SW0128 Martial Matters 5: Great Scott! Feuding Commanders’ Stubbornness Risked Catastrophe, Annihilation

  

 

SW0128 Martial Matters 5: Great Scott!
Feuding Commanders’ Stubbornness
Risked Catastrophe, Annihilation

 

In our fifth installment in Martial Matters of the Seminole Wars, Living Historian Jesse Marshall returns as we cast a critical eye on Feuding Commanders.

In its early stages, it was clear the soldiers were fighting the Seminole. But, what was not so clear, is that the generals were fighting amongst themselves.

In this episode, we will explore the animosity, anger, and asinine stubbornness that led two generals to undermine each other’s actions, in such a way, that the entire campaign may have failed. This is the story of Generals Scott and Gaines.

 

   

 

It is also the story of Militia General Richard C. Call and regular Army General Duncan Clinch.

 

   

And, it is the story of regular Army colonel William S. Foster who put pride in his back pocket and supported whole heartedly the volunteer colonels appointed above him -- despite believing he should have had the job commanding troops. He served ably under capable Militia Volunteer Col. Persifor Smith from Louisiana. 

 

        

Jackson Walker painting of Regular Army Col. William S. Foster in battle and an uncredited illustration of Militia Volunteer Col. Persifor Smith

 

Host Patrick Swan is a board member with the Seminole Wars Foundation. This podcast is recorded at the homestead of the Seminole Wars Foundation in Bushnell, Fla. 

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