General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: 153 years ago today the U.S. smashed the Rebel traitors at Gettysburg [View all]Lithos
(26,441 posts)General George Thomas, the Rock of Chickamauga, would be a better choice for the Union side. He did something that Sherman did not do - he destroyed a Confederate Army in the field. (Battle of Nashville) effectively closing the campaign in the Western theatre.
From the Confederate side, there would be General Longstreet, whose advice would have saved Lee at Gettysburg. His actions at The Wilderness almost routed the Army of the Potomac, but stopped when he was wounded.
Other good generals include:
General Patrick Cleburne;
General Stonewall Jackson
Admiral Farragut (Porter would be a good second choice). In addition to the blockage, the Union Navy was a major component in many Union victories including Vicksburg, New Orleans, Mobile, Fort Fisher)
General Winfield Scott (whose Anaconda plan proved correct) and whose plan served as the template for Union operations.
General Sheridan
General Forrest
General Meade
Easier list is the worst general... My short list includes Hood, Polk, Pillow, McClellan, Butler and Bragg. Probably Hood, though there is some serious competition there.
L-