Joshism
Captain
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2012
- Location
- Jupiter, FL
I'm reading Hess & Shea's book about Pea Ridge. It states that before Earl Van Dorn was placed in charge of the Confederate Trans-Mississippi Department several other candidates were considered. Henry Heth was one, but this caused an uproar since he was a Virginian and also would need to be promoted over quite a few people too.
But the second candidate was more intriguing. Braxton Bragg did a good job organizing and training Confederate soldiers in Pensacola and Mobile. Why not send him to work his magic again out west? He already outranked everyone there too.
Bragg declined, but what if he didn't or Davis wouldn't take no for an answer?
1. Does Pea Ridge turn out differently with Bragg in charge instead of Van Dorn?
2. Does Bragg get ordered to reinforce Johnston for Shiloh (as Van Dorn was), and if so does he arrive in time (as Van Dorn didn't) making a difference?
3. If Bragg stays in the Trans-Mississippi after Shiloh, for whatever reason, does he make a difference?
4. If A. S. Johnston dies and Beauregard is relieved, but Bragg is busy elsewhere who commands the Army of Mississippi/Tennessee? Hardee?
But the second candidate was more intriguing. Braxton Bragg did a good job organizing and training Confederate soldiers in Pensacola and Mobile. Why not send him to work his magic again out west? He already outranked everyone there too.
Bragg declined, but what if he didn't or Davis wouldn't take no for an answer?
1. Does Pea Ridge turn out differently with Bragg in charge instead of Van Dorn?
2. Does Bragg get ordered to reinforce Johnston for Shiloh (as Van Dorn was), and if so does he arrive in time (as Van Dorn didn't) making a difference?
3. If Bragg stays in the Trans-Mississippi after Shiloh, for whatever reason, does he make a difference?
4. If A. S. Johnston dies and Beauregard is relieved, but Bragg is busy elsewhere who commands the Army of Mississippi/Tennessee? Hardee?