Mill Springs never happens.

[Kentucky Derby Cavalier.]

Zollicoffer listens to Crittenden and retreats across the Cumberland river too the more defensible position, discuss.

 

[Kentucky Derby Cavalier.]

Bump.

 

[rbasin]

I think that the generals you mentioned would have lost no matter where they were. Awful.

 

[Saruman]

Zollicoffer listens to Crittenden and retreats across the Cumberland river too the more defensible position, discuss.

Johnston had ordered Zollicoffer not to cross the river but Zollicoffer acted rashly and advanced his entire command with the intention of defeating Thomas. When Crittenden arrived on the scene it was too late.

If Zollicoffer had obeyed orders and never advanced, Johnston's eastern flank would probably have remained intact as Buell and Thomas were pretty cautious. However, the Union advance on Fort Henry and Donelson was the event that broke Johnston's tenuous hold on Kentucky.

 

[Kentucky Derby Cavalier.]

Johnston had ordered Zollicoffer not to cross the river but Zollicoffer acted rashly and advanced his entire command with the intention of defeating Thomas. When Crittenden arrived on the scene it was too late.

If Zollicoffer had obeyed orders and never advanced, Johnston's eastern flank would probably have remained intact as Buell and Thomas were pretty cautious. However, the Union advance on Fort Henry and Donelson was the event that broke Johnston's tenuous hold on Kentucky.

Good take, how do you think the absence of the battle of Mill Springs effects the Donelson and Henry situations?

 

[Saruman]

Good take, how do you think the absence of the battle of Mill Springs effects the Donelson and Henry situations?

Perhaps it would have given Johnston the opportunity to send more men to Fort Donelson in order to defeat Grant? Buell would have been less likely to advance on Nashville with Zollicoffer lurking on his flank.