Political Statement. This Board was controlled by the Radical Republicans. They hated McClellan and anyone who was attached to him. Thought the whole Army of the Potomac was Pro Slavery. Rosecrans was an Abolitionist. They championed Rosecrans, one reason he was a Political Threat to Grant.
In his Personal Memoirs, Grant noted that Rosecran’s chief engineers (General William F “Baldy” Smith) had put a sawmill into operation, had one bridge completed, was well on his way to constructing another, was assembling materials for third, and had an ingenious improved steamer in operation on the River—but he stated it in such a way as to make it appear that the officer had done it entirely on his own. There is no hint of credit attributed to Rosecrans for these.accomplishments even though they had, of course, been achieved while he commanded the army. Rosecrans, not Smith, ordered their completion. Pp140 Battle Above the Clouds by David Powell
This is one explanation of truth that it was Smith’s plan which was executed by Rosecrans. Grant even gives Smith Credit, even though, no surprise, Grant gave Rosecrans, NONE. It is also written in the ORs and Powell denotes other evidence. Planning and work began 3 weeks before Grant got there. Thomas, SLO Trott, explained the plan to Grant, Grant approved it, and it moved forward. The Pontoon boats were built in Chattanooga. The bridges discussed above.