The seven-mile-long semicircular Union defensive line under…

The seven-mile-long semicircular Union defensive line under the command of Thomas, who now has a combined force of approximately fifty-five thousand men, surrounds Nashville from the west to the east; the remainder of the circle, to the north, is the Cumberland River, patrolled by U.S. Navy gunboats.

It has taken Thomas over two weeks to move, causing great anxiety in Washington, where it is anticipated that Hood is poised for an invasion of the North.

General Grant had pressured Thomas to move, despite a bitter ice storm that struck on December 8 and stopped much fortification on both sides.

A few days later, Grant had sent an aide to relieve Thomas of command, believing that Hood will slip through his fingers.

On December 13, Major General John A. Logan is directed to proceed to Nashville and assume command if, upon his arrival, Thomas has not yet initiated operations.

He makes it as far as Louisville by December 15, but on this day the Battle of Nashville has finally begun.