What caused Union General Don Carlos Buell to have a leadership problem early the US Civil War?

Answer 1

Good leaders of armies have always tried to protect the interests of their soldiers. This held true in the US Civil War. General Buell, however, seemed to be having leadership problems early on in the war. In September of 1862, General Buell's forces had the task of not letting Confederate forces march into Kentucky. Led by General Braxton Bragg, Rebel forces were pushing north in order to recruit for the Confederate army and obtain supplies. This incursion was about the time as General Robert E. Lee was also "northern minded". In order to halt the Confederate advance, General Buell had to march his forces from Decatur in a retreat of sorts to make a return to Tennessee and into Kentucky. Once in the "border" state of Kentucky, Buell was in Louisville, Kentucky. There he divided his army into four columns and moved rather slowly towards Perryville. Rebel forces were already there and Buell ordered Brigadier General Philip Meade not to engage battle with the Rebels. Disregarding orders, Meade set up his artillery to push back Bragg's troops. Bragg had to fall back and Buell was blamed for letting the Confederates to escape. President Lincoln, commanders under Buell and especially Meade believed that Buell did not show the courage required to engage the enemy, as they moved backwards to Tennessee. Lincoln believed he lacked leadership qualities. There are two sides to every story, however. many believed that Buell's forces were too tired to engage when Meade urged him to do so.

Answer 2

After the heavy battling of the Confederates at Perryville, Buell was under fire for not pursuing Bragg's army. A few days before he was replaced, Buell received a message from General in Chief, Henry Halleck. He, in his own mind and also that of Lincoln's, was that unless a full victory of a battle was attained, it insinuates that the Confederacy had the upper hand in military strategy and tactics.

Answer 3

Communicate