Who Said It? Thoughts on Federal Strategy in the American Civil War
On January 13, 1862, the following thoughts were explained in a missive. In terms of military theory and evaluation, the sentiment was uncannily prescient for what, in the latter years of the American Civil War, was the overall strategy for the North.
But, early in 1862, who penned these thoughts? Answer below, after the account.
“I state my general idea of this war to be that we have the greater numbers, and the enemy has the great facility of concentrating forces upon points of collision: that we must fail, unless we can find someway of making our advantage an over-match for his; and that this can only be done by meancing him with superior forces at different points, at the same time; so that we can safely attack, one, or both, if he makes no change; and if he weakens one to strengthen the other, forbear to attack the strengthened one, but seize, and hold the weakened one, gaining so much.”
The man behind the pen who wrote the abovementioned thoughts on military strategy? This guy.
The recipient of the missive was Brigadier General Don Carlos Buell, who did not listen to or follow the sage advice from the chief executive. Another Ohioan, though, would do his utmost to carry out this same line of military thinking when he assumed the mantle of commander of all Federal armies in 1864. That general was obviously Ulysses S. Grant.
It is interesting to read that Lincoln, who was actively studying military theory and strategy, could discern the basics of a successful war strategy for the Federals during the first winter of the war.
Sources:
“With a Sword in one Hand & Jomini in the Other” by Carol Reardon
It’s hardly a sign of genius to state the obvious. It is a sign of competent leadership to hire the right general to implement the obvious. Would have been interesting to see what would have happened if Thomas hadn’t saved Grant/Sherman’s bacon; or worse, if it had been Hooker’s unfolding flank attack that had unhinged the Missionary Ridge position! Grant wasn’t necessarily guaranteed the golden baton.