Question about the Battle of Franklin

larry_cockerham · #21 11-14-2007, 09:41 AM

Then how you know it ain't Forrest? (I don't hand 'em out, either.)

Greatness, I suppose, is like beauty or ugly, somewhat in the eye of the beholder.

PINCKNEYUSMCRET · #22 11-14-2007, 01:42 PM

I guess we could say Forrest was extremely "Exceptional".

Pinckney

ole · #23 11-14-2007, 03:17 PM

I'll go with very exceptional.

ole

OpnDownfall · #24 11-14-2007, 06:15 PM

Concerning Cleburne and Forrest, their supporters must establish what qualities and talents either man possessed that qualified their accession to Army Command? Especially those qualities and talents that stood out from those of other Division or cavalry commanders that would justify their being jumped over other more senior divilsion or cavalry commanders?
IMO the officer corps of the AoT would be the last group of officers in the CSA that would accept such promotion without protest or murmer.
Being commanded by a confederate apostate or mere cavalry raider, would, I think, go down hard with many of the other AoT commanders (especially, by those passed over) and would, likely be as balky and independent minded as they ever were under Bragg.

PINCKNEYUSMCRET · #25 11-14-2007, 06:44 PM

I swear OLE, you must be related to my wife. She never lets me be right. As I know she is, I am sure your are fine folks.

PINCKNEY

larry_cockerham · #26 11-14-2007, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OpnDownfall

Concerning Cleburne and Forrest, their supporters must establish what qualities and talents either man possessed that qualified their accession to Army Command? Especially those qualities and talents that stood out from those of other Division or cavalry commanders that would justify their being jumped over other more senior divilsion or cavalry commanders?
IMO the officer corps of the AoT would be the last group of officers in the CSA that would accept such promotion without protest or murmer.
Being commanded by a confederate apostate or mere cavalry raider, would, I think, go down hard with many of the other AoT commanders (especially, by those passed over) and would, likely be as balky and independent minded as they ever were under Bragg.

I believe your analysis of the situation is quite correct. Forrest was not a mere cavalry raider by the closing months of the war, but by then it was too late to take advantage of his skills and the Confederate army was in such condition that it really didn't matter. Because of the hierarcy you described and the training, military discipline invoked by these folks for obvious very good reasons, Forrest didn't have a chance. The promotion to lt. general was, however, a nice complimentary parting gesture.