Sherman dies Nov. 15, 1864, What then--

5fish · #1 09-01-2008, 12:16 AM

On the eve of what will be know as Sherman's march to the sea, Sherman fill ill and died. Would Grant have pulled the plug on the march or would he have put another general in charge of the march?

If Grant pulled the plug on the march, would the army in Atlanta then gone after AoT?

If the march was allowed to proceed who would Grant have put in charge of the march?

It would not have change the out come of the war but it would have change the final stories of the western war?

mt155 · #2 09-01-2008, 01:35 AM

Better yet, What if those rebs back in Rhea field had killed Sherman with their volley instead of one of his aides?

Mike T.

Elennsar · #3 09-01-2008, 02:10 AM

This is meant jokingly.

Grant learns of Sherman's death.

"OH NO!" he cries. "Sherman has DIED!" He then gallops to the front.

However, because he's so emotionally distraught, he runs into a Confederate line.

They shoot him.

Grant dies.

The Army of the Tenessee routs.

...

146 hundred years later:

War of Southern Independance History - "What if..." Discussions:
5fish
"What if Grant hadn't died at Shiloh?"

No disrespect intended to Grant or 5fish.

5fish · #4 09-01-2008, 02:45 PM

Elennsar,

If that had happen think of the rumors.....about them we would be discussing about today.

gary · #5 09-01-2008, 02:59 PM

If Sheridan could be spared from the cavalry duty in the Army of the Potomac, I think he could have pulled off the march to the sea and the Carolinas. I doubt if Slow Trot would have been entrusted with it.

diddyriddick · #6 09-01-2008, 09:15 PM

Elennsar,

I'm not a big fan of whatifs, but anything that tongue in cheek deserves kudos. Funny stuff.

Elennsar · #7 09-01-2008, 11:53 PM

I like a good what if, but their only useful purpose (besides entertainment) is to weigh possiblities.

So since I can't think of any serious answers (Sheridan is a possibility, and while Grant might not trust Thomas to do it, I would), I posted a silly one.

As to rumors...well, the original version had Grant saying "My drinking buddy/voice of reason/gay lover" instead of "Sherman" (in the "Sherman has DIED!" line), so maybe I should have left that in when submiting the post...

: )

More to the point, there would be rumors regardless. Some funny. Some insulting. Some well founded but mistaken. Some just stupid.

5fish · #8 09-02-2008, 12:39 AM

Who could have led the march to the sea?

Thomas seems to be the logical choice but Howard was there and if McPherson was alive he would get the nod.

Grant would held back with winter coming may have change his mind and go hunt down the AoT. The original goal of Sherman was to destroy the AoT. With Sherman gone Grant may have revert back to it.

What General was the number two man behind Sherman in the west?

Without Sherman the story line changes in the west.

whitworth · #9 09-17-2008, 10:23 PM

the Confederate States of America never becomes a 13 state independent country.

5fish · #10 09-18-2008, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whitworth

the Confederate States of America never becomes a 13 state independent country.

At a loss as how Thia applies to this thread....