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Fremont is definitely an interesting historical charachter, but I tend to agree, history seems to over-rate the man. He gets credited for a conquest of California where he barely fires a shot and it seems that he's just the right man at the right place at the right time. In the Civil War, taking the man out of his element, it seems, he winds up saying the right thing (free the slaves), at the wrong time (early in the war) in the wrong place (a border state)
He did tippy-toe just a touch over the line in Missouri. Lincoln was seriously involved in keeping the pukes in the Union, and Fremont bulls his way over that line. He's lucky Lincond didn't have him shot.
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
Really my only criticism of Fremont is not that he declared abolition early but that he failed to realize the political tightrope that Lincoln had to walk to keep the Union together. On the one hand, its difficult to criticize somebody who emancipates slaves, but on the other if this action had led to the instant conversion of Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland, etc. then it clearly would have been an egregious mistake (particularly if the border states could have provided the difference, which I think they could have).
Nevertheless, Fremont, is overall, the epitome of 'rugged individualism' - I mean, the man goes west, 'conquers' California, gets rich off the gold rush. There are a lot of things there that make his life really interesting to read about. (I even like him better than Sickles, ole!)
What's not to like? When things get down to shooting, ya really gotta go with the CnC. I might think I know better than he does, but he is the CnC and does have the authority to punish, severiously. Appreciated your note that emancipation was, by itself, a good thing. But not in that place and not at that time. The stakes were high and it was not a good move to challenge the guy in charge.
Freemont was apparently a likeable guy and, perhaps, a capable general. But he was not a team player. At that moment, Lincoln could not afford him. Another time, another place, he might well have had worth. Happenstance didn't fall in his direction. C'est la guerre.
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
Nevertheless, Fremont, is overall, the epitome of 'rugged individualism' - I mean, the man goes west, 'conquers' California, gets rich off the gold rush. There are a lot of things there that make his life really interesting to read about. (I even like him better than Sickles, ole!)
Fremont had a good press agent in his wife. IMO had Kit Carson not been with "The pathfinder" Fremont is likely to have ended up a pile of dusty bones in the Mogollons, or the Rockies. I think thats way Mrs. Pathfinder gives Carson the press he gets.
Freemont was apparently a likeable guy and, perhaps, a capable general. But he was not a team player. At that moment, Lincoln could not afford him. Another time, another place, he might well have had worth. Happenstance didn't fall in his direction. C'est la guerre.
ole
I'd debate that on his capability in Military matters. Following Lyon's death he appointed Hunter as his field commander. General Hunter seemed content to garrison posts and carry out Fremonts siezure orders instead of consolidating and meeting two understrenghth under supplied State Guard Formations in SW Mo and SE Mo.
At the time McCulloch had left the state and Price forced to retreat from Lexington due to supply line issues the SW could have been cleared and then the Thompson bunch in SE could have been pushed back with Hardee and Pillows abortive invasion.
Am quite in tune with that argument, Ruff. But, as that would take us off in a totally different direction, I let it be.
However, now that you've brought it up, Freemont the "Pathfider." is mythology. He explored nothing, he discovered nothing and he found nothing that Carson hadn't explored, discovered and found some years before.
Thing is, he was a General and Carson was not. Bleve I'll retrace I-80 from Hammond to Davenport. Maybe somebody will make me a General for that.
I haven't abandonded the idea that Fremont gets a bit more than his share of scorn. And, that somewhere in there he might have had the makings of a competent general. We'll never know, will we.
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
Yes he may well have been a good general. Maybe at the Corps or Division level. But your right we will never know. IMO and only IMO he was over his head as a Dept. Commander.
I believe it has do with political affiliation. Fremont was the Republicans first Presidental canidate and there were strong anti-slavery elements within the party. Perhaps he was courting the vote. I also believe he always had his eye on his own political future in what ever did.
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