After issuing an order to replace George Thomas at Nashville with John Scofield, on Friday, December 9, 1864 Grant suspended the order when informed that Union forces at Nashville would attack Hood’s Confederates on the 10th, but freezing rain would make an attack impossible. Thomas argued that he lacked sufficient concentrations of men, horses, and supplies but dutifully promised to attack as soon as the weather cooperated. It would not be until Wednesday, December 14, that the ice storm ended, allowing Thomas the opportunity to advance against Hood’s forces. By that day, Grant had ordered yet another general, John Logan, to replace Thomas but had instructed Logan not to take over if Thomas had moved against the enemy. Grant wanted victory and would brook no excuse for Union Army inactivity.
00000174-b11b-ddc3-a1fc-bfdbb1a20000The Schreiner University Department of History is honoring the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War with a series of short vignettes focusing on events from 1861 through 1865. The Civil War was the most destructive conflict in American history, but it was also one of our most defining moments as a people and as a nation. Let us know what you think about "This Week in the Civil War." E-mail your comments to Dr. John Huddleston at jhuddles@schreiner.edu.Airs: Weekdays at 5:19 a.m., 8:19 a.m., 4:19 p.m. on KTXI and 4:49 a.m., 9:29 p.m. on KSTX.