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Wheeler, Joseph (1836-1906) [Confederate circular regarding discipline issued after the Battle of Stones River]

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00823 Author/Creator: Wheeler, Joseph (1836-1906) Place Written: Franklin, Tennessee Type: Broadside Date: 22 January 1863 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 40.1 x 13.2 cm. Order a Copy

Docket (in pencil) indicates that this was Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest's copy. Issued from the headquarters of the cavalry by E. S. Burford, Assistant Adjutant General, based on Wheeler's orders. Deplores the discipline of regimental and company commanders: "The disgraceful state of discipline which exists in certain portions of this command, has rendered them worse than useless appendages to the Brigade. Companies muster for duty not more than one-fourth or one-fifth their strength, and, even than, are allowed to scatter so as to be of but little or no use to the command. This disgraceful state of things is caused by the gross neglect of duty on the part of Regimental and Company Commanders... " Offers instructions as to how commanders should increase and enforce company discipline.

Wheeler, Joseph, 1836-1906
Forrest, Nathan Bedford, 1821-1877

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