Into Tennessee & Failure

About this book

"Into Tennessee and Failure is the second exploration of Stephen Daviss study of John Bell Hoods generalship in 1864. From Texas Brigadier to the Fall of Atlanta traces Hoods rise from lieutenant of cavalry in Virginia to commanding general of the Army of Tennessee. In his first test as Confederate general July-September 1864 Hood failed to prevent Shermans capture of Atlanta. Here he picks up the story in September-October 1864 tracing Hood and his army into North Georgia and Alabama. Entering Tennessee in late November Hoods forces failed to trap Union Maj. Gen. John Schofields infantry at Spring Hill. On November 30 Hood ordered his soldiers to attack Schofields fortified lines at Franklin. A tragic and bloody repulse followed. Schofield escaped to Nashville joining Maj. Gen. George Thomas forces. With few options left Hood approached Nashville and had his troops dig in. Though his army was half the size of Thomas 50 000 Hood hoped to win a defensive victory when Thomas attacked him. Instead in the battle of Nashville December 15-16 the Army of Tennessee was routed from the field. By the time it ended its retreat in North Mississippi Confederate authorities were ready to relieve Hood from command. Seeing it coming the general offered his resignation in January 1865. Daviss theme in the first book was the ambition that drove Hood to seek higher and higher rank. Here while recognizing Hoods loyalty to the Confederate cause he discerns Hoods unflattering traits: questioning the courage of his men bickering with other generals and concealing from his superiors the extent of his disaster in Tennessee."--