Days of Glory: The Army of the Cumberland, 1861-1865

A command history of the Army of the Cumberland, from its inception as the Army of the Ohio to the divison of the great Army of the West at Atlanta. Particular emphasis is given to the relationships of the flag-grade officers, displaying Daniel's usual flair for dry criticism. It doesn't seem unfair to me that Daniel wants to remind readers that it took Chickamauga to make the reputation of George Thomas, as before this he was merely another methodical plodder from West Point. This is not to mention that Thomas was lacking the sort of political backing normally needed to ascend to high command in the Civil War.

I struggled with this book. There are many references from letters and diary written by soldiers of the times. Too many are used and one looses track of the point that was trying to be made. The facts seem to be accurate but sorting them out is tiresome. There are no maps provided and one finds themself trying to look up the locations reference on other sources. I felt that the author was too harsh on General Thomas. He supported Grant's opinion on Thomas about being too defensive and slow on the offensive.