Across Five Aprils

People

After reading uncomplimentary news stories about the circumstances around Halleck’s occupation of Corinth, Jethro’s disillusionment with the Northern leaders grew.

McClellan, the most promising young officer in his class at West Point, moved ineffectually or not at all. Halleck, the author of a book on military science, was now the author of empty boasts.

To Jethro, it seemed as if the generals were carrying more about personal prestige than winning the war. There were Pope and Sheridan, who blustered; and there were the consistent stories of Grant’s excessive drinking.

On the Confederate side, there were Lee and Jackson, men who looked very large in comparison.