Question regarding Independent Command

[alan polk]

I just want to canvass the opinions here: Was the Battle of Port Gibson the first time general Bowen commanded troops on an independent basis? In other words, was this battle the first time he was the field boss making decisions without higher ups nearby?

 

[NedBaldwin]

I just want to canvass the opinions here: Was the Battle of Port Gibson the first time general Bowen commanded troops on an independent basis? In other words, was this battle the first time he was the field boss making decisions without higher ups nearby?

There was Porter's attack on Grand Gulf a few days earlier.

 

[alan polk]

Yes, that's true, and I'm guilty for not being more specific. I apologize. Grand Gulf was between Bowen's entrenched troops against Union naval gunboats on the river. I should have said Bowen in direct command of infantry and artillery (on the field of action with mobile troops in a fluid environment) against an opposing enemy infantry and artillery in the open with similar mobility. Head-to-head, In the open.

 

[NedBaldwin]

Yes, that's true, and I'm guilty for not being more specific. I apologize. Grand Gulf was between Bowen's entrenched troops against Union naval gunboats on the river. I should have said Bowen in direct command of infantry and artillery (on the field of action with mobile troops in a fluid environment) against an opposing enemy infantry and artillery in the open with similar mobility. Head-to-head, In the open.

I think Port Gibson would be his only time in that command position