uaskme
1st Lieutenant
- Joined
- Nov 9, 2016
- Location
- SE Tennessee
So, when Dana‘s first report to Washington with his analysis that Chickamauga was worse than Bull Run was a compliment to Rosecrans? Then he latter followed up that compliment stating that Rosecrans was going to Abandon Chattanooga. The latter compliment was exactly the kind of information, and a condemning Lie that Dana’s master, Stanton needed to immediately Cashier Rosecrans. What a fine fellow and friend Dana was to old Roses?Have you read all of Dana’s reports for yourself? I have never read a word Dana wrote post-war, nor am I likely to. Unlike your characterization, in the immediate aftermath of the retreat to Chattanooga, Dana’s reports praise Rosecrans. His interviews with officers reflect their surprisingly high morale. Donelson, Shiloh & Stones River had begun with tactical setbacks, but they had beat ‘em in the ende every time.
When Grant arrived on Chattanooga, the telegraph line from Washington was burning up with concern about holding Knoxville. The loyal population of East Tennessee was a top priority. Grant was as involved with the defense of Cumberland Gap as he was in Bridgeport. Which is why he sent Dana to Knoxville to check on things for him. It is all there in Dana’s reports.
Given the chance, I will certainly listen to what David Powell has to say on the subject, but for now I am going to stick to the primary resources & form my own opinion.
Lincoln repeatedly told Grant to go to Knoxville. Lincoln had been focused on East Tennessee since 62 when Sherman had his mental breakdown and failed to support the Bridge Burners, who ended up being hung. Sherman’s failed movement on Tunnel Hill was designed to roll up Bragg’s right flank, so as to clear the way to Knoxville. Battle of Missionary Ridge’s purpose was to get to Knoxville. Grant’s order to Burnside was to hold, Longstreet in Knoxville at all cost. Even if Burnside had to give up his Army and Knoxville. Grant told Burnside he would be up there within a short period to relieve him. Grant knew he could get Knoxville back. He wanted Longstreet out of Chattanooga. So, if a student studied Chattanooga and Knoxville, he wouldn’t be surprised about a lot of telegraph chatter. The Burnside Rosecrans debate of who would support who had been going on since August of 63. Lincoln ordered Burnside to go to Chattanooga after the early reports of Chickamauga. So, Grant didn’t just decide all of this areas importance when he arrived in Chattanooga. Grant did hash out some problems that Halleck bungled. Grant deserves credit for “What He Did.” It just mystifies me why some have to rewrite the story and Give Grant credit for all these things he didn’t do. And Demean others in the process. Grant made a Career out of it. Again it is Quite Entertaining.
You are welcome to your Opinion. We all are here to learn. I just don’t think we should Distort Things. Carry on.