- Joined
- May 18, 2005
- Location
- Spring Hill, Tennessee
aphillbilly,
I have to agree with Johann. The logistical support for capturing and securing safely to friendly lines all the supplies that could be gathered would require the dismantling of at leat a brigade of cavalry - which couldn't be afforded at that time.
Like he says, the Federal cavalry is mounted and in force, they not only oppose your attempts to frustate their lines, but have enough troopers to sever your lines of communication and supplies.
Shortly, if Hood meant to conduct a raid in passing and destroy as much as possible, it is likely he would be successful. But to consider occupation of his area of operation would be insanity with the man power issues at that time. Hanging on to terrain as you suggest sounds smart - your still in enemy territory and it becomes a motivational issue. But I might suggest withdrawing for the winter as far south as the Duck River line in the vicinity of Columbia. A full 50 miles would seperate you from the stronghold at Nashville and allow a much shorter line of communication and supplies.
This distance would allow plenty of time for manuever in the event the Federals came out to play.
Jamie
I have to agree with Johann. The logistical support for capturing and securing safely to friendly lines all the supplies that could be gathered would require the dismantling of at leat a brigade of cavalry - which couldn't be afforded at that time.
Like he says, the Federal cavalry is mounted and in force, they not only oppose your attempts to frustate their lines, but have enough troopers to sever your lines of communication and supplies.
Shortly, if Hood meant to conduct a raid in passing and destroy as much as possible, it is likely he would be successful. But to consider occupation of his area of operation would be insanity with the man power issues at that time. Hanging on to terrain as you suggest sounds smart - your still in enemy territory and it becomes a motivational issue. But I might suggest withdrawing for the winter as far south as the Duck River line in the vicinity of Columbia. A full 50 miles would seperate you from the stronghold at Nashville and allow a much shorter line of communication and supplies.
This distance would allow plenty of time for manuever in the event the Federals came out to play.
Jamie