Hi Leej,

The consensus seems to be for Murfreesboro by the big guy historians and I think it's based both on timing and a message Lincoln sent to Rosecrans later as a sort of high note to relieving him of command. Without looking it up, it said in effect that Lincoln would never forget the victory he gave him the previous winter when he (Lincoln) so badly needed one. Catton, Foote, and others give most credit to Stone River as it was a clear victory although truly snatched from the jaws of defeat by George Thomas. Rosecrans knew how to run an army and build morale. He was an excellent tactician too. But as a field commander he was out of his element. That was an all too common problem with Union generals. Most of the best field men went south except Thomas who was a Virginian. Of course the south had there share of oddballs too and leading the list was Braxton Bragg! I assume you're familiar with the story of his having a feud with HIMSELF when he was both acting commander and quartermaster of the same post? I think it was Catton who had the best line about Bragg, "He wore failure like a habit."

catspaw