When you say Rosecrans could have had Chattanooga on the ninth what do you mean? How much of his army was in Chattanooga?
What caused Bragg to evacuate Chattanooga? Was it not the perceived threat to his rear? What caused him to fear that? Was it not that almost all of Rosecrans’ army was outside Chattanooga and threatening Bragg from various points?
If however Rosecrans had been able to get into Chattanooga around Sept 9th then what?
Longstreet’s and other troops were on their way to the Chattanooga area. What would they have done?
What would or could Rosecrans have done? Would there have been a siege? Would there have been a battle? Would Bragg have given up Chattanooga without a fight?
What would have constituted a Union victory? The complete destruction of Bragg? Would Rosecrans have continued in to Atlanta? Or would he have retreated into Chattanooga with his wounded army and awaited reinforcements ? How different is that from what actually happened?
I agree that Dana was a part of someone else’s plan but whose? Garfield said it was “political leaders.”
Rosecrans was more than a not bad general. There’s a reason why Dave Powell has an essay entitled “Incubator of Innovation” in regard to Rosecrans’ army. He also won victories in other places than Tennessee. Cozzens refers to him as a “genius.”
21st Corps was in Chattanooga of the 9th. Rosecrans had the option of bringing his other 2 Corps into Chattanooga. The approaches from the West were clear. Thomas advised Rosecrans to do this. Rosecrans supply lines were from the West. Braggs Siege, would of been from the South, as it was after Chickamauga. Braggs supply was from the South. Rosecrans would of had far more supplies and men to maintain his position, until his supply lines could be developed. It would of been far different than what happened after Chickamauga. It would be a big question how long the Confederates could of held their position. They have limited mobility. Rosecrans would of been in a Fortified Position, with resources coming the the Confederates could only dream of.
Rosecrans made the decision, that Bragg was demoralized, weakened and would not fight. His objective was to get far enough South of Bragg, to cut him off from his supply lines, and make him fight. Destroy his Army, and then march to Atlanta. Lincoln and Stanton wanted a military victory. They wanted Confederate Armys off the field. Lincoln and Stanton were less than pleased with the Tullahoma campaign which resulted gaining territory but no defeat of a Confederate Army. If Rosecrans had of stopped at Chattanooga, a battle would probably have been postponed until Spring. He had enough pressure on him, not to delay a fight. There would of been disadvantages to postpone a battle until spring. All of this, would probably gotten Rosecrans Sacked.
Ultimate Rosecrans is going to discover Bragg is maneuvering for an Offensive Advantage, and being reinforced. Bragg gets advantages, but is unable to take advantage of them. So, Chickamauga happens. Longstreet comes, ignores Braggs orders, makes an impact. Confederates want to turn the Federals Left Flank and destroy the AOC. Instead they turn the Federals Right Flank, they live another day.
Greeley fires Dana, because he is a Stanton, apologist. He winds up on Stanton's Staff. Go figure. A lot of stuff happened between the Tullahoma campaign and Chickamauga. Rosecrans has conflict with Lincoln and Stanton. Grant had a conflict with Rosecrans when they were in Mississippi. Lot of Politics involved in getting rid of a General. Garfield is involved in some of this. Dana probably gets credit for doing the most damage. Rosecrans being a Democrat and Catholic, don't help him. Republicans take a dim view of Democrats during this period.
Rosecrans had some issues. It was a long campaign. Preparations actually start in July, after Tullahoma. Rosecrans and Bragg play tag for week before Chickamauga. There is too much in play to reduce it to a few paragraphs.
I havn't bashed Rosecrans. I said he lost the Battle. Many take the position, that somehow the Federals won Chickamauga. They did Not. Powell calls the Confederate Victory a Barren one. That is on the Confederates. The Federals have a lot to do with making it a Barren Victory. But they had a lot of help, mainly from Bragg. I have to giggle when people try to rehabilitate Bragg.
This was a long, complicated campaign. Per David Powell, actually hear him say this in a conversation. What Rosecrans achieved, just to get to Chattanooga was amazing. Most people don't know this Story.