Taken from “The Raging River’s Army: the Battles of the Army of Mississippi” by Steven Paul (1998) [Chapter 8: Mississippi's baptism by fire at Louisville]
Following the Battle of Perryville, the Army of Mississippi, under the command of General Albert Sidney Johnston, had a high point in Morale while also having more supplies than their Union adversary. It was the second largest army for the Confederates during the War of Southern Independence as it stood at 49,600. Though smaller than its Rival, it made up for this in discipline and brilliant officers, such as Patrick Cleburne or Leonidas Polk who led the troops to battle, giving a veteran advantage to the relatively untrained Union Army, which was a major reason why the AoIN lost at Perryville.
Lieutenant General Nathan Bedford Forrest requested to lead an expedition into the Union state of Ohio in order to cause General mayhem in the Union itself. General Johnston rejected the idea as he needed his cavalry for reconnaissance in Kentucky until Victory was assured. As he arrived on the Battlefield, Albert Sidney Johnston called all of his Generals into his tent to call for a meeting on the plan for the battle ahead.
Taken from “The Tennessee Attila: A Biography of Nathan Bedford Forrest” by Nathan Bedford Forrest (1891) [Chapter 7]
It was 8 in the morning when General Johnson ordered all his Generals, including myself, to meet him in his tent to go over the plan he developed. After I walked into the tent, he began talking. “It's good that you're here gentlemen. What you need to do is listen and if you have any, and I mean any, criticisms or improvements to the plan that you can suggest, please do as every voice can help here.” A yes sir filled the air before Johnston spoke again. Pointing a Finger at Major General Hardee, he began. “Hardee, you will be the center for this battle. Your Corps goal will be the first expected diversion that the Union will think will happen. When you get 10 paces away from them, bombard them with your artillery but do little else. We don't want to lose men with an attack that's unneeded. Don't attack with Infantry unless you can clearly see a way to win. Understood?” Hardee, after some thinking, nodded.
“Yes, General. I think my men will be able to do just that to full effectiveness.” Hardee said proudly. General Johnston then turned to Major General Leonidas Polk.
“Polk, you will be the main diversion that the Yanks will worry about. Your goal is to simply divert Union reserves from going to their Left Flank for as long as possible. Of course, if you have an opportunity to pierce their lines, do just that and do what you think you can successfully do. Again, an unnecessary attack will lead to unnecessary deaths, something we can’t afford.” Polk nodded in acknowledgement. Johnston then turned to Major General Alexander Peter Stewart. “Stewart, you will be the main attack and where we put a majority of our efforts. The III Corps will attack the Yankee Left flank and breakthrough it. Once achieved, continue to push until they have split completely from the Yankee center and roll up their center. Hopefully, if we’re fortunate, we can end this battle by the end of today. If Union resistance ever gets too strong, withdraw. We need to keep up or strength to secure the rest of Kentucky with Breckenridge.”
“Of course sir, I will do as ordered.” Stewart replied. My friend, Major General Patrick Cleburne looked curiously at the map and the plans.
“Hold on General, the Union could’ve placed a diversion force that will keep us busy for a short time as they continue to better prepare our defenses.” He said aloud.
Johnston looked thoughtful for a second. “Yes...that does sound like something they might do. What do you suggest, Cleburne?” He asked as Cleburne took a small stick from the ground.
“This idea may sound a bit insane but instead of falling into their trap and be slowed down, the I Corps, which is under the command of Major General Polk, attacks the Union right Flank while the III Corp, under Major General Stewart attacks the Left Flank. With two attacks happening simultaneously, The cover yanks will have no choice but to withdraw to help support their force, allowing the II Corps to march in relatively unscathed and battle the Union center.” He said, using the stick to show the directions of the forces on the Battlefield.
Johnston smiled and nodded, looking appreciative at Cleburne. “Thank you, Patrick. We may make a future Corps commander of you yet.” Cleburne visibly glowed at the praise. He would and in fact did deserve his army command. How he performed at Holly Springs, Nashville, Richmond, Perryville, and Jeffersontown gave enough proof for that. With the plan now fixed accordingly, Johnston added that if the battle wasn’t over on the first day, The Army of Mississippi would instead lock down and battle the yanks until the Army of Kentucky, under the command of Major General John Cabell Breckenridge, arrived to serve as our reserves. Cleburne was put in command of his own division and the division of Kirby Smith, who himself was wounded only a day prior at Jeffersontown and wouldn’t return until August at the best. Major General Benjamin Franklin Cheatham was also put in the II Corps with Cleburne. Serving in Cleburne’s division, I of course would help would help the II Corp keep reconnaissance for the battle. As I walked out of the tent and saddled, I could only think of how successful this battle may be.
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