The National tribune., 1901-03-07
FIGHTING THEM OVER.
What the Veterans Have TO Say
About Their Campaigns.
SHERIDAN AT CHlCKAMAUGA.
An Admirer of Little Phil Thinks He Made
Mistake There

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: In the re-
cent writings of Capt. Castle, regarding
Sheridan at Chickamauga, L have taken
no little interest, but our views are widely
apart. Both he and Comrade Downs, Of
Minnca polls, are well and favorably known
to me; but are typical of the American
volunteer; but my Judgment pf myself
mentally would be highly ovcr-lated if |
allowed myself 10 come in contact i'll IL
descriptive way with Capt. Henry \. Cas-
tie. | realize only too clearly, everything
being equal, ] would quickly go bump"
Sheridan does not need Chickamauga to
add luSter or brilliancy TO his qualities as
81 daShing and successful commander; but
TO say the least, il always appeared incom-
prchenSiblc, and has never been explained
with any satisfaction TO those who saw the
battle to n finish, that some successful eff
fort was not made To stop whole brigades
as well rs divisions, armed and organized
from being driven from the field at 1880
n. M; they were not pursued to exceed
three quarters Of n mile. Some of them
went back into Chattanooga, while others
wandered around, to all appearance with
ont aim. nine or ten hours, when the only
guide they needed to take them where they
were wanted, il almost desperation, was
the continuous and iuccSSant roar OF artil-
lery.
There has been more or less said about
roads for batteries, but | would remind the
apOlOgiSts for Sheridan at Chickamauga
that later on tens of thousands, under
Grant in the Wilderness, were never look
ing for roads, but went for miles into an
almost impcnctrablc forest, leaving their
artillery behind.
In the Jan. 10 issue the Captain says
Thruston went more directly, but the mere
fact that he made the trip with 10 men
through woods and thickcts is no proof
that Sheridan could make it with his en-
tire division. Why not, Captain? Did not
this same Sheridan. n few days later, per-
form much more difficult task at Mis-
Sionary Ridge, where he had artillery and
muskctry in his front TO impede his prog
ress, and, according to his report, pursued
the enemy six miles? Where was his ar
tillery then? This ground was as objec-
tionable as any portion of the surroundings
OF Chickamauga. For performing this
latter feat Sheridan has been given full
and merited credit, but who will say this
was not an inspiration gained from what
he failed to do at Chickamauga?
Again, the Captain says Sheridan was
under no obligation to obey Thruston's or
ders. If that spirited officer is alive, and
sees that article, he would undoubtedly
smile and ask: rs it possible at this late
day they are claiming that / was riding
franticaly over the field of Chickamauga
giving orders to Major Generals?"
Van HOrnc's History says Thruston was
seat by Thomas to Sheridan, requesting
him TO come upon the field at the nearest
help, either by command or request, it
goes without saying to those who knew
him best, that he must have been in des-
perate need. None knew this better than
Sheridan. The mere fact, if true, that he
was only one mile from Snodgrass Ridge
when the retreat commenced. would be
successful in proving but one thing-he
might with the same progress have reach
ed the field in time to be Of substantial
aid 10 the troops that were at that time
hammered almost to frazzle, If the hero.
Thomas, had chosen TO remain upon the
field for Il longer period.
There were no troops needed to cover
our retreat. Johnnie was whipped to a
stand still for that night any way, and the
fact that Sheridan rode by the side of
Thomas back to Rlssville, will venture
was not gratifying To that sturdy old COM
mander, after the events OF the last few
hours. Thomas fails TO make any note of
this, but does mention others of lesser
rank. Sheridan was promoted shortly
after this. but it is well known not for
what he did at Chickamauga, but in spite
of what he did not do.
Sheridan has no more ardent admirer
than mysclf-not even Capt Castle; but
before laying the lash so severely uDon a
persons back for his failure to sympathiZe
with or comprehend the animus which in
spires people to tear down well-earned
regulations, ! would call his attention to
the fact that there was but one amongst
all Of our successful leaders who never
committed a mistake-George II. Thomas.
This is history, and the Judgment of the
majority of the loyal people of this coun-
try. The troops that left the field Of
Chickamauga were not panic-stricken
and il they had been marched back by
their commanders to bear their share OF
the burden Of the final conflict, the belief
is steadfast in the minds of thousands
qualified to judge that Stone River would
have been repeated. What the American
volunteer does want when he is up for a
target is victory. If lie does not get this
he is critical enough TO look for a victim.
Plenty of them were found to be RESPONSE
BILE for the disaster ut Chickamauga More
heads fell amongst those high in command
than after any other engagement Fortu-
nately, Sheridan was not one OF them.
Without doubt the reputation of Little
Phil will stand the strain of his mistake at
Chickamauga.-H. ii. HILLS, Lieutenant,
I'd Mimi, 4lG Il Tenth street, st. Paul,
MINI.