Michael and David discuss the final volume of Shelby Foote’s trilogy, the final stop on a 1.5-million-word journey through the Civil War told in narrative format by one of the greatest authors from our State of Mississippi.
As we wrap up our discussions below we wanted to list out our favorite generals from each side, our favorite battle to study more and a character from either side we would like to study in more detail.
Favorite General(s)
Michael McPhail’s favorite Union General goes to Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain , favorite General on the Confederate side goes to James Longstreet. David Coody’s favorite Union General goes to Ulysses S. Grant, favorite General on the Confederate sides goes to Thomas J. Jackson.
Chamberlain wasn’t a professional soldier; he was a professor at a small college in Maine until 1862 when he enlisted. A devote Christian and husband, an ambitious romantic at the same time and ultimately a hero of the war. Old Pete stands out as my favorite Southern general because he was very levelheaded, loyal and strategic. He seemed to always have a good approach in regards to the challenges the army faced. Rightfully nicknamed “My old war horse” by General Lee. Grant because of his courage and fortitude during the trials of war along with his humility in victory. He stands as a great example of the new American (being common by birth and rising by his merits). Stonewall Jackson stands out to me because of his faith and humility. He fought hard and was before his time when it came to modern warfare.
Michael McPhail’s favorite battle to study about goes to Gettysburg. David Coody’s favorite battle to study about goes to Vicksburg.
Gettysburg was obviously so crucial to the result of the war, so many stories in one place and so many key decisions on an hourly basis during those fateful days in July of 1863. I have several books lined up to dive deeper into this battle and plans to visit soon. Vicksburg was another key battle(s), particularly to the region I grew up in. Studying Grant and the tactics he employed to win this critical battle fascinates me.
Michael McPhail’s character he would like to study more goes to John Bell Hood. David Coody’s character he would like to study more goes to Robert E. Lee.
General Hood interests me a lot, there are things about him I liked and things I did not. I would like to learn more about his story. I want to learn more about Lee because of his unparalleled strategic acumen along with his composure and leadership abilities.
Brains and Brawn 