Civil War Battle Leaders

[dave]

I find it somewhat interesting that during the battle of the Little Big Horn only 1 man was noted for bravery by all. Fredrick Benteen was accused of many things at the LBH but cowardice was not one of them. Though George Custer was famed for bravery and dashing about the battlefield his performance at the LBH is controversal and he is still dead.

I wanted to start a thread about leaders, both Federal and Confederate, where brave effective officers might be presented and studied. 

Patrick Clebburne was a fascinating historical figure who appeared to have all the right stuff to be a combat leader of men. Cleburne cared more for his men than he did for personal glory and did his best to prevent unncessary casualties when possible. He was a pragmatic man who knew the South did not have the numbers needed for filling the men losst in battles and sickness. In January of 1864 he suggested enlisting blacks as soldiers. Cleburne was prescient enough to realize that slavery was dead in the South and offering emmancipation to blacks who served could possibly save the South. I fail to see any advantage in a former slave fighting for the Rebs as they were being freed as soon as Union troops occupied the area they lived in.

His story is recommended reading for anyone who wishes to read about a man of conscience and how he handled difficult matters while leading a life of integrity. In some ways his story has many similarities to Myles Keogh's life. His cause which he died for was abominable but he was not.

Regards

Dave

[quincannon]

My nomination for the greatest of them all is Joshua L. Chamberlain, MG, USV.

No man ever set a better example of what is expected of a United States Army officer than Chamberlain. No man is a better example of the Spirit of the Cincinnati.

[yanmacca]

Not that big on high ranks, especially from the ACW, but I do recall a piece about a certain American Brigadier General call D. M. Gregg;

In action, he was brave to a fault and he was always in the thickest of the fight. His very appearance in any part of the field, no matter how discouraging the situation, was enough to inspire the men with renewed energy and courage, for they always felt that wherever he took them he would certainly bring them out with the least loss possible.

I am not sure if Gregg was over Custer's brigade at the battles around East Cavalry Field 1865.

Compare the above with what Evan Connell wrote about Custer;

His name alone will start an argument. More significant men of his time can be discussed without passion, they are inextricably woven into the tapestry of the past, but this hotspur refuses to die. He stands forever on that dusty Montana slope.

[deadwoodgultch]

Good one Ian, David McMurtrie Gregg 1833-1916 USMA 1855. During the 6 years prior to the ACW was engaged in Indian fighting in the west. Involved in nearly every major engagement of the Army of the Potomac. Resigned 3 Feb. 1865 and lived quietly in Reading, PA until named Consul at Prague in 1874. In later years was active in municipal and charitable affairs, writing a book on the 2nd Cav. Div. Gettysburg. "A rare combination of modesty, geniality, and ability, he was universally liked and respected." (D.A.B.)

[yanmacca]

Nice one Tom.
Another who rubbed shoulders with Custer at Gettysburg was a young officer name Elon Farnsworth, he got promoted along with George from captain to brigadier.
He held the rank of Brigadier General for exactly one hundred hours. Apparently he was killed by a posse of Confederate soldiers after leading a futile charge near little round top, this was after being called a coward by Brigadier General Judson Kilpatrick.

[dave]

Perhaps the greatest political general in the Union army was John A. Logan. His war record was very impressive and he held command of the Army of the Tennessee after McPherson's death for awhile. He is also the author of General Order No. 11* which established the Memorial Day observance in 1868. He has been compared to Forrest for the best non military trained general in their respective armies.
Regrads
Dave

*http://www.loganmuseum.org/index.php/memorial-day/order-11

[deadwoodgultch]

Ian,

Farnsworth, Elon John. Union Gen. 1837-1863. On Johnston's Utah 1857-58, he came home from the west to join his uncle's (J.F. Farnsworth)regiment, the 8th ILL. Cav., as 1st.Lt. From 18 Sept, 61 he participated in all 41 battles and skirmishes his unit participated in. During the Gettysburg campaign his command(1,3, Cav., Potomac 28 June-3 July 63) was sent up after Stuart and then fought at Little Round Top. On the third day of the battle he received orders from Kilpatrick to charge the enemy. Farnsworth protested that conditions were unfavorable for such a cavalry maneuver: uneven ground and enemy behind walls. Overruled, he led his troops in one of the bravest as well as one of the most dangerous charges of the entire war, receiving 5 mortal wounds. Puck, Kilpatrick of Kill-Cavalry fame. Sheridan never would have ordered.

[Beth]

Nov 16, 2016 11:48:49 GMT yanmacca said:

Not that big on high ranks, especially from the ACW, but I do recall a piece about a certain American Brigadier General call D. M. Gregg;

In action, he was brave to a fault and he was always in the thickest of the fight. His very appearance in any part of the field, no matter how discouraging the situation, was enough to inspire the men with renewed energy and courage, for they always felt that wherever he took them he would certainly bring them out with the least loss possible.

I am not sure if Gregg was over Custer's brigade at the battles around East Cavalry Field 1865.

Compare the above with what Evan Connell wrote about Custer;

His name alone will start an argument. More significant men of his time can be discussed without passion, they are inextricably woven into the tapestry of the past, but this hotspur refuses to die. He stands forever on that dusty Montana slope.

It just struck me that the Gregg quote doesn't really speak to Custer's abilities beyond to inspire his men and be brave.

[dave]

In an attempt to give the devil his due, Major General Andrew Jackson Smith aka AJ "Whiskey" Smith was an under appreciated Union leader. He served in the Western Theater and was one of the few who was successful against Nathan Bedford Forrest. Smith commanded a division and later the XVI Corps.

He battled and bottled Forrest up for much of 1864 after the Battle of Brice's Crossroads where General Sam Sturgis was in command, and then burned the city of Oxford---my home---to the ground in August of 1864 in retaliation for Forrest's raid on Memphis. A little known fact is that Smith commanded the 7th Cavalry from 1866 to 1869 when he was succeeded by Samuel Sturgis. What a small world the US Army was in those days.
Regards
Dave

[yanmacca]

Custer commanded 2nd cavalry brigade at Gettysburg, but what of his four regimental commanders?

Colonel Charles H. Town [1st Michigan]
Apparently led the greatest cavalry charges of the whole ACW at Gettysburg.

Colonel Russell A. Alger [2nd Michigan]
He was a military strategist who managed to inflict a resounding defeat on the enemy at the battle of Boonesville.

Colonel George Gray [3rd Michigan]
Had to resign from army due to ill health.

Colonel William D. Mann [4th Michigan]
Started the war as a captain and within a year commanded the 7th Michigan cavalry.

[dave]

Yan
You mentioned Colonel Alger of the 2nd Michigan was involved at the Battle of Booneville July 1862. This battle was part of Halleck's slow campaign to take control of Corinth which culminated in battle in October of 1862 with started in April with the battle of Shiloh.

I have listed a site below for further info on the battle of Booneville.
Regards
Dave
www.virrob.home.dixie-net.com/battle.htm

[yanmacca]

Thanks Dave I enjoyed reading the article.