Gentlemen,
I joined the Stone's River battle at the beginning of the second day, as Cheatham. My division was divided, with two of my brigades having been detached the day before, and the remaining two brigades were on the wrong side of the river. Sure, most of the rest of my corps was with me and we had been digging in all night, but our backs were to the river and we were expected to face the bulk of the Yankee army when the sun came up. I was not too thrilled with the tactical situation, but my superiors (Three cheers for Polk & Bragg!) were not only able to extricate the entire corps under pressure, but lure the Yanks across the river at a nearby point. Once we were safely across (well, MOST of our boys escaped!), my division focused on holding the crossings while the rest of the corps swung west to help trap the Yanks who had come across.
The entire battle was a blast, with us issuing orders that may or may not be carried out, couriers getting lost or captured, everything (that is, my subordinates!) moving at a painstakingly slow pace -- I encourage anyone interested in a different command and control paradigm to give it a try.
I, too, am looking forward to hearing the recap of the first day of the current battle!
Your humble servant,
Gen 'Dee Dubya' Mallory
David W. Mallory
ACW - General, Chief of the Armies, Confederate States of America & Cabinet Member
CCC - Sergeant, Georgia Volunteers, Southern Regional Deaprtment, Colonial American Army
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