Word: commandant
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Dates: during 1880-1889
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...superiority of force or ability displayed by the Confederates, but because Nature stood in the way. The possession of Vicksburg was of the greatest importance to both sides. Situated on a series of high bluffs at a sharp bend in the Mississippi River, it perfectly commanded that great avenue of supply. No transport could pass, and only ironclads running by at night could escape destruction at the hands of the frowning batteries crowning the hills for several miles along the river. Grant, with a powerful army, lay two hundred and fifty miles to the north. Guarding the approaches in front...
...supplies. He was compelled to fall back and leave Pemberton free to reinforce the city. Meanwhile, Sherman, with whom no line of communication was kept up, had sailed down the river and made an attack which was repulsed. Then General McClernand arrived from Washington with orders to command in any attack against the city. He was shortly followed by Grant in person, with more troops, and this general assumed the lead. Several plans of approach were undertaken, but each in turn failed, chiefly on account of the natural obstacles which had to be overcome or which arose unexpectedly. Among these...
While Jackson had been executing this brilliant movement, Lee had occupied the attention of Hooker's main force by a light attack in front. Sickles, one of Hooker's corps commanders, had, meanwhile, almost separated Lee and Jackson, and was waiting orders when the rush of Jackson's men swept up towards his own flank. Here a desperate and important struggle took place: The position in question, Hazel Grove, was occupied by some Union batteries which held the enemy in check while the crowd of fugitives from Howard's corps rushed through the line of guns to the rear. Major...
...army, determined to crush Sedgwick's corps before he could escape or receive aid. But although the latter's line was long and thin he maintained it practically intact till aided by the fog and the lateness of the hour he was enabled to concentrate his entire command about a ford in his rear and retire across the river in the night. Hooker hearing the sound of battle from his position made no diversion in aid of his subordinate, but remained inactive until he at last recrossed the river and the whole army marched back to their old camps opposite...
...what they may have learned accidentally from the perusal of histories. This is a country averse to large standing armies. Consequently corps of well educated officers and military schools where men are instructed to become officers are wanting. West Point is scarcely able to turn out enough officers to command our present small shadow of an army. In time of trouble the nation will have to depend for the most part on leaders chosen from the more intelligent citizens. In this class the college graduate figures prominently and should in case of sudden need be prepared to take the lead...