Please let me defer to a former Medal of Honor recipient, who spent nearly forty years in the military, nearly all of it spent 'on a horse in the cavalry'.
Brigadier General Edward John McClernand was a son of a Civil War Major General, Medal of Honor recipient, US Military Academy graduate in 1870, and served 40 years in the U.S. Army. General McClernand, who served in the Spanish American War and the Philippines Insurrection, began his military career as a Lieutenant in the 2nd U.S. Cavary, and spent the next thirty plus years as a line officer in the U.S. Cavalry; a Major in the 12th U.S. Cavalry when he wrote the above book review in 1902. Also in 1902, when West Point celebrated its 100th birthday, five alumni were invited to speak on the second day. The five were Lt Gen Schofield, Brigadier General Wood, Major General Ruger, and from the CSA, General Alexander, all veterans of the Civil War, and then Major McClernand, veteran of the Spanish American War. He retired in 1912, died in 1926 and is buried at Arlington.
Review of the Great Commander Series release “General Forrest” by J. Harvey Mathis as printed in Journal of the Military Service Institution 1902
Great Commanders--General Forrest
This is the record of a remarkable man, during four years of war and adventure. It presents, perhaps unintentionally, the hero more in the light of a partisan than a general in a great army, and perhaps this is the true position to assign to General Forrest . There can be no question of his ability to fill either role, but his inclination seemed to have been for the first. Captain Mathes writes from the standpoint of an ardent admirer, which it is thought sometimes colors his opinions, statements and conclusions. The fact remains, however, that nothing short of positive military genius would have enabled Forrest to gain the succession of brilliant victories he did , often against considerable odds.
He was great, not only in strategy, but in battle tactics as well. A good illustration of his grasp of the latter was shown at Brice's Crossroads, and it is strikingly evident in most of his engagements. Was he as good a subordinate as he was a leader of detached forces? It is thought not. This is indicated by his differences with Wheeler and Bragg , and it is difficult to avoid the conclusion that his efforts at Harrisburg in July, 1864, in support of General S . D . Lee, were not as able as his previous independent actions justified his commanding officer in expecting. The language he is said to have used to General Bragg after the battle of Chickamauga was not only insubordinate, but highly insulting, and it is not understood how Bragg could have overlooked it, either as a man or a general, unless he thought Forrest, who had rendered great service in the battle, was temporarily not himself. No matter how important an officer's services may be, a commanding general cannot permit such insubordination to go unpunished and maintain efficient discipline. His part in the said battle well illustrated his capacity to act as a subordinate when he chose, but it was as a leader of a small and independent cavalry force that he showed to the best advantage. Vigilant, brave, tremendously industrious, and filled with audacity, he was ever ready to strike and dare, and he possessed the rare quality of transmitting to his followers his own spirit of battle. He never underestimated himself, or overrated his enemy; he never thought the foe less wearied than his own men by like exertions, and these qualities have gained most of the victories recorded in history.
In view of the affair at Fort Pillow one wishes he had never made the threat he so often did, that he could not be responsible for the consequences, if his demand for surrender was not acceded to, but fortunately there is much evidence to show he was generally a kind hearted man, and his threats did not really mean what they implied.
Although his command never much exceeded 5000 men, there is no doubt he was equal to a greater one. History presents no superior as a free lance.
His services were brilliant, but it may be doubted if he was serving his cause to the best advantage in those bold and lightning like strokes in West Tennessee while the fate of the Confederacy was being decided on other fields by the main armies of the North and South.
His advice to his soldiers on their surrender at the end of the war was patriotic and noble, and worthy of his greatness.
His campaigns are a marvel of thought, rapidity and dash that may well be studied by every officer of the United States Cavalry.
E . J. MCCLERNAND.