ePub Halleck: Lincoln's Chief of Staff by Stephen E. Ambrose in History

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Supply Officer's Perspective of the Civil WarBy Gerard J. St. JohnWritten long before Stephen Ambrose achieved fame as a popular historian; this 212-page book focuses on the Civil War years (1861-65) in the life of General Henry Wager Halleck. Ambrose begins the book by declaring that Halleck is "one of the most vilified of all Civil War generals." That said; Ambrose then does an outstanding job of rehabilitating Halleck's reputation. The narrative focuses on Halleck's application of the principles of war advocated by Baron Henri Jomini; Halleck's role in promoting a professional army; and the beginning of a modern military command system. It is an interesting and informative presentation.The focus is well suited to clear descriptions of the battles at Gettysburg and Vicksburg; as well as the forays of General Sherman through Georgia. The author explains how military action in one part of the country can have an effect in other areas; for example; by requiring the opponent to change the position of his forces; and thereby reduce the threat to other units; or by discouraging non-belligerents from entering the fray.It is more than just a view of the Civil War from the perspective of a supply officer. Halleck held several positions of importance. He started out as Lincoln's advisor; then rose to general-in-chief; and then eased back into a chief of staff position with Grant being the general-in-chief. At the start; he dealt directly with President Lincoln; who often demanded specific military action or the removal of certain generals. In many cases; Lincoln attributed those decisions to Halleck; thereby avoiding political fall-out. Also; Halleck dealt with the political influence of government leaders who obtained military commissions by their political influence.One thin aspect of the book is its failure to display the personality of Henry Halleck. One has the sense that Halleck was an abrasive character. There are a number of disparaging quotes from his contemporaries; but those comments could easily have been motivated by pique centering on Halleck's part in promoting or refraining from promoting a military aspirant. Personal outlook also may have played an important role in Halleck's adoption of the total war concept.It seems to me that one sign of a good book is that it prompts additional questions with respect to the subject matter. This is such a book; and the questions that occur to me include: What were the facts of Halleck's law practice in California before the Civil War? Why did he not return to that lucrative practice after the Civil War? Why did Halleck hang on in the army when Grant became President of the United States four years after the Civil War? Who handled Lee's supply lines?Henry Halleck was no George C. Marshall.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Halleck and his biographer had to do betterBy Harvey AlterGiven that the subject has been rarely explored in literature and the note of the author; this book is a disappointment. One reason is that here and there the narration does not benefit from later research. For example; the description of the Battle of the Monacacy and Halleck's role do not agree with subsequent research. Ambrose treats Halleck's actions with praise; glossing over his clear mistakes (such as after Shiloh). Only toward the end of the book is Ambrose critical; almost as an afterthought; and the unpraise all comes together; not in conjunction with the facts.Nonetheless; the book is a contribution because of the little critical work about "Old Brains."0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A different viewpoint of a controversial figure.By Kindle CustomerWell-written biography and history lesson regarding a controversial; historical figure.