As well ones hand can often be forced by the circumstances.
And a fine book too. The subsequent Lost Papers... book by the same author has many contemporaneous writings that further refute some of Sword's allegations. Sword declined the opportunity to respond to the refutations.
It is pretty well established too, that the Union high command believed the AoT was still a dangerous force all the way up to the time the retreat from Nashville began. As I recall, there were still Union reinforcements on the way to Nashville when that retreat began.
Destruction of the Federal army there and taking Nashville was the first goal of the campaign. He thought the AoT could repulse the Federal attacks from the AoT's entrenched positions. It was a slim hope for sure but it was the last chance for success of that phase of the campaign.
Perhaps you could join us in October for a tour of Murfreesboro/Franklin. I happen to know that some members will be arriving early and staying late to also visit Columbia, Spring Hill and Nashville et.al.
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Murphy's Law.
I am aware that was his plan. I am also aware it was ridiculous.
Fair enough, but I dont think I have read anyone who opines it was a good plan. I'd love to read some military historian make the case for this plan, if you know of any (and please dont say Stephen Hood, who is just an apologist). It seems like an awful lot would have to go exactly right for him to have any chance for it to work, and given the condition of his troops, and the relative comfort and rations of the Union troops, and the weather, it just seems the most remote of Hail Mary attempts, and given the consequences of failure (as we have seen), not worth the gamble for the slim chance it offered.
The Hood book goes a little far in the other direction, IMHO. I think a good balanced analysis is vol. 2 of Steve Davis's recent military biography, Into Tennessee and Failure. Hood seems to be one of those figures who gets viewed from extremes, especially when it comes to Atlanta and then Franklin/Nashville.
This is a recurring thread topic here in CWT and the threads all end up right where they started. I am getting off this one before it reaches the last stop. You have a good day sir.
Ah, the classic Peter Principle: the principle that members of a hierarchy are promoted until they reach the level at which they are no longer competent.
Was just at the Nashville campaign sites in February and have been to Stones River twice previously. I have Chickamauga/Chattanooga and The Shenandoah Valley already on the schedule so a return to Franklin probably will be a while. Thanks though.Perhaps you could join us in October for a tour of Murfreesboro/Franklin. I happen to know that some members will be arriving early and staying late to also visit Columbia, Spring Hill and Nashville et.al.
CWT 2022 Muster, Stones River/Franklin Official Thread | Traveler's Companion - Visit Historic Sites
OK Folks, RedBob, OleMiss and I just returned from Murfreesboro, Franklin from a Muster Planning trip and we had a very productive trip. Below is the schedule for the weekend and is what will be a very informative full packed Muster. Jake and the staff at the Hampton Inn will be taking very good...
Pardon me for not doing a little bit more research before posting.
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