"I've always had a problem with demonizing Sherman, because I see him strictly as a pragmatist, fighting the war according to instructions from Washington. Sherman and Grant were both failures, men of little renown, apart from the military. I can understand fully their willingness to fight a hard war, as this was Lincoln's desire and everything they had they owed to Lincoln's support"

Jim,

This was to be my next line of thought, and Pam I believe posted something to the effect above, seems like ya'll headed me off at the pass. In the usual cource of events the Commander in Chief is responsible, Truman, Nixon, Bush etc., so I do not see why Lincoln should no be held responsible.

It is my opinion that Hood thought of himself as a great warrior, pushing his men to the extremes taking on such objectives as Franklin and Nashville. He wiped out the 3rd Miss. in this campaign. According to H. Grady Howell after the battle of Nashville, one company of the 3rd slept under one blanket. There were only two men left.

Do you have "Return to Bull Run: The Campaign and Battle of Second Manassas" for sale? I would like to pick up a copy.

GP