The Army of the Cumberland had performed well on November 23, but its members still smarted from their humiliation at Chickamauga two months earlier. They chafed under the supporting role they were supposed to play on November 25. While Sherman and his divisions were to take the northeastern end of Missionary Ridge, they were expected only to seize the Confederate rifle pits at the base of the ridge. While Grant and General Thomas could hear the cannon and rifle fire from Sherman’s attack on Cleburne’s position, the men of the Army of the Cumberland were itching to move. Acting on chief of staff John Rawlins’ advice, Grant prodded General Thomas, who sent the first wave of Cumberland men forward at around 3 P.M.