The Class of 1846 by John Waugh

[matthew mckeon]

Waugh traces the West Point class of 1846 from academy days, the war with Mexico, Indian fighting in the 1850s, then the CW itself. The class included McClellan, Jackson, Pickett and other luminaries.

All in all, I found this disappointing. More of an anecdotal, entertaining read then a real look on what training and experiences shaped these officers.

The stuff on West Point of the 1840s was interesting, laying out the social norms, the importance of class standing. Much of the education was for engineering. Two courses considered essential was drawing and French. Then off to the exciting rough and tumble of the Mexican War, some stories about Indian fighting, then a long chapter on Fort Sumter, a rehash of the rest of the war. Focus on McClellan and Jackson, the two most famous graduates of that year, but nothing new.

Waugh argues that West Point officers were valuable because of their broad knowledge of military affairs and lack of overspecialization Staff officers could sight artillery or led infantry if need be. Cavalry and foot officers could grasp and communicate the terrain and battlefield conditions, and could either create fieldworks or figure out how to successfully attack them. Their experience in the Mexican War was that attack was superior to defense, and manuever superior to frontal assault.

Anyone have any ideas of a really good book about the prewar army and West Point?

[samgrant]

Well, I just read Last in their Class. It was somewhat interesting, but seemed to wander off in all directions frequently, so that I skipped pages here and there to get back to the interesting stuff.