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Rosecrans was a very able strategist. He achieved the type of bloodless victory that MacClellan sought. However, he is forever tarnished by his conduct at Chickamaugua.
I think Rosecrans represented himself fairly well at Chickamauga... I mean that whole huge thing just kinda' came up from nowhere and blew up in his face. Then he sat in shock at Chattanooga for too long afterwards.
And then the thing that made him look the worst possible... he was succeeded by Grant. Grant was so far superior to Rosecrans and he'd appeared on the scene as EXACTLY the right man in the right place at the right time that Rosecrans' shortcomings were immediately, forever and painfully obvious.
Of course, in fairness to Rosecrans, Grant was able to pull that off a couple of other times in a couple of other places, too, as things progressed.
Thanks very much for helping me focus on your discussion. Rosecrans and Bragg are a bit early for me since my targeted ancestor (for study purposes) joined the 63rd VA in January 1864 just after Chickamauga. Tullahoma, because of it's location on the Nashville-Chattanooga railroad, continued to be a player until 1865, however the names and faces changed considerably. I'm enjoying these posts, so please continue as long as possible!
While admittedly with limited knowledge of the period in the west between Tullahoma and Chattanooga, I fault Rosey big time for the degree of willingness he had to throw Thomas under the bus at Chickamuga to allow himself to escape. Granted Pap proactively and assertively took up the challange to fight a vigorous delaying action and made a legend out of himself in the process, but the degree to which Rosey became unglued I believe spoke volumes about the man.
Thomas in the winter of 1864 was running the army in Tennessee and waiting for our "hero" John Bell Hood to arrive in the sub-zero sleet and snow. When the weather gave a little relief, Hood sent Wilson and Hatch forward to brush the bleeding Confederates off the small hills south of Nashville. Thomas was a professional soldier, no more, no less. When his chance finally came in 1865 Wilson served admirably and turned it into a long career with the US Army. His friendship with Uly Grant, didn't hurt either.
One must not forget about Thomas and his hand in both battles. And the fact that he remained there untill the fall of '64.
Thomas saved Rosecrans a$$ and probably most of his army, too at Chickamauga. His stand there, while he knew everybody else that could was bailing out took more than a fair share of nerve and faith. The fact that Thomas's position was fairly well between the Confederate army and Rosecran's route of retreat was most oportune (for Rosecrans) as well.
Then further, Thomas, was no slouch at the Battle of Missionary Ridge. Those (Thomas's) guys were so p.o.'d re: Chickamauga and Grant's lack of acknowledgement and faith shown them since arriving in Chattanooga that his men turned a demonstration at the front into a movement that carried the whole darn ridge... while Sherman found himself out of the action... stranded on top of the WRONG hill on the Federal's left.
Thomas from Chattanooga then pretty much ran the army and (masterfully) all of the logistics and supply for Sherman's campaign on Atlanta.
And never claimed or even suggested he was due credit for any of the above.
For a guy in a blue coat, I have a lot of respect for him.
Rosecrans was simply not up to the demands on an army commander. He was a capable junior-general thrust into a senior-general position. He was in good company: Burnside, Hooker, Hood, McClellan, Pope, McDowell.... He was temporarily put on the level wherein he was incompetent. How you gonna know if you don't try?
Larry: Sub-zero? Perhaps a bit overstated?
Joe: Thomas, on the other hand, did not stumble on his ascension. He proved equal to the task.
Just some opinions, of which I have a great many and cheerfully share them with all.
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
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