Getting Started

I know, I know, I'm probably getting started too late. It's Sunday afternooon (2/27) and I'm just beginning to compile my research. But I have already found and read General Rosecrans' report from the Battle of Chickamauga (located in the War of the Rebellion official records; 1890; vol. 30; p. 47-64.). I found it in the Furman library's Official Government Documents reference section.

Obviously, Rosecrans' report is extremely valuable to my project. He describes, in great detail, what happened leading up September 19-20, 1863 and the events of the battle itself. Rosecrans has been criticized for failing to recognize that a break in the Union lines did not actually exist, diverting troops to hold the nonexistent gap, allowing Confederate Gen. Longstreet to break through the Union lines, and for sending Garfield to meet Thomas instead of going himself. He seemed to believe, in writing his report, that he did not make any mistakes. He doesn't mention that Longstreet broke through the Union lines or that the "gap" didn't really exist.