Fagan, is indeed a curious study. As you point out, he returned to Arkansas with enough credentials to have been promoted to Brigadier General.

As with Marmaduke, it can be debated as to the wisdom of transferring an experienced infantry commander to the cavalry. Of course, I'm biased on that topic, because I agree with Hindman that there was far more cavalry than could be sustained in the Trans Mississippi. Kirby Smith eventually recognized that situation as well.

Wright's memoirs seems to have swayed me more toward the minus side with Fagan. But, perhaps Wright had been affected by your description of Fagan's role in the Brooks Baxter war.