Civil War History - The Eastern TheaterDiscuss any and all battles, movements, and events occuring in the Eastern Theater here! This includes any actions in tha area east of the Appalachian Mountains in the vicinity of the river capitals of Richmond and Washington D.C.
Excellent post, Larry:
Read an interesting observation on another board that holds a bit of logical sense -- something like American's were (and to some degree, still are) a disputatious people, too quickly turning to force as an argument. A disagreement produces an insult and the gloves come off.
You'd find that on both sides, but mostly among the "let's you and him fight" crowd. Plenty of coat-holders on both sides.
Ole
__________________ I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing that no man desires for himself. A. Lincoln
Well one of his first actions on assuming command was promoting 3 captains to brigadier generals: George A. Custer, Elon J. Farnsworth, and Wesley Merritt.
Was it Meade who promoted them or Gen. Alfred Pleasanton, the temporary Union calvary commander?
__________________ "Those who forget to remember the past are condemned to repeat it", George Santayana.
Was it Meade who promoted them or Gen. Alfred Pleasanton, the temporary Union calvary commander?
Even if it was Pleasonton's idea or wish, Meade still had to approve and forward the paperwork, so it's still fair to say that Meade promoted them.
Might take a bit of reading, but the promotions weren't spur-of-the-moment. Meade/Pleasonton had plenty of opportunity to note weak leadership. And there were units joining the interception that either or both had reason to want led by familiar, proven people.
Ole
__________________ I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing that no man desires for himself. A. Lincoln
Even if it was Pleasonton's idea or wish, Meade still had to approve and forward the paperwork, so it's still fair to say that Meade promoted them.
Might take a bit of reading, but the promotions weren't spur-of-the-moment. Meade/Pleasonton had plenty of opportunity to note weak leadership. And there were units joining the interception that either or both had reason to want led by familiar, proven people.
Ole
My question came from reading, Custer Victorious, where the author spoke of the budding relationship between Custer and Pleasanton and did not mention that Meade was involved. He made it sound that Pleasanton acted alone. It does make sense that Meade would have signed off on the promotions.
As my SN implies, I am quite a devoted fan and student of the General. The fact that a man so many years after he lived can still raise such controversy is really appealing to me!
Of the many books I have on the subject, of them all, the best for me...the one that gives the closest insights to how his men and officers, at least during the ACW period, is a reprint from the Detroit Book Press of the 1901 and 1902 7th Michigan Cavalry. It is reprinted in the original typography, and has many great short stories and accounts. But to a man, for those that actually met the General, they speak of him in glowing terms and they seem to really have bonded with him, and he them. There are too many PC books and movies made about the General today, as one must be very cautious when trying to glean accurate information about the General. My overall impression of the man is he was neither Saint nor villian. He did have all the highest requirements for what you look for in a good cavalry officer. I dont know if he had the sheer talent, say that of Forrest, but this is a guy Id take anytime to screen my units advance.
The next best source I find, is here in Monroe, MI at the Custer museum..many fantastic artifacts from uniforms, personal equipment to even a lock of his hair! If your up this way, it is definitly worth a look see.
As my SN implies, I am quite a devoted fan and student of the General. The fact that a man so many years after he lived can still raise such controversy is really appealing to me!
Of the many books I have on the subject, of them all, the best for me...the one that gives the closest insights to how his men and officers, at least during the ACW period, is a reprint from the Detroit Book Press of the 1901 and 1902 7th Michigan Cavalry. It is reprinted in the original typography, and has many great short stories and accounts. But to a man, for those that actually met the General, they speak of him in glowing terms and they seem to really have bonded with him, and he them. There are too many PC books and movies made about the General today, as one must be very cautious when trying to glean accurate information about the General. My overall impression of the man is he was neither Saint nor villian. He did have all the highest requirements for what you look for in a good cavalry officer. I dont know if he had the sheer talent, say that of Forrest, but this is a guy Id take anytime to screen my units advance.
The next best source I find, is here in Monroe, MI at the Custer museum..many fantastic artifacts from uniforms, personal equipment to even a lock of his hair! If your up this way, it is definitly worth a look see.
If you are interested at all in Custer you must find Stephen Ambroses excellent parralel biography of Custer & Crazy Horse... a superb work.
__________________ Shane Christen
American Legion Post 352
SUVCW Camp Abernethy# 48
Lifetime NRA member
3rd MN VI
For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. Eccl 1:18
I will follow that lead up! I also loved the book "Son of Morning Star", which bore little resemblence to the movie of the same name. Every time I visit the Custer museum, I always walk away with several books..Libbys "Boots and Saddles" was also interesting, and it is so apparent she adored him (which was great for the General, I am sure) but doesnt render the most balanced view...still, the personal insights are worth the read! (which is always a danger with books on GAC...too many times the author is either a full fledged Custerite or Custer hater!) TY for recommendation!
I will follow that lead up! I also loved the book "Son of Morning Star", which bore little resemblence to the movie of the same name. Every time I visit the Custer museum, I always walk away with several books..Libbys "Boots and Saddles" was also interesting, and it is so apparent she adored him (which was great for the General, I am sure) but doesnt render the most balanced view...still, the personal insights are worth the read! (which is always a danger with books on GAC...too many times the author is either a full fledged Custerite or Custer hater!) TY for recommendation!
Have you read My Life On The Plains by G. A. Custer, or as Captain Benteen called it "My Lie On The Plains"? Custer's non-military life is laid out if he can be believed?
__________________ "Those who forget to remember the past are condemned to repeat it", George Santayana.
Yes, I bought that one at the museum in Monroe as well. I know of Benteens remarks. I consider the source.
It is funny, and I know I am gonna get a rep here as the number one Custer freak. Well, I did go to high school with members of the Custers. I served in the 7th Marines in 29Palms with one and attended his wedding while on leave back here. One of my first Corporals I had, as a young Pvt. was Cpl. Reno..yep..kin of the same. Seems I always bump into them! All that being said, to me, the guy was so much a anomoly..(sorry if my spelling is messed up sometimes!)..anyways, aggressive, bold and maybe a tad bit egotistical..ok..a lot egotistical...but I want all those values from my CO.'s! Custer had faults...maybe the utilization of some advance recon might have been nice..but I know what he was thinking..I know the situation..now lets get to it...and generally, he made strong impressions on the battlefield...I believe Benteen simply fell into the lot of Custer haters, (and maybe not without some justification, too) and if not by direct intention, then maybe by lack of motivation, did Benteen fail to follow Custers orders that fateful day. The situation may not have been won, but total loss of Custers command may have been averted. Benteen, I believe, was trying simply to restore some of his reputation while contemporary opinion weighed in against him..fairly, or not...TY for the post, tho...I am always looking for more books on the Gen!
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