[Non-Sequitur]

The most capable tactical commanders were clearly allied with the confederacy, while the Union had the upper hand on the larger strategy that would later win the war.

Let's see. Hood, Ewell, Beauregard, both Johnstons, Polk, Bragg, Hill, Pillow, Pemberton, and on and on and on. Yep, tactical geniuses, all of them.

Other than Jackson and Lee, and maybe Forrest, the south was sadly lacking in 'capable tactical commanders'. Compare that with Grant and Sherman and Thomas and Reynolds and Hancock and McPherson and Sheridan and numerous others. The North comes out the winner.

[Gianni]

I thought I already went over this: Grant and Sherman were the top strategic commanders, who had the larger vision to win the war... didn't I use almost those exact words? Maybe I made the post in "Virginia ratification" style, and so only certain words mattered?