Question of the Week: What advice would you give Bragg?
If you could go back in time and give Braxton Bragg one piece of advice or factual information, what would it be and when would you want to tell him?
If you could go back in time and give Braxton Bragg one piece of advice or factual information, what would it be and when would you want to tell him?
As soon as he’s put in command, all his subordinates will work to undermine him- you are too toxic to command!
Upon entering Kentucky, order Kirby Smith to immediately join forces with you.
Fire Polk, Pillow, and Hill. Make Cleburne his Deputy to make operational Bragg’s excellent planning.
Agree with much of the foregoing except I’m wobbly on keeping Cleburne where he is. On one hand, seems too good a division commander to lose in that role. On the other hand, perhaps Cleburne really could have been a good person to achieve cooperation among Bragg’s dysfunctional team and get orders carried out.
Not so sure about firing Hill but certainly go to the mat with Davis on firing Polk asap. Probably won’t happen however, due to Davis’s friendship with Polk.
Instead, institute informal Friday “happy hours with your commander” so that Bragg’s team has an opportunity to see his warm & fuzzy side.
Withdraw from the Stones River on December 31. Do not detach Longstreet’s entire corps from Missionary Ridge. Only send a large enough force to occupy the attention of Burnside.
Take the advice of T. J. Jackson. No council of wars.
Could anyone really suggest or tell him anything?
Tell Davis you’ll take the job if you can pick your own coaching staff. No Bishop Polk, no Breckinridge, Hardee on a rigid contract reminding him that he’s not the Head Coach. And when they want to add Longstreet, same contract as Hardee.
Eat better and get some sleep.
Resign your commission and turn command of the Army of Tennessee over to Patrick Cleburne immediately!
I would advise a youthful Braxton Bragg to skip West Point and find a profession where he doesn’t have lead people, think critically or make big decisions — undertaker, sheep herder, lighthouse keeper, grave digger, monk, hermit, et al.
You’re doing a fine job!
Work on your leadership/management skills…