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.
Confrontation of Howard and Jackson seems particularly interesting because of well known religiousness of both generals.
Please excuse me if it is a silly question, but I'm just curious if Mr Oliver's problems with German troops had something to do with religion? After all many Dutchmen were atheists.
The 11th Corps had formally been under Franz Sigel, a prominent German American, and they were proud to be able to say "I fights mit Sigel." When Sigel was replaced out of his incompetence as a military commander, he was replaced by Howard, a very by the book, religious man, who did not tolerate drinking, and we know the German's are very fond of their beer (found that out when I lived over there) and he was very straight-laced. That is the most common cause of their disdain for the man. I am not sure if it had anything to do with their being atheists, but for some, its a possibility. Will have to do some research on it.
__________________ "The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so, for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly prize." George Washington, Farewell Address, 1796
Thank you, J_Man. I'm a bit prejudiced towards Howard and this is why I'm trying to understand his motives.
Well, I've read about alleged drunkenness of Germans, but I'd rather treat it as a pointless stereotype (maybe I'm wrong).
I have a slight bias towards Howard myself. As can be seen, I think that yes, tactical mistakes were made, and it does have to come to rest on his shoulders, but I don't see him as the worst. I think there were others worse.
As for beer, I'll take me Guiness any day of the week!!
__________________ "The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so, for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly prize." George Washington, Farewell Address, 1796
As can be seen, I think that yes, tactical mistakes were made, and it does have to come to rest on his shoulders, but I don't see him as the worst. I think there were others worse.
The problem with the Army of the Potomac in 1863 seems to be that it didn't have many good generals, so it is not easy to choose only one out of a bunch of similar failures.
If it was a thread about beer, I feel that it would evolve into a fascinating debate
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