Bragg relieved Thomas C. Hindman and Leonidas Polk after judging that they had failed to carry out orders at Chickamauga. Twelve senior generals then petitioned Jefferson Davis for Bragg's removal, but Davis retained him. Bragg retaliated by removing D. H. Hill and Simon B. Buckner, further destabilizing responsibility within the army. Compared with the Union decision to empower Grant and let him choose subordinates he could work with, this cycle left Confederate command politics obstructing coherent action. The criticism concerns organization rather than the soldiers' fighting quality, which is judged broadly comparable to that of their Union opponents.
Chapter · 33:22-37:29
Bragg's command consumed itself in dismissals and petitions
Senior Confederate officers fought over responsibility and authority while the Union reorganized, reopened supply planning, and prepared coordinated operations.