WIP Bonus March Riots

[btavis]

I think Lee was probably the best General of the Civil War on either side. I cannot think of anyone who was consistently as brilliant in both strategy and tactics as Lee. He was a master at mobility, finding enemy weakness, exploiting situations good or bad to his advantage, making excellent use of his forces who were usually outnumbered, instilling great loyalty in his men, and making excellent choices in subordinates.

Grant was a bit plodding but extremely tenacious. He basically wore Lee down in a protracted war of attrition. I like Grant for his steadfastness and unassuming manner. Plus Grant was a real fighter unlike more political McClellan. The Vicksburg campaign is absolutely fascinating history and the fact that Grant was flexible in his strategy showed he was not a pedantic, rigid, by-the-book commander and he would try new things as the situation demanded. He was Scipio Africanus to Lee's Caesar.

 

[Jim Patrick]

I could not agree more on your assesment of Grant. He suffered losses throughout the overland campaign. The wilderness was a plodding stalemate. Spotslvania was, in my opinion, a defeat. Cold Harbor, clearly was a defeat. Deep Bottom, also to me, was a defeat. But what Grant pocessed, unlike the Union commanders before him, was the ability to continue to press the attack. During this process, Grant was also replacing commanders who were in command due more to political appointments than due to their strategic ability. Grant's knowledge of who needed to do what and be where, along with President Lincoln's assistance, aided the Union Army in the eventual, enivitable outcome of the Civil War. Grant's inssistance on Sherman as the commander who would eventually cripple the south's ability to wage war stands out as a perfect example.

Grant had the unique ability to take a knockout blow from the enemy and pick himself up and continue to fight. A quality that was lacking before him. Also one of Grant's traits, overlooked by so many was his humility and caring for ALL americans. One has to look no further than Appomatox. Grant, upon seeing Lee behaved as more of an old friend instead of a conquering general. He was very generous in his terms of surrender with Lee agreeing with Lee on his few points of contention. Lee and Grant also maintained a dialog after the war. When Lee reapplyed for citizenship, he sent his application to Grant to turn in for him.

If only we had half the men who participated in this countries "trial by fire" around today, we wouldn't be in half the mess we are in now.....

Jim Patrick

 

[rej]

Great job Bob as is usual from you to tackle these subjects!!

Keep them coming bud........

Ray