Chapter VII: Peculiarities of Various Generals

General Don Carlos Buell.--One of the greatest Generals, also one of
the greatest Failures of the War.--Buell too methodical to be
practical.--Weakness of his Army Organization.--Three Corps
Commanders without Ability.--Perryville a Battle lost by Jealousy of
our Commanders.--Quarrel between Buell and Governor Johnson of
Tennessee.--The true Story of the proposed Evacuation of Nashville.
--Thomas and Buell compared.--William Starke Rosecrans a great
Failure.--His utter Incompetency.--His extreme Nervousness unfitting
him for a Command.--His Campaign of Chickamauga one Series of
Mistakes.--The Battle an unnecessary Slaughter.--The worst managed
Battle of the War.--Rosecrans not on the Field.--Gordon Granger's
Peculiarities.--His Predilection for artillery Fights.--His
Resemblance to Joe Hooker.--Retort upon Sherman.--"Living off the
Country."--His Opinion of Gideon Pillow and "painted Mules."--Grief
at the Death of Captain Russell.--"Old Steady" Steedman one of the
most positive Men of the War.--His Boldness and Impudence.--Daring
Charge at Chickamauga.--His March from Chattanooga to Nashville to
ask for Orders.--His Faith in Negro Troops.--Generals Wood and
Negley the Victims of Chickamauga.--Military Character of each.
--General Howard a Soldier on Principle.--His firm Faith in the Cause
and its Success.--Methodical Turn of Mind.--Religious Habits and
Training.--Mayor William H. Sidell as Sherman's Counterpart.--General
John A. Logan the representative General of the Western Army.--His
Readiness in Emergencies, and his great personal Daring.--General
John W. Geary's adventurous Career.--His famous midnight Battle with
Longstreet, and how he defeated him 242