I have a couple of questions about Van Dorn. After Pea Ridge he and his army traveled east of the Mississippi River. I have read that he was a vain and arrogant person. Did he "campaign" to be sent to Miss and Tenn or was this the plan of the Confederate command? I get the feeling from reading letters, reports ,etc. that some commanders in the Trans-Mississippi feathers were ruffled because they felt like they should be in the Western or Viginia theater. Was this the case with Van Dorn?
Also, Van Dorn did not arrive in time for the battle at Shiloh. Was he castigated for not arriving in time for this battle? I don't think anyone could argue that had he arrived in time, the battle at Shiloh would have turned out differently.
Chuck Lee