Interesting article. I would however point out that by the time period that this article begins in July 1863 and Kirby Smith being in command, the Trans-Mississippi Command was basically an Independent command. There was no realistic expertation of any help from Richmond. Oh sure orders and directives from Richmond could be swam across the Mississippi in the dead of night after the fall of Vicksburg. But what else could be expected to come from Richmond?

So in effect Kirby Smith had to act as the President of the western Confederacy, and Shrevesport was that western Confederacys Capitol because of it location and importance as pointed out in the article. Another factor in the Red River Campaign.