Thu Feb 22, 2007 9:16 pm
I propose:
197 CSA Simon B. Buckner ldr_CSA_Buckner $Dispirited_leader NULL NULL NULL 2 2 1 24 General 1 NULL 3 1 1
167 CSA Simon B. Buckner ldr_CSA_Buckner2 $Militiaman NULL NULL NULL 7 5 2 24 General 1 NULL 3 1 1
Rational:
On February 14, the Confederate generals decided that they could not successfully hold the fort and planned a breakout attempt, hoping to join with Johnston's army, now in Nashville. At dawn the following morning, Pillow launched a strong assault against the right flank of Grant's army, pushing it back 1 to 2 miles. Buckner, who was not confident of his army's chances, and not on good professional terms with Pillow, held back his supporting attack for over two hours, giving Grant's men time to bring up reinforcements and reform their line. Fortunately, Buckner's delay had not prevented the Confederate attack from opening a corridor for an escape from the beseiged fort. At this time, however, Floyd and Pillow combined to undo the day's work by ordering the troops back to their trench positions.
Late that night, the generals held a council of war in which Floyd and Pillow expressed satisfaction with the events of the day, but Buckner convinced them that they had little realistic chance to hold the fort or escape from Grant's army, which was receiving steady reinforcements. His sense of defeatism carried the meeting. General Floyd, who was concerned that he would be tried for treason if captured by the North, sought assurances from Buckner that he would be given time to escape with some of his Virginia regiments before the army surrendered. Buckner agreed and Floyd turned over command to his subordinate, Pillow. Pillow immediately declined and passed command to Buckner, who agreed to stay behind and surrender.
"Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference." Mark Twain