the Army of the Cumberland from total annihilation .