Existing comment:
Spoiling the Strategy:
September 9-18:
General Bragg seemed to know always what ought to be done, to possess the decision and the will to order it to be done, but, by some strange lack of gift... he could not do it himself and he could not make others do it."
-- Lt. Col. Archer Anderson, CSA
Braxton Bragg's plan was excellent -- concentrate the Confederate army at the north end of McLemore's Cove, strike an exposed Union column of twenty thousand men before support could arrive, and cut off Federal escape routes to Chattanooga through the gaps of Missionary Ridge.
Delays, however, ruined Bragg's surprise. Inept execution of his plans by subordinate generals spoiled the Confederates' opportunity to pounce upon the scrattered Union army. September 10 and 13, Bragg's lieutenants failed to attack due to poor communication, ineffectual coordination, or lackluster resolve. Meanwhile, the Federals gained advantage from this Confederate ineptitude, heeding the warning of the enemy's presence and racing to reunite a scattered army. |