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What If Gen. Longstreet had gone West in Spring of 1863?
The trick was getting at the supply bases without engaging most (if not all of Grants Army).
The reason the supplies were shipped South and back North was because the East bank of the Mississippi north of Vicksburg is almost impassible to an army (as Grant had already learned).
First Johnston (and/or Longstreet) would have to get to the River, without a major battle. Then have sufficient transport to cross his Army to the West bank, in the face of the Union River Fleet. Then he would have to untangle the notorious confederate command structure in the Trans-Mississippi Dept.
It would not be enough to take a few of the supply bases, he would have to take and maintain control of the Union supply lines. Grant would not retreat without making a supreme effort to attack and destroy Johnstons army including Longstreet.
With at least a significant portion of his Army (if not all) West of the River and with Grant's Army with his River Fleet, between it and whatever part of Johnston's Army was on the East side (if any, of any significance) it is likely that whatever force was West of the River would be lost to the confederacy to the East.
What if Gen Longstreet had gone West in the Spring 1863?
Coordinating operations in the West was easily planned but notoriously difficult to implement, as Lincoln and Davis Both, found out.
As noted by others, neither gov't ever established a firm control of their armies (or at least, their commanders) in the West.
As noted by others, neither gov't ever established a firm control of their armies (or at least, their commanders) in the West.
"Established a firm control" just about says it all. While Davis was trying to establish a firm control, Lincoln said "this is what it looks like we should do. What do you think?" Then he would say, "OK. Do it."
Somewhere between Halleck and Grant on the Western Front, Lincoln learned to rely on Grant's judgement. He'd question it, and wonder about alternatives, but if Grant figured this was the way to do what Lincoln wanted, Linoln would turn him loose.
That was Lincoln's idea of control.
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
Davis should hae been more liberal with "Your Fired" to some of his Generals, and more conservative with "Your Hired" to others. Since he was unwilling or unable to transfer talent from Lee's army he doomed a lot of brave men into being poorly led.
There is a great deal to be discussed about JD's conduct of the war.His conduct of the military aspects of the Confederacy is open to harsh and just criticism.
True. He didn't have much to work with. But then, neither did Lincoln. Lincoln seems to have handled the situation better. And this, from a man whose Captaincy during the Blackhawk wars was his sole exposure to military matters. Jeff Davis was a real veteran. And with that paragraph on his curriculum vitae, managed to hamstring the rebs.
Maybe in that simple comparison is a nut we can gnaw on. Lincoln knew that he knew nothing about military things. JD thought he knew everything there was to know. Where does that get us? With apolgies to our southron brethren, chutzpah. Which is a dog that don't hunt.
The Confederacy was not a good idea from the get go. Appointing JD to run it wasn't very perceptive, either. Too soon. Too fast. Not exactly an unemotional decision.
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
CW, Probably not in JD's personality, but he could have said NO, there are more qualified folks than me. His Resume looked good though he just didn't live up to it.
in all fairness, the position was kind've thrust upon the man.
Have I got a deal for you! See, I have title to this $10mm account in Namibia, but I don't have the processing fees. If you would send me.......
OK. You did say "kinda." You can say his country called and he did his duty....$5000 in small unmarked bills, I will share .... Of the choices the Confederate Congress had, he was the least offensive. Elected by default. Oh wait. He wasn't really "elected" was he?
I've not seen evidence that he had agents campaigning on his behalf, but I'll not believe there were none.
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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What If Gen. Longstreet had gone West in Spring of 1863? 
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