Braxton Bragg has often been accused of having lost one of the greatest opportunities of the war at the Battle of Chickamauga and considering his record, that probably has a ring of truth to it. But, at the same time, his two cavalry corps commanders, Joe Wheeler and Nathan Forrest also need to take their shar of the blame according to David Powell.
Bragg himself admitted that he had achieved as big of a victory as might have been because his cavalry let him down.
And, also his Army commanders let him down because of their incessant squabbling among themselves. The Army of Tennessee had a major reorganization after the battle.
Prior to Chickamauga, Bragg had a high opinion of Forrest, That opinion is no longer there afterwards.
As for Joe Wheeler, despite his failings at the battle, he got promoted, partly because he refused to criticize Bragg and remained a Bragg loyalist throughout the war. He ended up in command of all Confederate cavalry in the West.
This was a very interesting and enlightening presentation. I sure never thought Forrest to be a military failure, ever. But he sure did not shine at Chickamauga.
--Old Secesh
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