Rosecran's Problems Were Mainly Logistical

[wausaubob]

I repeat:

Neither Rosecrans, nor Grant, nor Sherman were going to accomplish much until the railroad connection between Cincinnati, Louisville and Bridgeport was substantially improved. Adding reinforcements to assist Rosecrans was not going to accomplish much if they could not be supplied.
I think rather than rely on an author I will go with the 1962 report of the Army Quartermaster. This little detail shows the solution to the logistical problem was real:

https://books.google.com/books?id=U...hur Edwards" Quartermaster Bridgeport&f=false p.414

 

[wausaubob]

If a person wants to know why Rosecrans was forgotten about, the report of Montgomery Meigs was probably the reason.
https://ironbrigader.com/2019/11/07...les-of-lookout-mountain-and-missionary-ridge/
and
https://www.civilwarhome.com/meigschattanoogaor.html. He makes no mention of Rosecrans, despite having been present at Chattanooga for the entire operation.

 

[wausaubob]

With respect to Rosecrans, its not hard to see why he was relieved. Lots of people lost their commands, and then returned to action. Even Grant was sidelined for a few months. Grant relieved Mclerndand, but Mclerndand got another appointment from Lincoln.

 

[wausaubob]

There was no immediate problem at the end of September. However:

https://civilwarhome.com/crackerline.htm
Which poses the question, have you ever been on unimproved back country trail under wet conditions where it is used by horses and mules? That was the problem that arose that made Rosecrans think he might have to cross over the river and march to Bridgeport.