Best Of The Political Generals- North or South

[Viperlord]

How does Forrest qualify as a political general?

[R. Evans]

Originally Posted by Viperlord

How does Forrest qualify as a political general?

Well that's partly my fault. I was unclear in laying out the parameters for what qualifies as a political general. Some names have been put forward, like Forrest, that are not what I had in mind. It's sort of morphed into a thread naming generals who performed well without any sort of prior military background and that's okay with me.

Sorry for any confusion.

[El.Cid]

Even a regimental commander had to get authorized from a state to raise a unit.
A brigade or division might start out as a battlefield promotion depending on the casualties.
But to keep the post, you would have to get approved and your rank had to be approved also. So every general is a political appointment.

[El.Cid]

I posted Forrest's name because he had no military service experience and therefore would have to have had some politician bring his name to light.
Considering that he was not a poor man, his money would have easily found its way into the pocket of some politician to advance his name. Since he had the skills, his advancement would not have been difficult.
If you look at a guy like Chamberlain. He was not a soldier by trade either, and he was not rich. Maine is not exactly a state at the backbone of the union either. So even though he had military skills, I do not think he had the politicians to back him. He had a brigade and that was about it.

[hellboy30]

Originally Posted by El.Cid

I posted Forrest's name because he had no military service experience and therefore would have to have had some politician bring his name to light.
Considering that he was not a poor man, his money would have easily found its way into the pocket of some politician to advance his name. Since he had the skills, his advancement would not have been difficult.
If you look at a guy like Chamberlain. He was not a soldier by trade either, and he was not rich. Maine is not exactly a state at the backbone of the union either. So even though he had military skills, I do not think he had the politicians to back him. He had a brigade and that was about it.

Chamberlain ended the war brevetted to the rank of Major General by Lincoln, so I think he at least had the president backing him up politically.....there may have been others advocating it as well.

[Viperlord]

For a "political" Confederate cavalry commander, I'll take Wade Hampton for $600 Alex.

[semperpietas]

Originally Posted by Viperlord

For a "political" Confederate cavalry commander, I'll take Wade Hampton for $600 Alex.

Or Joe Shelby for the Trans-Mississippi enthusiasts.

"You can talk about how Stuart rode around McClellan all you want. Hell, Shelby rode 'round Missouri!".

[Viperlord]

Originally Posted by semperpietas

Or Joe Shelby for the Trans-Mississippi enthusiasts.

"You can talk about how Stuart rode around McClellan all you want. But hell, Shelby rode 'round Missouri!".

Another good choice; Shelby was a hell of a fighter and a raider as well.

[guthrieba]

Originally Posted by El.Cid

If you look at a guy like Chamberlain. He was not a soldier by trade either, and he was not rich. Maine is not exactly a state at the backbone of the union either. So even though he had military skills, I do not think he had the politicians to back him. He had a brigade and that was about it.

I seem to recall that one Harry Hamblin who had some sort of a high post in the first Lincoln administration was from Maine. And, if mem'ry serves, Lawrence Chamberlain himself served several terms as gov'nor of Maine after the Late war, so I suspect that he was not without political instincts. To be sure, his service in the Army of the Potomac was essential to his political success.

Let's never put much credence in Chamberlain's writings. They are rather notorious for their lack of ... candor.