Also, Hindman made just about everybody in Arkansas mad with his administrative policies. In trying to rebuild an army and recuperate from Van Dorn's wholesale looting of arms and supplies, Hindman had to institute some very unpopular policies -- everything from price controls to vigorous enforcement of the Conscription Act. The howls of protest could be heard from Little Rock to Richmond.

Hindman, in my opinion, is underrated and unfairly portrayed by history.

Another group of officers greatly unappreciated by history are some of the outstanding brigade, division and corps commanders who served in the Trans-Mississippi. They never had the opportunity to make a name for themselves due to the incompetence of their superiors, and the great difference in the terrain and type of fighting between the Trans-Mississippi and the eastern theater.

On those rare occasions when an officer was allowed to operate independently, free from the bungling of his superiors, he performed magnificently. Jo Shelby comes immediately to mind.