Guess there's no point in inviting you into the "U. S. Grant Fan Club", huh? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
While I'm inclined to agree with you regarding Grant's tactics in the 1864/65 campaigns, I think Grant's Mississippi and Vicksburgh campaigns are worthy of study. He got his men on dry ground on the east side of the river and pinned Pemberton fast while he beat Joe Johnston. Alot of folks just look at "Grant the Butcher" and forget he had some good campaigns. As to his drinking, there are a few incidents of him getting plastered, but always during bogged down times when boredom was a factor. In no way shape or form have I ever heard of this being a problem when there was an active campaign.
Can't say much for "Uncle Billy" Sherman though. Why he didn't finish Hood in Goergia is a mystery. He coulda shortened the war by a year.
I disagree about Forrest too. Although he was a slave trader prior to the war, he quit the Klan when he found out what was actually going on. As for Ft pillow, there were no charges against him that stuck, and military courts were inclined to chalk it up to overzelous troops, out of Bedford's control. Any way you cut it, you just gotta admire anyone with that much fight. He had (I think) 13 horses shot out from under him, but killed 14 yankee soldiers, thus "finishing a horse ahead". <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
I'm not saying that Grant and Forrset had no fualts, but a ballanced look at each will reveal much to be admired, just as there are many fualts.
Shreck, I got one for you now. Since we're on the subject of Antietam. At that battle the 132 PA Infantry was routed, but not from confederate fire. What forced the unorganized retreat of this regiment?
7mm
