Rosecrans dismissal
Rick Dyson (DYSONF@WABASH.EDU)
Mon, 18 Apr 1994 10:40:38 ECT
I recently decided to read as many biographies of Civil War as
possible before I die. For some reason the second book I read "The
Edge of Glory a biography of Rosecrans. The only newer biography of Rosecrans
I could find. Now to my question the author of this book really made
me reevaluate my attitude towards old Rosey. Starke, the author,
pointed out that Rosecrans for the quite awhile was the most
successful Union general of the war up to his defeat at Chickamauga.
But Chickamauga changed all that Rosecrans went from being of
Lincoln's favorites to dismissal in matter of weeks and banishment to
Missouri. Starke argues that Rosecrans after Chickamauga did sit idly
by in Chattanooga but was making vigorous plans to escape the city and
defeat Bragg. the "Edge of Glory" argues that Rosecrans legacy was
defined by Grant's published memoirs which were disingenous if not
laced with out right lies. What I would like to know from you folks is
what is your take on Rosecrans as general and his dismissal from command.
Does Starke's book offer useful insights or this the case of an author
becoming too close to his subject. Thanks for any input or suggested
readings.
Rick Dyson
Dysonf@wabash.edu
dysonf@wabash.bitnet